*NOTICE* The Sierra Club and the Ecology Center identified dozens of home fertilizers made from biosolid fertilizers with large amounts of PFAS.
- LawnLogIQ
- Mar 17
- 2 min read
Sierra Club and Ecology Center tested home fertilizers made out of sewage waste for toxic PFAS chemicals, and they found the chemicals in every product, and at levels that exceed a screening standard set for land applications. What they found is many biosolid fertilizers with large amounts of PFAS were being sold commercially.
Considering the popularity of "organic" lawn and soil products, which are not only heavily used on our lawns but also in gardens to grow edible fruits and vegetables, we believe this is essential reading.
LawnLogIQ reminds our Chicagoland friends that just because a product is labeled "organic," "organic-based," "eco-friendly," "all-natural," etc., it doesn’t mean it’s safe to use, especially on our food supply.
On the other hand, just because a product used in lawn care and gardening is classified as "synthetic," it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s harmful.
We need to make informed decisions for ourselves, not based on the marketing hype from manufacturers.
LawnLogIQ does not use "sludge type" fertilizers on our customers' lawns. We have always found it odd to apply products made from human waste to our yards instead of using traditional fertilizers that have proven to be safe when used as directed. These tried-and-true products have withstood the test of time, testing, and practical use.
Here are some excerpts from the story, along with the full link below:
About half of the sewage waste generated in the United States is treated and then spread on land, including agricultural crops and dairy land for disposal. The treatment doesn’t break down persistent chemicals like PFAS, which pose a threat to food crops and waterways.
EPA, states, the chemical industry, and wastewater treatment plants must all act with urgency to keep PFAS out of the sewer system. Fertilizer companies should clearly label products as made from sludge so gardeners can avoid using them on home crops.
Our tests measured PFAS, precursor chemicals as well as unknown synthetic fluorine-based chemicals in much higher amounts than PFAS themselves.
The Fate of PFAS in Wastewater Systems, Agricultural Systems, and Food Supply
PFAS are legally washed down sewer drains from homes and industry. EPA and states can limit pollution from industry, but the only way to end PFAS from homes and commercial businesses is to stop using the chemicals in consumer and industrial products.
Challenges of Biosolids Disposal
Persistent chemicals like PFAS are not broken down during sewage treatment, and also create problems when burned in sludge incinerators. Even lined landfills eventually leak and release PFAS and other persistent chemicals back into the environment.
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