A recent study by Pesticide Action Network Europe (PAN) revealed widespread contamination of European cereal products with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a “forever chemical” produced when pesticides containing PFAS break down. Breakfast cereals were found to be the most contaminated food, with average concentrations far exceeding those in tap water. The study detected TFA in 81.5% of samples across various cereal-based products in 16 European countries. Experts are calling for an immediate ban on PFAS pesticides, as TFA poses risks to reproductive health and potentially other adverse effects, and governments do not currently monitor TFA in food.
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The EPA recently approved ten pesticide products containing isocycloseram, a PFAS “forever chemical,” for use in agriculture and pest control. Although the EPA claims no human health risks were identified when used as directed, environmental advocates express concerns about the long-term dangers associated with PFAS exposure, such as reproductive and liver toxicity. Researchers emphasize the persistence of isocycloseram and its toxicity to pollinators. While the EPA highlighted the benefits for crop management, concerns remain due to the potential ecological and public health impacts.
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The Trump administration announced plans to rescind and postpone Biden-era regulations limiting “forever chemicals” (PFAS) in drinking water. These rollbacks will repeal limits on four PFAS chemicals and delay implementation of limits on two others, despite widespread PFAS contamination linked to serious health problems. The decision follows a lawsuit from the chemical industry and water utilities who argued the regulations were overly burdensome. Environmental groups plan to sue, citing the Safe Drinking Water Act’s anti-backsliding provision. The EPA claims the new rules will reduce burdens on water systems while maintaining public health protections.
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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reportedly planning to weaken a crucial rule designed to curb the presence of “forever chemicals,” or PFAS, in our drinking water. This decision has sparked considerable outrage and confusion, with many questioning the motives behind such a move. The proposed weakening of regulations, which previously aimed to establish strict limits on PFAS contamination, raises serious concerns about public health and environmental protection.
This rollback is particularly alarming given the known dangers of PFAS. These chemicals, persistent and resistant to degradation, accumulate in the environment and human bodies, potentially leading to various health problems. The EPA’s own research underscores the significant risks associated with even low levels of PFAS exposure.… Continue reading
Facing liability for PFAS pollution in several European countries, Chemours is actively lobbying the European Commission against a proposed ban on the production and use of these chemicals. The company has engaged in numerous high-level meetings with the Commission, exceeding other corporate lobbying efforts. Chemours’ lobbying efforts also include attempts to coordinate with other affected industries to oppose the restrictions. These actions highlight the significant industry resistance to proposed EU-wide PFAS restrictions, with Chemours playing a central role.
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Newly released documents reveal that 3M, despite possessing evidence as early as 1949, falsely marketed its firefighting foams as biodegradable and harmless, even though they contained “forever chemicals” linked to serious health issues. These persistent PFAS chemicals, now banned in many countries, caused widespread environmental contamination. 3M’s misleading claims, spanning decades, facilitated the misuse of these foams globally and resulted in substantial settlements for related pollution. The company has since phased out PFAS production but some types of PFAS-containing foams remain in use.
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I can’t help but feel a sense of frustration and anger as I read about the recent incident where Texas farmers claim a company sold them PFAS-contaminated sludge that ultimately led to the death of their livestock. The fact that PFAS compounds, known as “forever chemicals,” were present in the sludge is alarming, considering the severe health issues they are linked to, such as cancer, liver disease, and birth defects. The idea that this contaminated sludge was being sold as a cheap alternative to fertilizer is deeply troubling.
The Environmental Protection Agency allowing this contaminated sludge to be spread on cropland as “biosolid” fertilizer due to its high nutrient content is mind-boggling.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood