Sewage-Sludge Fertiliser on Garden Soil
Moderate burden — Sewage-Sludge Fertiliser on Garden Soil adds a moderate, reducible exposure.
Biosolids spread or sold as a soil conditioner or fertiliser.
The breakdown
Each driver rated 0 (none) to 10 (worst)
Evidence strength: moderate · Detox Score = 100 − hazard×4.6 − exposure×3.4 − persistence×2.6, clamped 1–100.
What this means for you
A Detox Score of 41 places sewage-sludge fertiliser on garden soil in the Moderate band. The persistence rating is the standout concern here — these compounds linger in the body and environment for years. The EPA released a draft risk assessment on 14 January 2025 covering PFOA and PFOS in sewage sludge that is land-applied as a soil conditioner or fertiliser. It is a draft that went out for public comment, not a rule, so the useful response is knowing what an amendment is made from rather than treating any number as settled.
Frequently asked questions
Is sewage-sludge fertiliser on garden soil a toxic exposure?
Sewage-Sludge Fertiliser on Garden Soil has a Detox Score of 41 out of 100 (Moderate burden), which means it adds a moderate, reducible exposure. The EPA released a draft risk assessment on 14 January 2025 covering PFOA and PFOS in sewage sludge that is land-applied as a soil conditioner or fertiliser. It is a draft that went out for public comment, not a rule, so the useful response is knowing what an amendment is made from rather than treating any number as settled.
What is a safer alternative to sewage-sludge fertiliser on garden soil?
A lower-exposure swap for sewage-sludge fertiliser on garden soil is: A soil amendment whose feedstock is stated on the bag, or compost you make yourself. The EPA released a draft risk assessment on 14 January 2025 covering PFOA and PFOS in sewage sludge that is land-applied as a soil conditioner or fertiliser. It is a draft that went out for public comment, not a rule, so the useful response is knowing what an amendment is made from rather than treating any number as settled.