Officials in Johnson County, Texas, declared a state of disaster after tests found dangerous levels of PFAS in agricultural land, groundwater and animal tissue, raising concerns about public health and environmental safety.
Anna Skinner reports for Newsweek.
In short:
- Testing revealed PFAS contamination in soil and water, with some levels hundreds of times higher than safety limits set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- Officials link the contamination to biosolids used as fertilizer, which originated from Fort Worth’s wastewater treatment plant.
- Local leaders are calling on Gov. Greg Abbott to declare an emergency to access federal aid.
Key quote:
“The contamination poses an immediate threat to the county's agricultural sector, drinking water supplies, and public health.”
— Johnson County press release
Why this matters:
Once released into the air, soil or water, PFAS chemicals accumulate over time, leading to widespread contamination. Studies have linked exposure to serious health effects, including certain cancers, thyroid disorders, weakened immune responses and reproductive issues. While regulatory agencies are working to establish limits on PFAS in drinking water, many rural communities relying on private wells remain vulnerable. Agriculture is another growing concern. PFAS-laden wastewater and biosolids used as fertilizers can seep into crops and livestock, potentially introducing the chemicals into the food chain. Because they don’t break down naturally, even small exposures can add up over a lifetime, raising questions about long-term health consequences.
Related: Dead livestock and poisoned water — Texas farmers sue over PFAS contamination
