The EPA has raised concerns about cancer risks linked to sewer sludge used as fertilizer on farms
Washington: The EPA has some serious news about sewer sludge used as fertilizer. They say it could raise cancer risks for folks who eat products from farms using this stuff.
So, when cities treat sewage, they separate the liquid from the solid waste. The solids can turn into a nutrient-rich sludge that gets spread on fields. But here’s the kicker: this sludge often contains toxic chemicals called PFAS, which are tough to get rid of.
These “forever” chemicals can build up in our bodies and lead to health issues like kidney, prostate, and testicular cancer. They can also mess with our immune systems and affect kids’ development.
The people most at risk are those who drink a lot of milk from cows fed on this sludge or eat fish from contaminated lakes. The EPA focused on farmers and nearby residents, not the general public. If you buy organic, you’re in the clear since those farms can’t use this sludge.
The government can regulate harmful substances in sewage sludge, but they haven’t set limits for PFAS yet. They’ve only done so for some metals.
EPA Acting Administrator Jane Nishida mentioned that this draft assessment is crucial for guiding future actions to protect people from PFAS exposure while keeping our food supply safe.
For years, sewage sludge has been used as fertilizer, with treatment plants producing tons of it. However, it’s only applied to a tiny fraction of farmland each year. The EPA is keeping an eye on the food supply to help protect us from these harmful chemicals.
