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The widespread use of pesticides containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as “forever chemicals,” is drawing heightened scrutiny from scientists and regulators due to the potential for long-term environmental contamination and human health risks. These highly persistent chemicals are being detected in products applied to staple food crops across the United States, including corn, wheat, and leafy greens.
A comprehensive review of PFAS in agricultural products has identified several ways these substances enter the food chain. PFAS can be intentionally added as active ingredients in some pesticides, but they also appear as inert additives or as contaminants from manufacturing and packaging processes. Their extreme persistence means they do not easily break down, allowing them to accumulate in soil, leach into groundwater, and be absorbed by crops.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has acknowledged these concerns and is actively investigating the issue. One significant source of contamination has been traced to PFAS leaching from certain fluorinated containers used to store and ship pesticide products. In response to these findings, the EPA reported that the pesticide manufacturer involved voluntarily stopped shipping products in such containers. The agency's efforts are part of a broader strategy to understand and mitigate the risks associated with these chemicals.
While the EPA has taken steps to address container contamination, advocacy groups like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) have pointed out that over a dozen PFAS are still approved for use as active pesticide ingredients. The agency continues to assess the dangers, having recently finalized a toxicological review of perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), one of many chemicals in the vast PFAS family. The growing evidence highlights an urgent need for more transparent labeling and stricter regulations to prevent the ongoing introduction of forever chemicals into the nation's agricultural systems and water supplies.
