The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $15 million in research grants to study perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which pose a “serious threat” to the nation’s food supply.

PFAS include thousands of man-made chemicals found in everyday items such as nonstick cookware, fire extinguishing foams, greaseproof food packaging and waterproof clothing. Because they take a long time to break down, PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” can cause harm in the event of high exposure.

PFAS can leach into soil and water during the decomposition process. Recently, the presence of PFAS in U.S. water has prompted further research into the chemicals.

In April, the EPA introduced legally enforceable limits for some PFAS compounds, prompting municipalities across the country to more closely examine their water treatment systems. Some municipalities have proposed higher water bills to help finance improved systems.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently devoting resources to determining the impact of PFAS exposure in food.

“Harmful ‘forever chemicals’ pose a serious threat to our food supply, agricultural communities and public health, making it critical that we take bold steps to understand and mitigate their impacts,” U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, a Maine Democrat, said in an EPA news release Wednesday. “While Maine is leading the nation in combating PFAS contamination, there is much to learn to effectively address the threats these chemicals pose.”

“As other states begin to address PFAS contamination, this research will provide a valuable resource and model for how we can effectively reduce contamination across the country,” Pingree added.

Newsweek contacted the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for comment via email.

Research grant recipients include: Michigan State University, Passamaquoddy Tribe, Sipayik Environmental Department, Temple University, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, University at Albany, University of Illinois, University of Maine, University of Utah and University of Virginia.

According to a press release, the institutions will study issues such as PFAS accumulation in crops and livestock, PFAS accumulation in fish and shellfish, ways to address PFAS-contaminated soil, strategies to reduce PFAS contamination of food, and more.

According to the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry’s PFAS website, high levels of some PFAS substances can cause increased cholesterol levels, decreased response to vaccinations in children, changes in liver enzymes, increased risk of high blood pressure or preeclampsia in pregnant women, reduced birth weight, and increased risk of kidney or testicular cancer.

Some parts of the U.S. have a higher risk of PFAS exposure than others, especially when it comes to water supplies. The most widespread PFAS contamination is in North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, central Colorado, Ohio, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Florida. However, drinking water with PFAS exceeding the new EPA limit is present in nearly every U.S. state, according to a map released in May by the Environmental Working Group