EPA's Ongoing Promotion of Contaminated Fertilizer Sparks Alarm

Despite being informed of the hazards associated with PFAS in sewage sludge, the EPA maintains its promotion of this fertilizer, raising fears of widespread environmental contamination and health risks.

In the early 2000s, researchers at 3M uncovered alarming amounts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals," present in the nation’s sewage. These chemicals, used extensively in everyday products like nonstick cookware and stain-resistant materials, are linked to serious health concerns, including cancer and birth defects.

Despite these findings, which were shared with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in a 2003 meeting, the agency has continued to endorse the use of sewage sludge as fertilizer for agriculture. This practice puts these harmful chemicals on farmland, jeopardizing soil health and potentially human safety. There is no requirement for testing sewage sludge for PFAS prior to its application on crops, a glaring oversight considering the mounting evidence from academics, whistle-blowers, and internal studies pointing to the risks of these complex chemical mixtures.

David Lewis, a former EPA microbiologist, has been vocal about his concerns regarding the contamination of soil from spreading sewage sludge. He claims that once PFAS are present in the soil, the contamination is essentially permanent. Echoes of his warnings resonate as calls for regulatory changes grow louder, demanding the EPA reevaluates its stance and prioritizes public health over outdated agricultural practices. The situation is drawing scrutiny from multiple stakeholders advocating for clearer guidelines and testing protocols to protect both farmers and consumers from the impacts of toxic fertilizers.