Stop Forever Chemicals From Poisoning Farms and Families

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Sponsor: The Rainforest Site

A shocking investigation reveals that toxic chemicals lurk in the fertilizer made from sewage sludge. These forever chemicals, known as PFAS, have invaded our farmlands and are threatening our food supply and health. 

Stop Forever Chemicals From Poisoning Farms and Families

Our food supply faces a hidden threat. Toxic chemicals from contaminated sewer sludge enter our fields. The chemicals, known as PFAS or “forever chemicals,” persist in the environment and seep into crops and livestock. They increase the risk of cancers, kidney disease, and other serious health problems1.

Widespread Community Exposure

Communities near farms that use sludge-based fertilizer bear the burden. Water supplies become polluted. Families face health risks without warning. These chemicals build up in our soils and food over time2. The risks extend far beyond the farm. They affect every plate, every glass of milk, and every bite of produce that reaches our tables.

A Call for Federal Action

Federal regulators at the Environmental Protection Agency hold the power to stop this practice. They must enforce safety standards and ban the use of contaminated sewer sludge in fertilizer. Existing policies protect against heavy metals but ignore PFAS and other dangerous chemicals that threaten public health1. Some states have taken a stand by limiting or banning toxic biosolids. Yet, federal inaction leaves communities exposed and our food chain at risk3.

The Urgency of Now

Every day, people unknowingly ingest these chemicals. Every day, our fields become reservoirs for toxins that have no place in our food. The evidence is clear. The risks are unacceptable. Federal regulators must hold polluting industries accountable and enforce a ban on the use of contaminated sludge as fertilizer4.

Take Action for a Safer Future

Our voices matter. Our health matters. Stand with us and demand that the EPA ban the use of contaminated sewer sludge in fertilizer. Your signature will help pressure federal regulators to protect our communities and our food supply from toxic exposure.

Take action now. Sign the petition and demand that federal regulators enforce a ban on toxic sludge fertilizer.

More on this issue:

  1. Michael Phillis, The Associated Press (14 Jan 2025), "Chemicals in sewage sludge fertilizer pose cancer risk, EPA says."
  2. Barbara Moran, WBUR (30 Mar 2023), "Our sewage often becomes fertilizer. Problem is, it's tainted with PFAS."
  3. Sierra Club, "Sludge Garden Toxic PFAS Home Fertilizers Made from Sewage Sludge."
  4. Tom Perkins, The Guardian (12 Mar 2024), "Legal action could end use of toxic sewage sludge on US crops as fertilizer."

The Petition

To the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency,

We, the undersigned, call on the Environmental Protection Agency to immediately ban the use of contaminated sewer sludge in fertilizer. Federal regulators must act now to protect the public from the serious health risks posed by PFAS and other persistent toxic chemicals present in biosolids. As the guardians of public health and the environment, the EPA’s decision-makers, including the Administrator and policy directors, have a critical role in enforcing safety standards that shield our communities from exposure to hazardous substances.

Recent investigations have documented that sewage sludge fertilizer carries toxic chemicals that remain in the environment for decades. These “forever chemicals” contaminate soil, water, and food supplies, elevating risks of cancer, kidney disease, and other chronic health conditions. Communities near farms using these products are inadvertently exposed to dangerous levels of PFAS, jeopardizing not only individual health but also public safety at large. Despite these alarming findings, current regulations allow the recycling of contaminated sludge, prioritizing cost-saving over community health and long-term environmental sustainability.

We urge the EPA to use its regulatory authority under the Clean Water Act to enforce a strict ban on the land application of sewage sludge containing toxic levels of PFAS and related contaminants. This action must include immediate review and update of current policies, comprehensive testing protocols, and clear, enforceable standards that eliminate the release of harmful chemicals into our food chain. The Agency must hold polluting industries accountable and ensure that alternative disposal methods are pursued that do not compromise human health or the environment.

Taking these decisive actions will not only reduce the risks of contaminated food and water but also restore public trust in the institutions tasked with protecting us. By banning the use of contaminated sewer sludge in fertilizer, the EPA will set a precedent for proactive public health measures and pave the way for a safer, cleaner future for all.

Sincerely,

DEV MODE ACTIVE. BRAND: gg