The EPA has issued a warning about the excessive levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in sewage sludge used as fertilizer, indicating potential health risks that could surpass safety limits “by several orders of magnitude.”
New EPA Warnings About 'Forever Chemicals' in Fertilizer
New EPA Warnings About 'Forever Chemicals' in Fertilizer
The Environmental Protection Agency highlights alarming levels of PFAS in sewage sludge, potentially impacting human health.
In a significant revelation, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has alerted the public that sewage sludge, often utilized as fertilizer, contains concerning levels of “forever chemicals,” notably per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known for their persistence in the environment and links to various health risks, including an increased likelihood of cancer.
In a recent draft study, the agency noted that in some instances, the health risks associated with PFAS levels in treated sewage sludge exceed safety thresholds by several orders of magnitude. However, the EPA reassured that, in general, the nation’s food supply remains safe from these contaminants.
PFAS can be found in numerous consumer products, such as nonstick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics, raising alarm among researchers who have increasingly highlighted the chemical's prevalence in contaminated sludge. This compound does not break down easily and can lead to serious contamination of soil, crops, livestock, and groundwater when the sludge is applied as fertilizer.
Reporting by The New York Times shed light on historical evidence that 3M, a significant manufacturer of PFAS, discovered traces of these chemicals in sludge as early as 2000. By 2003, 3M had communicated its findings to the EPA, indicating longstanding awareness of the problem.
Despite the EPA's advocacy for using sludge as an affordable fertilizer, the new risk assessment draft could signal a shift towards regulating PFAS content in agricultural biosolids. Currently, the agency imposes limits on certain heavy metals and pathogens in this sludge but has not managed PFAS levels.
The Biden administration has made strides in addressing PFAS contamination, recently establishing restrictions on these chemicals in drinking water and categorizing two kinds of PFAS as hazardous under the Superfund cleanup law. These measures were taken following declarations in 2023 that there are no safe exposure levels for these particular compounds. As public concern grows, the EPA’s emerging focus on PFAS regulation in fertilizers could represent a pivotal step in mitigating the harmful effects these chemicals have on human health and the environment.
In a recent draft study, the agency noted that in some instances, the health risks associated with PFAS levels in treated sewage sludge exceed safety thresholds by several orders of magnitude. However, the EPA reassured that, in general, the nation’s food supply remains safe from these contaminants.
PFAS can be found in numerous consumer products, such as nonstick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics, raising alarm among researchers who have increasingly highlighted the chemical's prevalence in contaminated sludge. This compound does not break down easily and can lead to serious contamination of soil, crops, livestock, and groundwater when the sludge is applied as fertilizer.
Reporting by The New York Times shed light on historical evidence that 3M, a significant manufacturer of PFAS, discovered traces of these chemicals in sludge as early as 2000. By 2003, 3M had communicated its findings to the EPA, indicating longstanding awareness of the problem.
Despite the EPA's advocacy for using sludge as an affordable fertilizer, the new risk assessment draft could signal a shift towards regulating PFAS content in agricultural biosolids. Currently, the agency imposes limits on certain heavy metals and pathogens in this sludge but has not managed PFAS levels.
The Biden administration has made strides in addressing PFAS contamination, recently establishing restrictions on these chemicals in drinking water and categorizing two kinds of PFAS as hazardous under the Superfund cleanup law. These measures were taken following declarations in 2023 that there are no safe exposure levels for these particular compounds. As public concern grows, the EPA’s emerging focus on PFAS regulation in fertilizers could represent a pivotal step in mitigating the harmful effects these chemicals have on human health and the environment.
