The California-based Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the formation of a study group to examine the need for national action following a series of reports in a Seattle newspaper about crop loss and health problems arising from the use of fertilisers containing recycled industrial wastes and radionuclides. The Washington state department of ecology, agriculture and health was flooded by the letters from angry citizens concerned about food safety. The fertiliser industry is known for using recycled industrial wastes containing metals such as copper, zinc and sodium. Although US federal law restricts the direct land disposal of heavy metals, the rules change when the constituents are recycled into fertilisers ( Environment Science & and Technology , Vol 31, No 10).
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.