You Are What You Eat

Chemicals Found in Earthworms

The saying “you are what you eat” is proving true for earthworms, which eat soil for nourishment. Earthworms studied in agricultural fields have been found to contain chemicals from household products and manure, indicating that such substances are entering the food chain. The chemicals investigated include a range of active ingredients in common household products such as detergents, antibacterial soaps, fragrances and pharmaceuticals. For more information, visit http://toxics.usgs.gov/highlights/earthworms.html, or contact Jennifer LaVista at (703) 648-4432 or jlavista@usgs.gov.