Something's Poisoning America's Farms. Scientists Fear 'Forever' Chemicals
Farmers in the U.S. are worried about PFAS contamination from sewage sludge used as fertilizer, leading to lawsuits, livestock deaths, and Maine's ban on sludge while the EPA studies the issue.
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Farmers in the U.S. are increasingly concerned about the contamination of their land with "forever chemicals," specifically per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are found in municipal sewage sludge used as fertilizer. For decades, the federal government has promoted the use of this nutrient-rich sludge, but recent studies indicate it may contain harmful levels of PFAS linked to cancer and developmental issues. Contamination has been reported in states like Texas, Michigan, and Maine, where some farms have been shut down due to high PFAS levels. Lawsuits have emerged against fertilizer providers and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for failing to regulate these chemicals. Maine has taken a proactive approach by banning sewage sludge on agricultural fields and conducting systematic testing, revealing widespread contamination. In Texas, ranchers have attributed livestock deaths to PFAS exposure from neighboring farms using sludge fertilizer. The EPA is currently studying the risks associated with PFAS in sludge but has historically not regulated these substances, despite their known health risks. The situation highlights the need for comprehensive testing and regulation of biosolids to protect farmers, livestock, and the food supply.
- Farmers are concerned about PFAS contamination from sewage sludge used as fertilizer.
- Lawsuits have been filed against fertilizer companies and the EPA for failing to regulate PFAS.
- Maine has banned sewage sludge on farms and is testing for contamination.
- PFAS exposure has been linked to livestock deaths in Texas.
- The EPA is studying the risks of PFAS in sludge but has not yet implemented regulations.
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12 commentshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milorganite
"Since its inception, over four million metric tons of Milorganite have been sold"
Teflon was trademarked in 1945:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polytetrafluoroethylene
Everything alive has likely been poisoned, including children and pets. Certain diseases have been on the rise for a long time, this might be part of the explanation for why. It sounds like the solution will be to stop manufacturing PFOS and related chemicals until there is a scalable way to destroy it and then control its use and destruction, find a way to get it out of people, and probably dilute it where it is found in the environment (it is not possible to chemically process 1/5 of all the soil on agricultural lands. Is it in water tables?) Then hope what remains doesn't do too much damage. Milorganite is only sold in the US so perhaps only the US is contaminated, though I'd suspect the EU may have adopted similar practices. Possibly the US will have to outsource a lot of food production for a long time, though a lot is already outsourced.
Its pretty amazing what regulators meant to protect the public allow in and on our food, even with labels like "organic."
Blissful ignorance was nice while it lasted.
There is a right way to do it though, which is to compost what's compostable, grow good soil using it, then test it thoroughly for PFAS, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, etc., and only then consider using it if all tests pass. Each batch has to be tested.
I take metformin. This drug is mostly excreted in feces. The dry mass of feces might be 1% metformin for someone taking typical doses. The drug does break down in the environment, but only slowly.
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Colorado will ban products with toxic PFAS chemicals from July, including clothes and cookware. The law aims to reduce health risks like cancer and fertility issues, aligning with states addressing PFAS contamination challenges.
High Levels of PFAS 'Forever Chemicals' Found in Food and Drink Products – Study
A study on Science Direct found high PFAS levels in food like white rice, eggs, red meat, seafood, and coffee. PFAS in blood and breast milk pose health risks. Dietary changes are advised to reduce exposure. US and EU regulate PFAS in food packaging.
PFAS widely added to US pesticides despite EPA denial, study finds
A study found toxic PFAS chemicals in US pesticides, contradicting EPA claims. PFAS levels doubled in a decade, linked to health risks. EPA accused of hiding data. Actual PFAS presence may exceed reported levels. Companies not required to disclose PFAS use. EPA silent on findings.
What's the deal with PFAS, a.k.a. 'forever chemicals'?
PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," pose serious health risks and persist in the environment. The EPA has set new drinking water limits, while experts call for stronger regulations and consumer awareness.
Farmers didn't know their land was contaminated with PFAS. Now they're suing
Farmers in the U.S. face severe challenges from PFAS contamination, leading to lawsuits against the EPA, financial losses, and health risks, while Maine offers support that other states lack.