An increasing number of states have detected harmful "forever chemicals" in sewage sludge applied to farmland, but Virginia has yet to test for these pollutants.
Ivy Main writes for the Virginia Mercury.
In short:
- PFAS, toxic chemicals known as "forever chemicals," have been found in sewage sludge used as fertilizer in several states, posing health risks.
- Virginia has not begun testing for PFAS in sewage sludge, despite evidence of contamination from limited voluntary tests.
- Public health advocates are urging the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to start regulating these chemicals in wastewater treatment plants.
Key quote:
“We do plan to update the DEQ biosolids fact sheet once we have additional substantive information to offer landowners.”
— Neil Zahradka, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality manager
Why this matters:
PFAS are linked to serious health issues like cancer and reproductive problems. Without testing and regulation, these chemicals will continue to contaminate farmland, entering the food supply and harming public health.
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