EPA Insists Fluorinated Pesticides Are Not PFAS Amid Scrutiny Over Safety Claims

According to the EPA, these compounds do not exhibit the environmental persistence or bioaccumulative behaviour that defines PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals.” This clarification has significant implications for manufacturers, importers, and agricultural stakeholders navigating a regulatory landscape that continues to evolve around PFAS.

Official PFAS Definition Excludes Single Fluorinated Carbons

In 2023, following a public rulemaking process, the EPA formally defined PFAS as substances containing at least two adjacent fluorinated carbon atoms. Single fluorinated carbon compounds, the agency states, do not meet this threshold. This distinction is based on scientific evidence suggesting these molecules behave differently in the environment. However, some experts argue that the potential for breakdown products or cumulative exposure has not been fully studied across all use cases.

EPA Affirms Safety Under Labelled Use—But Questions Remain

The EPA maintains that its pesticide approvals are grounded in robust risk assessments, including multi-species toxicity testing, developmental and reproductive impact studies, and environmental modelling. No health risks of concern were identified when products are used as directed. Yet critics note that “safe when used according to label instructions” can be a narrow benchmark, particularly when real-world application practices vary.

Concerns have also been raised over the limitations of existing toxicity data and whether longer-term environmental effects have been sufficiently explored, especially given the persistence often associated with fluorinated chemistry.

International Precedent Offers Support—But Not Full Consensus

The EPA cited regulatory precedent in the EU, UK, Canada, and Australia, where similar compounds have been approved. While this suggests alignment among major regulatory bodies, it does not imply universal agreement on the future risks posed by all fluorinated substances. Several jurisdictions continue to revise their chemical frameworks in response to mounting public pressure over PFAS exposure and trace contamination in soil and water.

Implications for the Agricultural Sector and Compliance

The agency’s clarification removes immediate PFAS-related regulatory burdens for manufacturers of these specific pesticides. For agricultural producers, the use of fluorinated alternatives may offer benefits in terms of efficacy and environmental profile compared to older, more hazardous compounds such as organochlorines. However, it also places renewed responsibility on companies and regulators to ensure transparency, ongoing monitoring, and early detection of any emerging risks.