Fatal Fertilizer: PFAS Contamination of Farmland from Biosolids and Potential Federal Solutions

Farmers across the country are increasingly discovering devastating levels of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in their soil, water, and farm products from the spread of biosolid fertilizer. Contamination from these “forever chemicals” is causing farmers to close their businesses, lose their incomes and property values, and confront potential ad- verse health effects from toxic exposure. PFAS are not federally regulated, leaving farmers with no options for federal assistance with contamination crises. This article examines federal regulations that govern the spread of biosolids as well as existing and proposed federal regulations of PFAS. To fill in federal regulatory gaps, this article proposes federal policy recommendations to prevent and remediate PFAS contamination of farmland and provide financial assistance, medical monitoring, and mental health services for affected farmers.