This stinks in more ways than one

Have you ever wondered what happens to sewage sludge? Ok, you probably never have. However, Information from the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) tells us we need to be aware of the risks of sewage sludge (for us and our pets).

Millions of tons of sewage sludge or biosolids are used as fertilizer. Farmers, landscape contractors and even homeowners are purchasing sewage sludge (the “semi-solid to solid matter left over following municipal wastewater treatment”). A new study from the EPA found starting risks in sewage sludge known to be absorbed by plants, grains, and animals; more risk material in our (pets and people) food supply. http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/biosolids/tnsss-overview.html

IATP’s report on the EPA study tells us contaminants found in sludge fall into three categories…
1. Disease causing microbes including 18 human viruses (including Hepatitis A, Polio), 19 different parasites, and 31 different types of bacteria.
2. Synthetic chemicals; more than 500 found including chemicals from medicines, steroids, flame retardants and detergents.
3. Heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, mercury and radioactive material.

From the IATP report: “Livestock and dairy animals ingest large quantities of soil when grazing and consequently, sludge contaminants, which can ultimately end up in the food produced from these animals. Food crops grown on sludge applied lands can absorb some heavy metals present in sludge treated soil. Plants can continue to take up heavy metals for decades, if not centuries, after sludge is applied.” http://www.iatp.org/iatp/publications.cfm?accountID=421&refID=104203

The IATP recommends purchasing certified organic when possible especially meat and dairy – and vegetables known to take up sludge contaminants such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots and leafy vegetables. And/or support local growers who don’t use sludge and never use sludge products in your own home garden or lawn.

By the way, sewage sludge also known as a biosolid is one of many waste materials that can be used to produce biofuel. As well, many by-products and rendered waste ingredients used in pet food can be the perfect biofuel producer. Isn’t anyone in Washington (Congress, EPA, FDA, USDA, and on and on) thinking? Wouldn’t known contaminated sewage sludge, diseased animals, and dead livestock be better used to produce energy instead of contaminating our soil, our food and our pet food?

Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,

Susan Thixton
Truth about Pet Food
Petsumer Report
www.TruthaboutPetFood.com

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