Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also called “forever chemicals,” are a pervasive environmental contaminant known to pose health risks to humans, and pesticides containing PFAS have been cited as a significant source of the chemicals’ introduction to the environment. The use of PFAS-containing pesticides on crops, as well as crop uptake of PFAS from soil and water, contribute to human dietary exposure to the forever chemicals.
In this context, the Center for Food Safety, joined by a number of environmental and consumer advocacy groups, has submitted a petition to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calling for a ban on the use of PFAS as pesticide ingredients, as well as their use in the manufacture of pesticide containers. Other demands listed in the petition include:
- The adoption of a harmonized, scientifically accurate definition for PFAS
- Requiring pesticide registrants to report PFAS contamination
- Requiring pesticide manufacturers to submit relevant PFAS data prior to the approval of future registrations.
The petition argues that, in conflict with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), which mandates EPA to ensure pesticides approved for use in the U.S. present no “unreasonable adverse effects on the environment,” the agency has failed to take significant action against PFAS use in pesticides, despite EPA itself describing forever chemicals as an “urgent public health and environmental issue facing communities across the U.S.,” and, in some instances, “highly toxic and present[ing] unreasonable risks.” Rather, EPA has continued registering active ingredients that qualify as PFAS, is maintaining other registrations of PFAS active and inert ingredients, and is allowing the use of fluorinated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene storage containers that leach PFAS into pesticides.
Joining the Center for Food Safety as signees on the petition are the American Bird Conservancy, Beyond Pesticides, Massachusetts Pollinator Network, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, Norwalk River Watershed Association, Pesticide Action Network North America, Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont, Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides, Rural Vermont, Toxic Free NC, and chemical safety attorney Tom Neltner, B.E., J.D. Petitioner Beyond Pesticides offers resources on safe alternative practices and products to PFAS-containing pesticides.
