Comment Section for Something’s Poisoning America’s Land. Farmers Fear ‘Forever’ Chemicals. - The New York Times

The webpage discusses the growing concern over the use of municipal sewage, also known as sludge, as fertilizer on U.S. farmland. For decades, the federal government has encouraged this practice as it is nutrient-rich and an effective way to keep the sludge out of landfills. However, recent research indicates that this sludge can contain high levels of toxic substances known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their longevity. These toxic contaminants are now being found on farmland across the country, sometimes at high levels, leading farmers to fear for their health and the health of their livestock. PFAS are used in a wide range of products and industries, from microwave popcorn bags to firefighting gear and stain-resistant carpets. Lawsuits have been filed against the providers of the sludge fertilizer and against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for failing to regulate these chemicals. Some states, like Michigan and Maine, have started to investigate and take actions against the use of sludge fertilizers. The report highlights the challenges and controversies around managing the sludge, with some arguing for stricter regulation of PFAS in consumer products or industrial effluents, while others worry about the economic impact on the agriculture industry. The EPA is currently studying the risks posed by PFAS in sludge fertilizers to determine if new rules are necessary.