Published • loading... • Updated
EPA green-lights more PFAS pesticides despite scientific concerns over toxicity
The agency also proposed monitoring drinking water for trifluoroacetic acid after approving the pesticides and revising its PFAS definition.
- Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency quietly approved three new PFAS pesticides for crops, bringing total approvals to five during the second Trump administration compared to one under Biden.
- The agency recently declared that pesticides with single carbon-fluoride bonds are 'not forever chemicals' and 'do not pose any risks of concern when used as labeled,' departing from consensus among more than 150 researchers.
- California crops receive an average of 2.5 million pounds of PFAS pesticides annually, with nearly 40% of nonorganic produce containing traces. Researchers warn trifluoroacetic acid, or TFA, is now the most abundant PFAS in drinking water.
- The 'Make America Healthy Again' movement expressed outrage over the approvals, while independent toxicologist Alexandra Munoz warned that financial ties could lead officials to favor 'industry's profits over people's health.'
- Following the approvals, the agency proposed requiring national monitoring for trifluoroacetic acid under the Safe Drinking Water Act, a move signaling ongoing tension between industry interests and chemical safety standards.
Insights by Ground AI
11 Articles
11 Articles
Trump EPA approves 3 pesticides critics say are forever chemicals
Three pesticide approvals issued by the Trump administration are drawing criticism from advocates who say they could increase the environmental load of substances known as "forever chemicals." The Environmental Protection Agency is disputing the label. The disagreement is centered more on which PFAS definition the government uses rather than whether the chemicals contain strong carbon-fluorine bonds, The Hill reported. What happened? On June 3…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution82% Center
Bias Distribution
- 82% of the sources are Center
82% Center
L 18%
C 82%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
