SACRAMENTO, CA - A groundbreaking analysis has exposed the alarming extent of PFAS contamination in California's food supply, revealing that 37% of conventionally grown produce is tainted with these toxic “forever chemicals.” This crisis demands immediate and decisive action to protect public health, particularly for vulnerable communities who bear a disproportionate burden of environmental injustice.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) analysis of California Department of Pesticide Regulation data paints a disturbing picture. Common fruits like peaches, strawberries, and grapes, often staples in children's diets, show alarmingly high rates of contamination. This is especially troubling given the known health risks associated with PFAS exposure, including cancer, kidney disease, immune disorders, and birth defects.

The fact that 90% of peaches, plums, and nectarines, and 80% of strawberries and grapes tested positive for PFAS residues underscores the pervasiveness of this problem. Bernadette Del Chiaro, senior vice-president of EWG’s California operations, rightly points out the shock and concern this information will generate among consumers, especially parents.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a class of over 16,000 synthetic chemicals prized for their water, stain, and heat-resistant properties. However, their persistence in the environment – earning them the moniker “forever chemicals” – poses a grave threat to human health and ecological integrity. The unchecked use of PFAS in pesticides is a clear example of prioritizing corporate profits over public well-being.

The proposed California legislation to ban PFAS as active ingredients in pesticides by 2035 is a step in the right direction, but it doesn't go far enough. The timeline is too slow, and interim measures like warning labels are insufficient to adequately protect the public. We need an immediate moratorium on the use of PFAS pesticides and a rapid transition to safer, sustainable agricultural practices.

The EPA's past actions, including attempts to discredit researchers highlighting the dangers of PFAS and the Trump administration's approval of new PFAS for use on crops, demonstrate a clear pattern of regulatory capture and disregard for public health. The Biden administration must reverse this trend and prioritize the health and safety of all Americans over the interests of powerful chemical companies.