Forever chemicals in farmland sludge threaten health, EPA admits
By isabelle // 2025-01-26
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  • The EPA warns that sewage sludge used as farmland fertilizer contains dangerous "forever chemicals" (PFAS), posing cancer and health risks.
  • PFAS in sludge exceed safety thresholds, contaminating soil, water, and food like milk, beef, and eggs.
  • Over 2 million tons of sludge are applied annually, with contamination persisting for decades.
  • Critics slam the EPA for inaction and focusing on only two PFAS types, urging stricter regulations and manufacturer accountability.
  • States like Maine are banning sludge use, but experts stress reducing PFAS in products and wastewater to address the root cause.
For decades, sewage sludge—a byproduct of wastewater treatment—has been pushed as a cost-effective fertilizer for farmland. But the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued a warning that sludge contaminated with “forever chemicals” poses significant health risks, including cancer, for those who consume food grown on treated land. This admission marks a turning point in the agency’s stance on the practice, which has long been promoted despite mounting evidence of its dangers. The EPA’s draft risk assessment revealed that levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in sludge can exceed safety thresholds “by several orders of magnitude.” These chemicals, used in products like nonstick cookware and firefighting foam, do not break down in the environment and have been linked to kidney cancer, testicular cancer, immune system damage, and developmental issues in children. PFAS-contaminated sludge has been spread on millions of acres of U.S. farmland, with more than 2 million dry tons applied annually. The chemicals persist in soil and water for decades, meaning even farms that stopped using sludge years ago may still be contaminated. The EPA’s assessment found that the highest risks are for those who consume milk, beef, or eggs from animals raised on contaminated land, as well as those who drink water from affected wells. Christopher Higgins, a professor at the Colorado School of Mines, noted that sludge has historically been applied at concentrations far higher than what the EPA now deems risky. “That implies there’s going to be a lot of places where there might be an unacceptable risk,” he said.

EPA slammed over lack of action

Despite the alarming findings, the EPA has yet to regulate PFAS in sludge, leaving farmers and rural communities vulnerable. The agency has been slow to act, even though evidence of PFAS contamination in sludge dates back to the early 2000s. Kyla Bennett, director of science policy at Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, called the assessment a “good first step” but criticized the EPA for focusing on only two types of PFAS. “Because we don’t fully know how they interact with each other and how they affect human health, I think the EPA needs to do more,” she said. The National Association of Clean Water Agencies, representing wastewater treatment plants, shifted blame to manufacturers, arguing they should bear the cost of removing PFAS from the environment. “Ultimately, the manufacturers of these chemicals must bear the responsibility,” said Adam Krantz, the group’s CEO.

States take matters into their own hands

In the absence of federal action, states like Maine have banned the use of sludge on farmland, while others, including Texas and Oklahoma, are considering similar measures. However, banning sludge outright creates new challenges, as wastewater treatment plants must find alternative disposal methods. Environmental experts emphasize the need to address the root of the problem: reducing PFAS in consumer products and industrial wastewater. “There is no doubt that sending PFAS waste to wastewater treatment plants and then using that sludge as a fertilizer was a mistake,” said Scott Faber of the Environmental Working Group. “The only question is whether we’ll continue to make the same mistake.” The EPA’s admission is a long-overdue acknowledgment of the risks posed by sludge fertilizer. However, without stricter regulations and accountability for manufacturers, the cycle of contamination will continue. As states and advocacy groups push for stronger protections, the EPA must act swiftly to safeguard public health and the environment. The dangers of the practice of spreading sludge on farmland are now impossible to ignore. It’s time for the EPA to prioritize public health and ensure that the food we eat and the water we drink are free from harmful chemicals. Sources for this article include: NYTimes.com APNews.com TheGuardian.com
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