Key Takeaways:

• The EPA has raised concerns about harmful chemicals in sewage sludge fertilizer, especially for consumers of milk and beef.
• PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” accumulate in the body and can lead to serious health issues.
• Those most at risk include individuals consuming milk or fish from contaminated sources.
• Current regulations do not specifically monitor PFAS levels in sewage sludge.
• Organic farms are unaffected since they are prohibited from using sewage sludge.

According to recent statements from the EPA and the Guardian, the use of sewage sludge as fertilizer is now under intense scrutiny due to the presence of toxic chemicals, particularly per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which raise cancer risks significantly higher than what is deemed acceptable. The agency reported that these substances, which are challenging to eliminate during wastewater treatment, pose severe health threats to individuals regularly consuming agricultural products grown on pastures fertilized with this sludge.

The risk assessment revealed that the most affected populations are individuals who drink large quantities of milk from dairy cows fed with biosolids or consume fish from waters polluted by runoff. These PFAS can accumulate within the body, leading to potential illnesses including kidney, prostate, and testicular cancer, as well as adverse effects on the immune system and childhood development.

The EPA highlighted gaps in regulations concerning PFAS, even though it sets limits on various metals in sewage sludge. This absence of regulation underscores the need for reform, as stated by EPA Acting Administrator Jane Nishida, who stressed the importance of this assessment in guiding future regulatory actions. "This draft assessment provides important information to help inform future actions by federal and state agencies," she noted.

The widespread application of sewage sludge has been a longstanding agricultural practice, with treatment plants producing millions of tons each year. The agency estimates that despite this, sludge is only used on less than 1% of the fertilized land in American agriculture each year, raising questions about its safety and long-term impacts on food safety.

In light of these findings, individuals concerned about PFAS exposure may consider the consumption of organic products, as organic farms are prohibited from utilizing sewage sludge as fertilizer. The EPA continues to monitor the food supply to combat the exposure to these hazardous “forever chemicals.” For more information on the subject, you can explore further through this AP environmental coverage.