New research from California has revealed alarming data about PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” being intentionally applied to some of the state’s most important food crops.
What is happening?
according to The Guardiana new review of California pesticide management data by the Environmental Working Group found that farms across the state added an average of 2.5 million pounds of PFAS annually between 2018 and 2023, which equates to about 15 million pounds in total.
PFAS is an abbreviation for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The review found that these chemicals were added to pesticides sprayed on crops such as almonds, pistachios, wine grapes, alfalfa and tomatoes.
The research also found that this is happening in 58 California counties, with high concentrations in Fresno, Kern, San Joaquin, Napa, and Riverside counties.
PFAS are sometimes used as “inactive” ingredients to help pesticides spread or stick better. But because they are highly mobile and attracted to water, they can be easily absorbed by water-rich fruits and vegetables.
“We know that every pound of eternal chemicals poses a risk of contaminating our food, water and soil, so it doesn’t make sense to intentionally spray them on California food,” Bernadette Del Chiaro, California senior vice president of the Environmental Working Group, told The Guardian.
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Why are PFAS important?
PFAS get the nickname “eternal chemical” because they do not break down naturally. Therefore, unlike most other chemicals, PFAS can persist in the body for years or even a lifetime.
PFAS consumption has been linked to cancer, kidney and liver disease, immune system damage, and birth defects.
This problem was found to Affect disproportionately Farmworkers, who often have low incomes and face frequent exposure to pesticides carrying PFAS.
In addition, communities close to agricultural areas may also be more vulnerable due to contamination of groundwater and drinking water supplies.
While this is primarily a public health issue, it is another case that fits into a broader pattern of modern risks posed by industrial practices, aging infrastructure, and chemical-heavy diets.
As populations grow and food production intensifies, the long-term consequences of pollutants become harder to contain and more difficult for people to avoid.
What is being done about PFAS?
Groups have been calling for changing regulation around PFAS for years now.
Europe indeed Forbidden Many pesticides contain PFAS, including bifenthrin and trifluralin.
For the average consumer, raising awareness about foods or cookware that commonly contain PFAS is critical. Non-stick cookwareMany forms of ready-meal packaging and some waterproof kitchen products have all been historical sources of exposure.
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