June 11, 2025
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) now confirms what environmental advocates have long feared — sewage sludge used as fertilizer is a major source of PFAS contamination. These “forever chemicals” survive wastewater treatment, accumulate in biosolids, and contaminate soil, water, and food sources.
For years, companies have marketed biosolids as sustainable, nutrient-rich fertilizers. However, new research highlights the serious risks they pose. Exposure to PFAS is linked to cancer, immune disorders, and other severe health conditions. The EPA, which once endorsed biosolid use, now acknowledges in a new draft risk assessment that it may pose a cancer risk.
“This draft assessment provides important information to help inform future actions by federal and state agencies, as well as steps that wastewater systems, farmers, and other stakeholders can take to protect people from PFAS exposure.” — Former EPA Acting Administrator Jane Nishida
This risk assessment marks a turning point, prompting calls for stricter regulations on biosolids and raising concerns about their continued use.
The Dangers of PFAS in Agriculture
Gail Carlson, an environmental studies professor at Colby College, calls the assessment “damning for the practice of sludge-spreading on land, including farms.” She told The Texas Tribune that the EPA is typically conservative in its risk assessments, making this recognition of PFAS dangers particularly significant. Carlson, who lives in a PFAS “hot spot” in Maine, saw her state ban sludge-spreading in 2022.
A Washington Post investigation further reveals that PFAS-laden biosolid fertilizers have contaminated farm products such as milk, eggs, and fish, heightening consumer exposure risks. While states like Maine and Michigan have implemented restrictions, Texas has not. However, legal pressure is mounting.
Texas State Rep. Helen Kerwin has proposed mandatory PFAS testing in Texas, reflecting a growing national concern. Meanwhile, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued chemical giants 3M and DuPont for misleading the public about PFAS risks. Despite these efforts, many states still lack comprehensive regulations. Farmers, environmental groups, and public health advocates continue pushing for stronger protections to prevent further contamination.
What Are PFAS, and Why Are They Dangerous?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals widely used in consumer and industrial products, including nonstick cookware, water-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foams. They are called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment, persisting in soil, water, and the human body for decades. These chemicals enter wastewater systems, accumulate in biosolids, and, when used as fertilizer, contaminate farmland and food supplies.
How PFAS Exposure Harms Human Health
Extensive research published by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry has linked PFAS exposure to serious health conditions, including:
Farmers and Landowners Fight Back
Farmers and landowners across the country are fighting back against PFAS pollution. In Johnson County, Texas, a group of farmers sued a fertilizer company after discovering that PFAS-contaminated biosolids poisoned their land and killed livestock. They have also taken legal action against the EPA for failing to regulate PFAS. Many affected communities also want stricter national regulations to prevent further contamination and protect public health.
The Legal Battle Against PFAS Polluters
As awareness grows, legal action remains a critical tool for holding corporations and government agencies accountable. More states and advocacy groups are pushing for policy changes, while lawsuits continue to expose the true scale of PFAS contamination.
How We Help Victims of Toxic Chemical Exposure
Seek justice with the help of our experienced lawyers. Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel has battled corporate giants on behalf of individuals like you for 20 years, aggressively fighting to hold corporations responsible for dangerous chemicals and the personal injuries caused by exposure. If you or a loved one have been exposed to PFAS and diagnosed with a related disease, we can help.
Our Results
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