First regulations concerning contaminant contents in fertilizers were implemented in the State of Washington, USA. The objective of our study was to consider the events as a possible reference for a similar ongoing situation in Brazil. The significant role of the press, which kept people informed and aware about the problem of waste-derived fertilizers, is discussed. Several groups, some with divergent points of view, were called upon to contribute to the final legislation, which was backed up by relevant technical data obtained in several studies in collaboration of state departments and university researchers. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), however, established regulations concerning only the use of industrial wastes as zinc sources.
fertilizer; micronutrient; legislation; heavy metal
