The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a warning on Tuesday regarding the presence of harmful chemicals in sewage sludge used as fertilizer on pasture land. The agency stated that these chemicals are causing an increased risk of cancer, particularly for individuals who regularly consume milk, beef, and other products from farms where the sludge is spread. The EPA emphasized that the risk level is significantly higher than what is considered acceptable.
When cities and towns treat sewage, they separate the liquids from the solids and focus on treating the liquid waste. The solid waste, known as sewage sludge, is often rich in nutrients and is commonly spread on farm fields as fertilizer. However, the EPA now reveals that this sludge contains toxic and persistent PFAS chemicals that treatment plants are unable to effectively remove.
