PFAS Chemicals Found in San Joaquin County Pesticides, Raising Safety Concerns
A report by the Environmental Working Group has detected PFAS chemicals in pesticides used extensively in San Joaquin County, California. While some local agricultural leaders dispute the report's findings and definitions, concerns persist about the potential health and environmental impacts. The Environmental Working Group plans to continue monitoring PFAS accumulation in soil and water to better inform farmers.
The Environmental Working Group released a report highlighting the presence of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in pesticides used in San Joaquin County, part of a broader issue affecting California. PFAS are persistent chemicals linked to harmful health effects. The report suggests PFAS are added to pesticides to extend shelf life and effectiveness. However, the San Joaquin Farm Bureau criticized the report, calling it misleading and inconsistent with regulatory definitions from the EPA and EU. Andrew Genasci, the Farm Bureau’s executive director, emphasized regulatory oversight and cautioned against conflating pesticide use with PFAS content. Conversely, Environmental Working Group representatives indicated that newer pesticide registrations increasingly contain PFAS and expressed concerns that farmers might be unaware of the chemicals in their products. With pesticide use in the county totaling nearly 924,000 pounds, the debate highlights tensions between agricultural interests and environmental health advocates. The Environmental Working Group intends to track PFAS levels in environmental media to better inform policy and farming practices. The Farm Bureau continues to support thorough vetting of pesticides before their approval and use. This ongoing scrutiny aims to balance agricultural productivity with the protection of human health and the environment.
