American environmental scientists from the nonprofit organization Environmental Working Group have discovered toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in popular pesticides widely used in agriculture. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP).
PFAS include more than 15,000 synthetic chemicals. Their high stability is due to the fluorine-carbon bond, one of the strongest in organic chemistry. PFAS are virtually indestructible in nature, which is why they are called “eternal.”
Recent discoveries have shown that these compounds accumulate in the body and cause the development of cancer and other serious diseases. Despite this, PFAS continues to be widely used in the production of various products because they give materials fire-resistant and waterproof properties.
In a new study, the team found that about 15% of pesticides used in U.S. agriculture contain PFAS. They are used to treat corn, wheat, spinach, apples and strawberries. The persistent chemical is also added to insect repellents for humans and animals.
Another major problem the study identified was plastic containers used to store pesticides and fertilizers, 20-30% of which are “fluoridated” to make them stronger, but can leach PFAS back into the container’s contents.
The team noted that this combination constitutes double contamination because both pesticides and PFAS pose threats to the environment and to human and animal health.
Earlier scientists to create Microbes that degrade toxic PFAS.
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Source: Gazeta
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