Our research shows that when sludge meets federal standards it can still contain viable pathogens, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a nasty bacterium that can cause cavitary pneumonia. These lungs can't be ignored….
While collaborating with a world-class research lab to understand what antibiotic-resistant pathogens may grow on sludged farm soil, we learned that not only do nasty pathogens grow on farm soil immediately following land application, but some remain viable in the soil 30 days later. One of these stubborn and dangerous pathogens is P. aeruginosa. The findings of our study are shown in the slideshow on the GET INFORMED page of this site.
While perusing the slideshow, make special note of the evidence showing that pathogens can travel off sludged farms and into the lives of neighbors.
This case of cavitary pneumonia is a friend who lives a stone’s throw from the pasture where we conducted our study. P. aeruginosa was determined to be the cause of his life-changing illness. The illness and the study occurred in different years, but sludge is sludge and this community has endured it for decades—and still does. Praise God he survived.
Visit our GET INVOLVED page and join us! This federal rule is harming our nation.
#SewageMom,
-Paula
