Study sounds alarm on toxic 'forever chemicals' used in EU pesticides

Certain pesticides authorised in the European Union contain toxic "forever chemicals" whose use is much more harmful for the environment and human health than previously thought, two French NGO have warned.

France is one of the largest users of pesticides in the European Union. REUTERS - PASCAL ROSSIGNOL

A joint report by Générations Futures and Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Europe, published on Thursday, revealed the presence of so-called PFAS substances in some pesticides.

These are the per- and polyfluoroalkyl group of chemicals most commonly used to make non-stick cookware and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease and water. 

The report pointed a finger at the agricultural use of PFAS substances, which can remain in the environment for generations.

“It is shocking to find that PFAS, with their long-lasting environmental impacts, are intentionally sprayed on fields and food," said Angeliki Lysimachou, head of science and policy at PAN Europe. "Given all the identified risks, their use should stop immediately.” 

1/7 🧵
There are 37 PFAS #pesticides active substances allowed in the EU. Sales are rising. Deliberate #PFAS spraying, contaminating food, soil and water. Yet, the EU has no intention to ban them.
NEW REPORT with @genefutures: https://t.co/45WyET29IS pic.twitter.com/AzQvKLeUSY

— PAN Europe (@EuropePAN) November 9, 2023

According to the report, more than 2,300 tonnes of pesticides containing forever chemicals were sold in France two years ago – a figure that is increasing sharply.

The NGOs say this amounts to the deliberate contamination of PFAS substances in the food system and the environment – but is a blind spot in efforts being made by the EU to reduce their use.

The EU has published a proposal to restrict the use of forever chemicals in consumer products – but not agriculture – "unless their use is essential".

“This source of PFAS pollution must be urgently banned. These pesticides should be included in the PFAS restriction being prepared at European level," said PAN Europe policy officer Salomé Roynel.

"That will take time, so we immediately need a better implementation of the pesticide regulation. We propose to apply the precautionary principle required by law and ban all PFAS pesticides."

Pesticides clampdown

In October EU legislators voted to slash the use of pesticides across the bloc by half, despite opposition from some conservative groups.

But the bloc failed to reach agreement on extending the use of the controversial herbicide glyphosate for another decade, after France joined several countries in abstaining from a vote on the matter.

• France abstains from EU vote on extending use of glyphosate pesticide

In 2015, the World Health Organization's cancer research agency concluded that glyphosate was "probably carcinogenic" to humans.

But other agencies around the world, including the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the European Chemicals Agency, have classified glyphosate as non-carcinogenic.

EU governments will vote again on the glyphosate extension in November. If there is still no clear opinion, the decision will be left to the European Commission.