"Forever Chemicals" in Agricultural Fertilizer Pose Health Risks, EPA Warns

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday issued a draft risk assessment identifying potential health risks associated with the presence of toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” in biosolids used as fertilizer. The findings raise concerns about exposure to PFAS through land application of sewage sludge, surface disposal in landfills, and incineration. The draft assessment evaluates exposure risks to PFOA and PFOS, two common PFAS chemicals, for individuals living near or consuming products from areas where biosolids have been applied. Preliminary results indicate human health risks exceeding EPA’s acceptable thresholds in certain scenarios, including farms where biosolids containing 1 part per billion (ppb) of PFAS have been applied for up to 40 years. The EPA highlighted that risks increase proportionally with the concentration of PFAS in biosolids and the amount applied, but noted reduced risks in cases of lower PFAS leve...