Farmers and gardeners have long relied on nutrient-rich biosolids to improve soil health. But recent investigations reveal a disturbing reality. Toxic chemicals, including PFAS—dubbed “forever chemicals”—are present in sewage sludge fertilizer.

These compounds persist in the environment and accumulate in the body. They have been linked to cancers and other serious health issues. The Associated Press reports that the risk may be several times above what federal agencies consider acceptable.

Sewage sludge fertilizer contains toxic chemicals.

Chemical Contamination and Health Risks

Sewage treatment plants are not built to remove PFAS. The process leaves behind solids that contain these stubborn compounds. When applied to land, the chemicals find their way into food products such as milk and beef. Even a modest daily intake can expose people to dangerous levels.

Recent assessments indicate that individuals consuming products from contaminated farms may face a higher risk of kidney, prostate, and testicular cancer. As WBUR reports, PFAS accumulation is not limited to industrial settings. The toxins also appear in home gardens where biosolid-based fertilizers are sold as “eco” or “natural.”

Even when applied to non-food crops, these chemicals do not disappear. Their persistence in soil can eventually lead to contamination of groundwater. This slow seepage poses a long-term risk. People near treatment plants or farms may face exposure without knowing it.

The risks are not hypothetical. Multiple investigations have recorded harmful levels in communities and agricultural settings.

Some states have banned toxic sludge use.

Regulatory Oversight Falls Short

The federal government has long promoted the use of sewage sludge as a cost-effective fertilizer. Yet, regulation has lagged behind science. Standards exist for heavy metals, but PFAS remain largely unregulated. The Associated Press details how PFAS persist in treated sludge even after years of use. Wastewater treatment facilities simply are not equipped to filter out these chemicals. Critics argue that allowing contaminated biosolids to be applied to land is like recycling poison.

State actions are inconsistent. Some states have banned or limited the use of contaminated sludge, while others have not set any guidelines. The practice has allowed a toxic substance to remain in use across vast areas of farmland. Gardeners and small-scale farmers may unknowingly add PFAS to their soils, setting the stage for contaminated produce and livestock.

Toxic sludge endangers public health.

Legal Challenges and Industry Pushback

The issue has reached the courtroom. A legal action led by environmental groups targets federal regulators for failing to curb the use of toxic biosolids. The Guardian reports that the lawsuit claims the EPA has neglected its duty to protect public health under the Clean Water Act. This legal pressure may force policymakers to reexamine current practices.

Industry advocates defend the practice, arguing that recycling biosolids recycles essential nutrients and reduces waste disposal costs. They stress that biosolids have improved soil quality for decades. However, the mounting evidence of PFAS contamination challenges that narrative. Many scientists and public health experts demand stricter standards and more comprehensive testing protocols to monitor chemical levels.

The debate remains heated. Farmers, environmentalists, and public health advocates continue to clash over the balance between cost efficiency and safety. The call for reform grows louder as more communities report cases of contaminated water and food supplies. The evidence suggests that without change, exposure to PFAS will persist for generations.

Crops absorb these dangerous substances.

Moving Toward Safer Practices

The challenge now is to find viable alternatives. Experts advise that reducing PFAS at the source is key. This means curbing the use of products that contribute to the chemical load in wastewater. Enhanced treatment technologies and tighter regulatory limits could help manage the risk. In the meantime, consumers and local authorities are urged to test soil and water in areas where biosolids are applied.

The debate over sewage sludge fertilizer is far from over. The evidence makes a strong case for urgent reform. Public health and environmental safety must take precedence over outdated practices. As the nation grapples with the legacy of PFAS contamination, the call for stronger regulation and safer alternatives grows louder.

Click below to take action for our environment and human health.