Chesapeake Bay Pollution: ‘Forever Chemicals’ Found in Fertilizer Raise Concerns

The Chesapeake Bay is a vital natural resource for the Mid-Atlantic region, providing a home to a variety of wildlife and a source of recreation for millions of people. Unfortunately, the bay is facing a growing threat from pollution, and one of the most concerning sources of contamination is the presence of “forever chemicals” in fertilizer.

Forever chemicals, also known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), are a group of man-made chemicals that are used in a variety of products, including non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and firefighting foam. These chemicals have been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer, thyroid disease, and reproductive issues. They are also extremely persistent in the environment, meaning they don’t break down easily and can remain in the environment for long periods of time.

In recent years, researchers have discovered that these chemicals are also present in fertilizer used on farms throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Fertilizer runoff is one of the leading sources of pollution in the bay, and the presence of PFAS compounds in the runoff has raised concerns about their potential impacts on the health of the bay’s wildlife and human populations.

In response to these concerns, state and federal agencies have taken steps to reduce the use of PFAS-containing fertilizers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued guidance for farmers on how to reduce their use of these products, while states like Maryland have passed legislation to limit their use.

While these steps are encouraging, more needs to be done to protect the Chesapeake Bay from PFAS contamination. It’s important that farmers and other stakeholders continue to work together to reduce their use of these products and ensure that the bay remains a safe and healthy environment for generations to come.

Source: news.google.com

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