SAN DIEGO, CA, USA, Jan 16 (IPS) – The use of fertilizers has been introduced into society for centuries to enrich the soil and provide high quality crops. Over time, humans have developed new ways to reform this task, thereby forming fertilizers with reduced health risks, called “biosolids.”
Biosolids are mainly used to provide nutrients in agricultural sectors (e.g. agriculture and mining). Currently, there are nine states in the United States that can approve biosolids: Arizona, Idaho, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin.
Because it is a physically and chemically treated product, it is sold as an option to minimize risks to human health. But that may not be the case, as there are relative problems that seem to seep into the promised benefits.
Maine is one of the first few states in the country to pass a law banning wastewater and compost biosolids due to perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals.
PFAS substances are man-made chemicals that contain carcinogens that affect the human body through inhalation and exposure.
According to the report, a 2016 case study found water contaminants in drinking water supplies across the United States, and farms in waterbodies located in southern Maine were found to have high soil levels of PFAS, including agricultural produce. i.e. milk), manure and even grass.
This action led the state of Connecticut to ban the use and sale of biosolids products to reduce the spread of PFAS concentrations in the state’s waters.
Interviews to discuss the impact of PFAS on farms revealed that several farmers across the United States were initially unaware of the presence of PFAS in the biosolids they use as fertilizer or feed. If an investigation reveals high levels of PFAS in these properties, there is a risk that acres of land with livestock and agricultural products may become unoperable.
So it wouldn’t be surprising if some farmers were on the verge of bankruptcy. With the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expected to issue PFAS guidance, several states have begun investigating the issue and farmers are lining up to file lawsuits to seek compensation for their losses.
An initiative has been filed for 2023 to help farmers affected by PFAS. S.747, or the PFAS Affected Farmers Relief Act, would create a program focused on identifying farmland contaminated with PFAS, storing and disposing contaminated produce or livestock, providing financial health assistance and income support to victims, and monitoring. aims to do so. Study health-related complications in individuals exposed to PFAS, strategies for combating PFAS contamination, and possible treatments.
To ensure effectiveness, a task force composed of Department of Agriculture staff will be established to evaluate actions detected at contaminated farms and maintain reports to the Secretary on activities related to PFAS contamination.
However, given the future hope this bill provides, the fight against PFAS pollution is still relatively ongoing. A recently published article described 8,865 sites across all 50 states as contaminated with PFAS. As several states begin to recognize and support action against the use of PFAS in the production of products and standards to prevent further contamination of the environment, it is no surprise that victims are actively seeking ways to equalize the harm caused by these hazardous chemicals. That’s not surprising. their life.
Stan Gottfredson is the President and CEO of Atraxia Law, a San Diego, California-based firm specializing in advice and assistance to victims of toxic exposures.
© Interpress Services (2025) — All Rights ReservedOriginal source: Interpress Service
