EPA Approves New Chemical Pesticides Amid Health Concerns

Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gave the green light to several new chemical pesticides, raising alarms from the Center for Biological Diversity and other organizations about potential health risks for Americans.

These groups highlight that some of the newly approved pesticides include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), among other chemicals linked to severe health issues like cancer. Specifically, the EPA approved pesticides such as diflufenican, epirifenacil, and trifludimoxazine, which became available for use on June 30th. Previous research by the Center for Biological Diversity indicated that these pesticides break down into smaller PFAS compounds, such as trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), raising concerns about water contamination. Notably, epirifenacil has been shown to cause liver tumors in male mice, according to the Food Safety Center. The EPA has also stated that there’s evidence suggesting trifludimoxazine could be carcinogenic.

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) defines PFAS as chemicals with single fluorinated carbon molecules, often referred to as “forever chemicals” given their long-lasting nature. These compounds are resistant to breakdown, which can lead to significant public health risks. As reported by Newsweek, the newly approved pesticides include diflufenican, epirifenacil, and trifludimoxazine, all of which consist of a single fluorinated carbon molecule.

However, the EPA has rejected the OECD’s definition in a statement, indicating that it defines PFAS as chemicals with two or more fluorinated carbons. The agency argues that this distinction is important and based on substantial scientific evidence. They emphasized that single fluorinated carbon molecules do not exhibit the same environmental persistence or bioaccumulation associated with true PFAS.

According to the EPA, the OECD lacks regulatory authority on this topic, and their definitions are merely starting points for reference, allowing for flexibility based on specific needs.

Meanwhile, the National Institute of Health and Environmental Health notes that any compound with at least one carbon-fluorine bond is considered to be a PFAS.

Interestingly, in 2025, Denmark revoked approval for 23 pesticides—including diflufenican—partly due to suspected TFA contamination, as noted by the Center for Biological Diversity.

The EPA maintains that it applies strict standards during its reviews, claiming that its decision-making process encompasses comprehensive toxicity testing, safety assessments for children, and evaluations for environmental impact, among others.

Despite the EPA’s efforts to address these concerns, the Center for Biological Diversity expresses skepticism about the agency’s dismissal of risks associated with monofluorinated carbon-containing chemicals. They argue that these chemicals can remain in the environment for extended periods, potentially degrading to harmful levels of TFA.

As of now, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has not provided any comments regarding the situation.