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Troubling stories about forever chemicals (PFAS) contaminating U.S. farmland continue to make headlines. These chemicals, which are nearly impossible to break down and have been linked to serious health risks, are showing up in alarming levels in crops, livestock, and the environment.
Much of the problem comes from sludge-based fertilizers, also called biosolids, which are made from treated municipal sewage. Farms use this sludge to enrich the soil, but it often contains PFAS and other toxic chemicals, which then seep into the food chain.
How Sludge-Based Fertilizers Contaminate Farms
Sewage sludge has been spread on millions of acres of farmland for decades because it’s nutrient-rich and cheaper than traditional fertilizer. However, PFAS chemicals — used in everything from non-stick pans to firefighting foam — are prevalent in our wastewater.
PFAS don’t break down in sewage treatment processes and are carried into the sludge, which is then applied to farmland.
The Impact on Our Food Supply
When contaminated sludge is used as fertilizer, it can affect everything that’s grown in the soil or raised on the land. This includes:
- Meat and dairy: Animals that graze on contaminated fields ingest PFAS, which then accumulates in their tissues, milk, and organs. High PFAS levels have been detected in beef and milk products.
- Fruits and vegetables: Crops grown on PFAS-contaminated land also absorb the chemicals. Produce grown in sludge-fertilized fields may contain unsafe levels of PFAS.
How to Avoid PFAS-Contaminated Food
If you’re concerned about the potential for PFAS in your food, there are steps you can take to minimize your exposure:
- Avoid non-organic farms that use sludge fertilizer: Sludge is often used on large-scale industrial farms to cut costs, but farmers are not always required to disclose its use. Purchasing food directly from local farms that avoid biosolid fertilizers can reduce your risk.
- Buy USDA Certified Organic: While USDA organic standards prohibit the use of sewage sludge in organic farming, organic farms can still be affected by airborne PFAS or water runoff. However, choosing organic is generally a safer bet for avoiding sludge-related contamination.
- Choose grass-fed, pasture-raised meat and dairy: Meat and dairy from grass-fed, pasture-raised animals on farms that don’t use sludge-based fertilizers have a lower risk of PFAS contamination. Look for trusted suppliers or certifications that guarantee safe farming practices.
- Grow your own produce: If possible, growing your own fruits and vegetables ensures that you know exactly what’s in the soil. Be mindful of the water quality and soil contaminants in your area, though, as PFAS contamination can also come through groundwater. Here are our favorite organic fertilizers for growing vegetables.
Can USDA Certified Organic Food Protect You?
The USDA’s organic certification prohibits the use of sewage sludge in farming, which means organic foods are less likely to be contaminated with PFAS. But while organic practices limit exposure to certain contaminants, they don’t completely eliminate the risk.
Farms can still be contanimated by local water sources, and airborne PFAS can spread from neighboring non-organic farms. Still, choosing organic is a positive step toward reducing your exposure.
What’s Next?
The EPA has started to tighten regulations on PFAS in drinking water. It’s also conducting a risk assessment on PFAS in biosolids to determine whether stricter rules are needed. Until better regulations are in place, though, it’s up to us as consumers to stay informed and make the safest food choices we can.
By being aware of the origins of your food, supporting local and organic farmers, and staying informed about PFAS contamination, you can reduce your exposure to these harmful chemicals. Although it’s difficult to completely avoid PFAS in today’s world, every conscious choice helps minimize the risks.
If you choose to start growing your own food, these kitchen composters can help boost your soil quality while reducing kitchen waste.
