EPA approves pesticides that may be considered ‘forever chemicals,’ though it disputes that label
The Trump administration has approved three new pesticides that may be considered “forever chemicals” under an international definition, though the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is disputing t
The Trump administration has approved three new pesticides that may be considered “forever chemicals” under an international definition, though the En
Read Full Story at The Hill →Why This Matters
The EPA’s approval of these pesticides underscores a troubling divergence between regulatory action and scientific consensus on persistent environmental pollutants. By greenlighting chemicals that may fall under the "forever chemicals" umbrella—compounds designed to resist breakdown—the agency is making a high-stakes bet on short-term agricultural productivity over long-term ecological and public health risks.
Background Context
The term "forever chemicals" typically refers to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a class of synthetic compounds notorious for their environmental persistence and links to serious health issues. While the EPA disputes whether these specific pesticides qualify as PFAS, the move aligns with a broader pattern of deregulatory momentum under the Trump administration, including rollbacks of Obama-era chemical safety rules and expedited pesticide approvals.
What Happens Next
The decision could trigger legal challenges from environmental groups and state attorneys general, particularly in states like California and New York, where PFAS regulations are already stringent. Meanwhile, farmers may face mounting pressure from international buyers or domestic consumers wary of pesticide-treated crops, potentially reshaping supply chains long before the full health impacts are known.
Bigger Picture
This approval reflects a growing tension between economic imperatives in agriculture and the accelerating scientific understanding of chemical persistence. It also highlights how regulatory agencies, even under scrutiny for transparency, can prioritize industry flexibility over precaution—a dynamic likely to intensify as climate change and food security concerns drive demand for novel pest control solutions.
