Chemicals in Sewage Sludge Fertilizer Linked to Cancer Risk, Warns EPA

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has raised alarms over the presence of hazardous chemicals in sewage sludge utilized as fertilizer on pasture lands. The agency’s recent findings suggest that these chemicals, known as PFAS or “forever chemicals,” pose significant cancer risks, particularly affecting individuals who regularly consume dairy and meat products from livestock fed on contaminated pastures.

The claim comes as the EPA’s risk assessment indicates that the levels of these toxic substances exceed acceptable standards by “several orders of magnitude.” Specifically, the long-chain PFAS compounds persist in the environment and accumulate in the human body, contributing to serious health conditions including kidney, prostate, and testicular cancers, as well as impairing immune function and child development.

Higher risks were identified in those who consume large quantities of milk, fish, or drink PFAS-laden water sourced from affected areas. The study primarily focused on farmers and local consumers over several years, rather than the general population, amplifying the need for targeted protective measures.

Organic farming practices, which prohibit the application of sewage sludge, offer some reassurance to consumers of organic products. However, there remains concern that some farms transitioning to organic standards might have previously used contaminated sludge.

Historically, the federal government has regulated certain harmful substances in sewage sludge but has yet to impose limits on PFAS. EPA Acting Administrator Jane Nishida stated that the draft assessment serves as a crucial resource for guiding future actions by regulatory bodies and stakeholders to mitigate PFAS exposure risks.

Interestingly, sewage sludge has been a traditional fertilizer source, with treatment facilities producing millions of tons annually. However, the EPA notes that this sludge is used on less than 1% of agricultural land each year, a figure that may be misleading given the high concentrations of PFAS identified in some farming operations.

PFAS compounds, once commonplace in household products, have long since been banned in U.S. manufacture but persist in the environment, following extensive releases from various industries. The risks posed to farmers could be underestimated, as many may face exposure levels beyond what the EPA’s study accounted for.

Scott Faber, a senior vice president at the Environmental Working Group, emphasized the need for stricter regulations concerning PFAS in agricultural fertilizers. He criticized the previous practices of sending PFAS-laden waste to treatment facilities, warning that failing to change course could perpetuate contamination risks in the food supply.

Responses from the Biden administration have included initiatives aimed at lowering PFAS levels in drinking water, though only a handful of states have enacted bans or restrictions on PFAS-contaminated fertilizers. The EPA maintains that it is actively monitoring the food supply to safeguard public health against these persistent contaminants.