Toxic Pfas residue identified on 37% of California produce, new analysis finds

Toxic Pfas residue identified on 37% of California produce, new analysis finds Peaches, strawberries and grapes were almost always found to be contaminated with ‘forever chemicals’ in the analysis Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox A first-of-its-kind analysis has identified Pfas pesticide residues on 37% of conventional California produce, with peaches, strawberries and grapes almost always found to be contaminated with the toxic “forever chemicals”. The analysis coincided with the introduction of California legislation that would by 2035 fully ban Pfas from being used as active ingredients in pesticides, and require warning labels and other restrictions in the meantime. The Environmental Working Group non-profit conducted the analysis of California department of pesticide regulation residue testing records. It found about 90% of peaches, plums and nectarines contained Pfas residues, while 80% of strawberries and grapes showed them. Those levels are especially alarming because children commonly eat fruits like grapes and strawberries, and children are most at risk from the chemicals’ toxic effects, said Bernadette Del Chiaro, senior vice-president of EWG’s California operations. “Most consumers don’t expect to find Pfas ‘forever chemicals’ on their strawberries – I think this information is shocking to most people,” Del Chiaro added. Pfas are a class of at least 16,000 compounds typically used to make common products that resist water, stains and heat. They are called “forever chemicals” because they do not naturally break down and accumulate, and are linked to cancer, kidney disease, liver problems, immune disorders, birth defects and other serious health problems. Advocates began sounding the alarm over Pfas in pesticides in 2023. The Environmental Protection Agency under Joe Biden attempted to discredit the author of one study that identified the chemicals in pesticides, while, under Donald Trump, the EPA has increased ...