A report cautions that the majority of pesticides used in the United States contain shockingly high quantities’ of hazardous compounds that are extremely difficult to degrade.
Seven out of ten insecticides in the sample contained so-called ‘permanent compounds,’ although only six contained very substantial concentrations of a particularly hazardous variety.
Since nearly 18 months ago, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been aware of the findings but has taken no action.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a category of over 12,000 synthetic compounds that repel oil, water, stains, and heat.
They are utilized in the production of thousands of waterproof, stain-resistant, and heat-resistant items, such as food packaging, carpets, apparel, and cooking pans.
It is believed that they are also utilized as a dispersant in herbicides to ensure their even distribution.
They are referred to as “forever chemicals” since they do not decompose in the environment and can take years to break down in the body.
If pesticides with high concentrations of PFAS are applied to fields where food is grown, they can be hazardous.
Past study has linked them to severe health issues such as cancer, birth defects, liver disease, kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, and excessive cholesterol.
Researchers from Texas Tech University investigated ten typical insecticides used on cotton fields, which are also effective on food and other crops.
Seven of the 10 insecticides included PFAS, with levels of PFOS, which has been strongly associated with cancer, reaching 19 million parts per trillion (ppt) in one insecticide.
In June, the EPA dropped its recommended limit of PFOS in drinking water from 70 ppt to 0.02 ppt, demonstrating that no level of exposure to the toxin is safe.
As part of their findings, the researchers provided the identities of the pesticides’ active chemicals, but lead author Steve Lasee said he was never asked for the brand names.
This means that the EPA will be unaware of which corporations are responsible for producing harmful items.
Mr. Lasee, an environmental toxicologist at Texas Tech University and the principal author of the study, told that six pesticides contained “screamingly high” quantities of PFOS.
Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters reported the findings.
Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), a non-profit organization, described the research as “unsettling.”
It was stated that the findings “contradict previous declarations by the US EPA that PFAS are not utilized in registered pesticide products” and that the hazard to the food chain supports the prohibition of all PFAS-containing pesticides.
It said, “These PFAS are absorbed by the roots and shoots of plants, meaning they are entering our food supply through polluted soils.” Since PFAS are “permanent chemicals,” this contamination will persist long after PFAS are removed from insecticides.
The EPA proposed the removal of 12 PFAS from its approved list of inert components for pesticides on September 1 but stated that it was still reviewing active ingredients.
An inert ingredient is any chemical other than an “active” component that is purposely included in a pesticide product.
It does not imply that the substance is harmless.
Kyla Bennett, the director of scientific policy at PEER and a former EPA scientist and attorney, stated, “If the goal was to spread PFAS contamination around the globe, there are few more successful means than lacing insecticides with PFAS.” These findings demonstrate the EPA’s abysmal regulatory failure.’
Ms. Bennett told that there is little people can do to protect themselves besides consuming organic foods, which are not always available or economical.
Pesticides are substances used to eliminate organisms like bacteria, insects, and plant diseases.
Insecticides are a specialized type of pesticide used to kill insects.
Due to health concerns, PFOS is no longer produced in the United States, but it is still manufactured elsewhere and imported into the country.
