Toxic Fertilizers

Toxic chemical fertilizers have been the topic of debate for several years. According to an article published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), every year companies send their unwanted toxic waste materials to fertilizer companies to be used as unrefined materials in the production of fertilizer that makes its way to farm crops. These waste products often contain hazardous chemicals and toxic metals, which is then transformed into fertilizer.

Distribution

EWG noted in their article that 600 companies in 44 states received over 270 million pounds of toxic waste materials to various farms, ranches, or other fertilizer companies. In 1999, an article was published by the California Public Interest Research Group that analyzed a popular commercial fertilizer, Ironite, that was commonly found at home and garden retail stores in heavily populated cities such as Los Angeles. This particular brand of fertilizer was found to have more than three to four times the amount of lead that would have caused the fertilizer itself to be treated and disposed of as a toxic, hazardous material.

Research Findings

The Public Interest Research Group conducted tests on 29 different fertilizers, which were purchased in 12 different states. Twenty-two toxic metals were identified in these products, including but not limited to arsenic, cadmium, lead and chromium. A toxic chemical called dioxin was also identified in the fertilizer.

Cause for Concern

These findings are of particular interest because the toxic metals may remain in the soil for decades after its distribution. It can be absorbed by crops that are grown for human consumption. The California Department of Food and Agriculture stated that the primary source of exposure to these toxic chemicals and metals is through consumed food that is grown with these fertilizers.

Benefits of Chemical Fertilizer

Farmers have chosen to use chemical fertilizers because it greatly increases the amount of food they are able to produce. It stands to reason that the more food they produce, the more money they will make. The more money they make, the more they can afford to reinvest in their farm to continue to produce food.

A Popular Alternative

Organic fertilizer has been used by farmers who want to limit the exposure of toxic chemicals to their crops. The benefit of organic fertilizers is that it helps break items down in the soil better, which makes for healthier soil. The drawback is that manure can cause the discharge of nitrogen, which can be toxic.

References

• Environmental Working Group: Factory Farming
• Mindfull.org: Waste Lands: The Threat of Toxic Fertilizer
• Environmental California: As You Sow