EPA Faces LAWSUIT Over TOXIC Chemicals In American Foods

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) faces legal action over its handling of toxic “forever chemicals” in fertilizers, raising concerns about food safety and public health.

At a Glance

  • PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” are linked to various health issues including cancers
  • A watchdog group and Texas farmers have filed a petition against the EPA
  • PFAS contamination has led to the shutdown of over 60 farms in Maine
  • A 2022 study found that 20 million acres of U.S. cropland might be contaminated with PFAS
  • The EPA continues to support the use of sewage sludge as fertilizer without mandating PFAS testing

PFAS Contamination: A Growing Concern

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” have become a significant environmental and health concern. These persistent chemicals, found in various consumer products, are entering the environment through sewage sludge used as fertilizer. The impact on farmland has been severe, with over 60 farms in Maine forced to shut down due to PFAS contamination.

The scale of the problem is alarming. A 2022 study revealed that approximately 20 million acres of U.S. cropland might be contaminated with PFAS. This widespread contamination has led to concerns about food safety and the livelihoods of farmers across the country.

EPA Under Fire

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is facing criticism and legal action for its handling of PFAS contamination. A watchdog group and five Texas farmers have filed a petition against the EPA, claiming the agency has failed to protect the public from PFAS risks. The lawsuit alleges that the EPA did not develop regulations to restrict PFAS chemicals known to be present in sewage sludge used as fertilizer.

“PFAS poisoning of farmlands is fast becoming a national agricultural emergency,” Laura Dumais, PEER attorney, said in a press release. “EPA needs to act immediately to protect farmers and our food supply from this toxic mess.”

The EPA’s continued support for the use of sewage sludge as fertilizer without mandating PFAS testing has drawn further criticism. This stance persists despite concerns raised by whistle-blowers, academics, state officials, and even internal EPA studies.

3M’s Role and EPA’s Response

The controversy surrounding PFAS contamination deepened with revelations about 3M’s early knowledge of the issue. In the early 2000s, 3M scientists discovered high levels of PFAS in the nation’s sewage. The company’s research linked PFAS exposure to serious health issues, including birth defects and cancer.

“These are highly complex mixtures of chemicals,” David Lewis, a former EPA microbiologist, said. He added that once contaminated with PFAS, land “becomes essentially permanently contaminated.”

Despite 3M sharing its findings with the EPA in 2003, the research was not published, and the agency continued to promote the use of sewage sludge as fertilizer. This lack of action has led to calls for more stringent regulations and immediate intervention to protect public health and the agricultural sector.

Looking Ahead

As the issue gains more attention, efforts to address PFAS contamination are underway. Some states, like Maine, have banned the use of treated sewage as fertilizer due to high PFAS levels. The Biden administration plans to publish a risk assessment of PFAS in biosolids by the end of 2024, while 3M has announced plans to stop PFAS manufacturing globally by the end of 2025.

However, for many farmers and environmental advocates, these actions may be too little, too late. The long-term effects of PFAS contamination on agriculture, public health, and the environment remain a significant concern, highlighting the need for comprehensive regulation and cleanup efforts.

At least we are finally talking about this – and as HHS Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is going to do even more.

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