Officials are concerned that food produced on contaminated land may pose human health risks.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a draft report last week reviewing the risks of “forever chemicals” contaminating American-grown produce. “Forever chemicals” is a nickname for a group of scientific compounds known as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These widely used man-made chemicals do not naturally break down in the environment and have now been found contaminating water supplies and the bodies of fish, animals, and humans.
The EPA’s report focuses on two chemicals within the PFAS category that have been concentrated in concerning levels in over 70 million acres of American farmland. These chemicals were reportedly placed there unintentionally by farmers using contaminated “sewage sludge,” a byproduct of public wastewater treatment, as fertilizer. The report theorizes that the consumption of crops and animal products produced on these farms can heighten the risk of certain illnesses and cancers.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the incoming EPA administrator and agency officials as they assess the health risks of these chemicals.
- For wisdom for U.S. health officials as they evaluate food safety and regulations.
Sources: The Hill, CNN
