WA lawmakers want PFAS testing for human waste fertilizer

By Conrad Swanson | Seattle Times | April 23, 2025

Read the full article by Conrad Swanson (Seattle Times)

"Washington is one step closer to eliminating a major blind spot for potential contaminants in crops grown across the state using human waste as fertilizer. 

Lawmakers voted unanimously last week to send Senate Bill 5033 to Gov. Bob Ferguson. The bill would require the state Department of Ecology to test fertilizers made from human waste for levels of toxic chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, which cause cancer and a host of other health problems.

A representative for Ferguson did not respond to an inquiry as to whether the governor plans to sign the bill. But the measure comes with the full-throated support of the state House and Senate. Earlier versions of the proposal fizzled in the Statehouse but the version introduced this year passed both chambers with unanimous support."

Location:

• North AmericaUS
• North AmericaUSWashington

Topics:

• ChemicalsPFAS
• Products
• Environment
• Wildlife
• Affected community
• Health
• Measurement Techniques
• Monitoring Data
• PFAS Uses