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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In a significant move, DuPont and two other companies have agreed to pay New Jersey up to $2 billion to resolve environmental claims related to PFAS contamination. This landmark settlement, the largest in the state’s history, involves an $875 million payment over 25 years and a remediation fund of up to $1.2 billion. The companies will share the financial burden, and the agreement still requires court approval. The state is holding the companies accountable for the pollution caused by these “forever chemicals” known for their persistence in the environment and potential health hazards.
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New Mexico has filed a lawsuit against the US Air Force due to its failure to address significant PFAS pollution from Cannon Air Force Base, contaminating drinking water and agricultural land. Despite acknowledging the source of a four-mile chemical plume, the Air Force has largely disregarded state orders, leading to a seven-year battle and the state incurring associated costs. The lawsuit seeks water treatment solutions, pollution controls, and compensation for affected individuals, as the Air Force’s inaction has been criticized. The situation at Cannon is not unique, as the Air Force is often slow to respond to PFAS pollution at other bases nationwide, even with funding available for remediation.
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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
The Trump administration’s plan to overturn hundreds of state-level bans on toxic chemicals, including PFAS, would significantly increase public exposure to substances linked to various health problems. This is achieved by altering the EPA’s chemical risk evaluation process, effectively preempting state laws and potentially negating federal prohibitions like the upcoming asbestos ban. The revised evaluation method focuses on individual chemical uses rather than the overall risk, allowing manufacturers to claim minimal risk due to low concentrations in individual products, despite significant cumulative exposure. Opponents argue this undermines state efforts to protect public health and could severely hamper the progress made in reducing exposure to these dangerous chemicals.
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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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The Biden administration’s decision to impose national drinking water limits on toxic PFAS is a pivotal moment in the fight for public health. The reality is that these man-made chemicals have been linked to various diseases, including cancer, highlighting the urgent need for strict regulations. It is mind-boggling that some individuals would find this imposition controversial, especially when considering the potentially life-saving impact it could have.
The argument that implementing filtration systems is expensive should not be a deterrent. The health of the population should always take precedence over profits, especially when the dangers posed by PFAS are well-documented. It is time for innovation and accountability to take center stage, holding those responsible for introducing these harmful substances into our environment liable for the cleanup costs.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood