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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Environment
Tom Perkins

Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ detected in commonly used insecticides in US, study finds

A farmer spreads pesticide on a field in Centreville, Maryland, in April.
A farmer spreads pesticide on a field in Centreville, Maryland, in April. Photograph: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images

Toxic PFAS chemicals have been detected in seven out of 10 insecticides tested in the US, according to new research. Six contained what the study’s lead author characterized as “screamingly high” levels of PFOS, one of the most dangerous PFAS compounds.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has known about the findings for more than 18 months but appears to have not yet investigated the products or taken any action against the manufacturer.

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