The just published study suggests that fertilizer, at least certain kinds, may contain this substance as well. I asked the Fertilizer Institute, the trade association for those in that business, to comment. As to the perchlorate issue, the Institute presented what appeared to be good reasons to question some of the study's findings, conclusions, and methodologies. The Institute's logic, as to the perchlorate issue, seems to be well grounded. It seems to me that we are now on the verge of just knowing a little about fertilizer safety.
Legitimate reasons exists to at least question the practice of using industrial waste in fertilizer.
Farmers need answers too, as they may have to make changes to avoid potential legal liability. If this issue concerns you, I suggest you start asking questions so that we can all become better educated. If the Fertilizer Institute does respond to this industrial waste issue, I shall pass its response along. He was a New Jersey Deputy Attorney General assigned to the State Department of Environmental Protection from 1986 - 1990. Written by Stuart Lieberman Click here for a printer-friendly version of this article.