The E.P.A. Promotes Toxic Fertilizer. 3M Told It of Risks Years Ago.
Dec 27, 2024
In the early 2000s, scientists at 3M uncovered alarming evidence that PFAS—so-called "forever chemicals" used in everyday products like nonstick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics—were prevalent in sewage across the U.S. This discovery raised significant concerns, as sewage sludge was commonly repurposed as fertilizer for farmland, a practice endorsed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The presence of PFAS in the sludge meant these toxic chemicals were being inadvertently spread onto agricultural fields nationwide. Despite linking PFAS exposure to serious health risks, such as cancer and birth defects, 3M chose not to publish its findings. Instead, the company shared the research with the EPA in 2003.
Although 3M has since pledged to stop producing PFAS by 2025 and invested in water treatment technologies, the EPA has been criticized for its lack of action on PFAS in sludge. While the agency has acknowledged that biosolids may contain these contaminants, it has yet to mandate PFAS testing in fertilizers. Only Maine has taken significant steps, including banning sludge use on fields and testing farms for contamination. The issue has sparked debate across political lines, with some states considering bans on sludge fertilizer. Meanwhile, researchers and environmental experts continue to advocate for stricter regulations, warning that contaminated sludge poses long-term risks to soil, crops, and water supplies.
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