As of August 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the use of certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in agricultural applications, including pesticides and food packaging. These 'forever chemicals' are highly persistent in the environment and have been linked to health issues such as kidney cancer and immune system suppression.
The decision has sparked concern among environmental groups and farmers, who worry about the potential for these chemicals to leach into groundwater and accumulate in crops. According to the EPA, the approvals are part of a broader review of PFAS, but critics argue that more research is needed before widespread use.
In 2024, the EPA designated two common PFAS—PFOA and PFOS—as hazardous substances under Superfund law, but the new approvals cover different compounds that are less studied. The agency maintains that the approved uses meet safety standards, but independent scientists have called for stricter limits.
Farmers in states like Maine and Michigan, where PFAS contamination has already been detected, are particularly wary. The USDA has not yet issued specific guidelines for these new approvals, leaving many growers uncertain about how to proceed.
This development comes amid ongoing efforts to regulate PFAS in drinking water, with the EPA setting enforceable limits for six PFAS in 2024. However, agricultural uses remain a gap in federal oversight, and advocacy groups are urging Congress to act.
