Across the United States, farmers are facing an invisible threat on their land: PFAS contamination. These toxic chemicals have made their way into farmland, threatening the health of livestock, farmers’ livelihoods, and the safety of food supplies.
What are PFAS & Why are They Dangerous?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These are man-made chemicals found in many commercial and consumer products. PFAS are widely used because they make things non-stick, waterproof, and grease-resistant.
However, PFAS are incredibly long-lasting. They are also known as ‘forever chemicals’ because they don’t break down or go away when they enter the environment. As a result, they often make their way into humans due to contamination. In fact, nearly 100% of us have PFAS in our bodies.
PFAS contamination of farmland is particularly concerning because these chemicals enter the food chain through contaminated crops and livestock. Consuming PFAS-contaminated water and food is very dangerous. Studies have linked PFAS to a range of health issues, including cancer, kidney and liver diseases, and birth defects
The Issue with Sewage as a Fertiliser
Since the 1970s, sewage sludge has been marketed to farmers as a biosolid fertiliser in the U.S. This marketing was based on the idea that sewage is rich in Nitrogen, Phosphorous & Potassium, all important nutrients for plant growth.
At the time, the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection said that this sewage sludge was safe to use on farms. It was said this sludge:
- Will not pollute any water of the state
- Will not contaminate the ambient air
- Will not constitute a hazard to health or welfare
- Will not create a nuisance
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the U.S. are responsible for producing biosolids from sewage waste. However, these WWTPs are not equipped to filter out PFAS, meaning biosolids produced from this waste is often contaminated with these chemicals.
PFAS Contamination on Farmlands
Following advice, U.S. farmers have spread sewage sludge across their fields for decades. However, high levels of PFAS are now being found in farmlands where this sludge was used as fertiliser. For many farmers, PFAS contamination has been devastating.
In Maine, Fred Stone discovered his cows had high levels of PFAS in their bodies. In the end, he was forced to cull most of his herd after realising the chemicals had entered the cows’ milk. Another farmer, Adam Nordell, purchased land in Maine for use as an organic farm. However, he later discovered that sewage sludge had been used on the soil decades earlier. After years of hard work, he and his family had to walk away from the farm.
“No farmer wants their tainted food to wind up on people’s dinner plates.” – Adam Nordell
The Path Forward: Challenges & Solutions
Maine has taken steps to address the crisis. In 2022, they became the first (and only) state to ban the use of sewage sludge on farmland. But the problem isn’t just in Maine. It is suspected that there are PFAS-infected farms across every state in the U.S., affecting millions of acres of farmland. Despite these nationwide concerns, most states haven’t even begun testing for PFAS. In fact, most parts of the country are still using sewage sludge as fertiliser.
However, addressing PFAS contamination on farmland is a complex and expensive problem. In Maine, the state has established a PFAS fund to help farmers pivot to new businesses or test their products for PFAS. Some farmers are exploring alternatives like growing non-edible crops or using their land for solar farms. However, many states may struggle to find similar solutions without significant federal support.
The US EPA recently came out to say that no detectable level of PFAS is safe in drinking water. Regarding biosolids, the EPA has promised to release a risk assessment for PFAS by the end of 2024, which may lead to federal regulation. But for now, many farmers remain in limbo, uncertain about the future of their land and their livelihoods.
Conclusion for PFAS Contamination Concerns
The issue of PFAS contamination on farmland is a crisis in America that requires immediate attention. While states like Maine have begun to take action, the majority of the U.S. still lags behind in testing and regulation. Farmers, who have unknowingly spread these toxic chemicals on their fields, are left to deal with the fallout. As the health risks of PFAS become clearer, so does the need to avoid exposure to these chemicals.
While Ireland has not reported such widespread PFAS contamination of farmland, we have not avoided PFAS concerns. Recently, PFAS contamination was detected in soil and water around Dublin Airport. As a result, PFAS testing is crucial to make sure we can avoid dangerous exposure to these toxic chemicals. Southern Scientific is the only lab in Ireland accredited for PFAS testing. By partnering with us, you can rest assured that you are safe from the harmful effects of PFAS.
