NewsFlash Logo

Cleveland, US:

Environmental Justice

Environmental Justice

The E.P.A. Promotes Toxic Fertilizer. 3M Told It of Risks Years Ago.

Hiroko Tabuchi

By: Hiroko Tabuchi

Friday, December 27, 2024

Dec 27, 2024

1 min read

The E.P.A. Promotes Toxic Fertilizer. 3M Told It of Risks Years Ago. The agency obtained research from 3M in 2003 revealing that sewage sludge, the raw material for the fertilizer, carried toxic “forever chemicals.” Photo by: Tim Gruber for The New York Times

In early 2000, scientists at 3M, the chemicals giant, made a startling discovery: High levels of PFAS, the virtually indestructible “forever chemicals” used in nonstick pans, stain-resistant carpets and many other products were turning up in the nation’s sewage.

The researchers were concerned. The data suggested that the toxic chemicals, made by 3M, were fast becoming ubiquitous in the environment. The company’s research had already linked exposure to birth defects, cancer and more.

That sewage was being used as fertilizer on farmland nationwide, a practice encouraged by the Environmental Protection Agency. The presence of PFAS in the sewage meant those chemicals were being unwittingly spread on fields across the country.

3M didn’t publish the research, but the company did share its findings with the E.P.A. at a 2003 meeting, according to 3M documents reviewed by the The New York Times. The research and the E.P.A.’s knowledge of it has not been previously reported.

Read the article here.

Share this article

Related Articles

Related Articles

Related Articles

Category

Jan 15, 2025

2024 End of Year Campaign a Success!

Category

Jan 15, 2025

2024 End of Year Campaign a Success!

Category

Jun 20, 2025

A Tribute to Pope Francis from American columnist E J Dionne of the Washington Post

Category

Jun 20, 2025

A Tribute to Pope Francis from American columnist E J Dionne of the Washington Post

Category

Aug 23, 2024

A Victory in Athens County: Years of Protest and Activism Pay Off

Category

Aug 23, 2024

A Victory in Athens County: Years of Protest and Activism Pay Off

Category

Mar 12, 2025

Aerobic Composting and Climate Change

Category

Mar 12, 2025

Aerobic Composting and Climate Change

Category

Mar 4, 2025

American Federation of Government Employees

Category

Mar 4, 2025

American Federation of Government Employees

Category

Jul 6, 2025

‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Set to Slash Through U.S. Climate and Justice Drive

Category

Jul 6, 2025

‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Set to Slash Through U.S. Climate and Justice Drive

Category

Jan 15, 2025

2024 End of Year Campaign a Success!

Category

Jun 20, 2025

A Tribute to Pope Francis from American columnist E J Dionne of the Washington Post

Category

Aug 23, 2024

A Victory in Athens County: Years of Protest and Activism Pay Off

Category

Mar 12, 2025

Aerobic Composting and Climate Change

Category

Mar 4, 2025

American Federation of Government Employees

Category

Jul 6, 2025

‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Set to Slash Through U.S. Climate and Justice Drive

Podcast

Dive into our Top 5 selection of the best podcasts, featuring everything from latest tech to trending tunes. Press the play button now!

Tech Tomorrow

Stay ahead of the curve with the latest advancements in technology. From AI breakthroughs to the future of space exploration, each episode delves into cutting-edge innovations and what they mean for our world. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just curious, this podcast brings you tomorrow’s tech, today.

Culture Connect

Explore the rich tapestry of global cultures in this podcast that takes you on a journey across continents. Each episode features in-depth interviews with cultural experts, artists, and anthropologists, shedding light on the traditions, languages, and art forms that define communities worldwide.

The Green Voices

Tune into the most pressing environmental issues of our time. From climate change to conservation efforts, this podcast features conversations with activists, scientists, and policymakers who are at the forefront of the environmental movement. Learn what you can do to make a difference.

Podcast

Dive into our Top 5 selection of the best podcasts, featuring everything from latest tech to trending tunes. Press the play button now!

Tech Tomorrow

Stay ahead of the curve with the latest advancements in technology. From AI breakthroughs to the future of space exploration, each episode delves into cutting-edge innovations and what they mean for our world. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just curious, this podcast brings you tomorrow’s tech, today.

Culture Connect

Explore the rich tapestry of global cultures in this podcast that takes you on a journey across continents. Each episode features in-depth interviews with cultural experts, artists, and anthropologists, shedding light on the traditions, languages, and art forms that define communities worldwide.

The Green Voices

Tune into the most pressing environmental issues of our time. From climate change to conservation efforts, this podcast features conversations with activists, scientists, and policymakers who are at the forefront of the environmental movement. Learn what you can do to make a difference.

Podcast

Dive into our Top 5 selection of the best podcasts, featuring everything from latest tech to trending tunes. Press the play button now!

Tech Tomorrow

Stay ahead of the curve with the latest advancements in technology. From AI breakthroughs to the future of space exploration, each episode delves into cutting-edge innovations and what they mean for our world. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just curious, this podcast brings you tomorrow’s tech, today.

Culture Connect

Explore the rich tapestry of global cultures in this podcast that takes you on a journey across continents. Each episode features in-depth interviews with cultural experts, artists, and anthropologists, shedding light on the traditions, languages, and art forms that define communities worldwide.

The Green Voices

Tune into the most pressing environmental issues of our time. From climate change to conservation efforts, this podcast features conversations with activists, scientists, and policymakers who are at the forefront of the environmental movement. Learn what you can do to make a difference.

FaCT Newsletter

FaCT Newsletter

NewsFlash Logo
NewsFlash Logo

Cleveland, US:

FaCT Newsletter

FaCT Newsletter

FaCT Newsletter

FaCT Newsletter