California agriculture is facing a serious forever chemical problem, and environmental advocates say the scope is far bigger than most people realize. According to The Guardian, farms across the state applied an average of 2.5 million pounds of Pfas every year between 2018 and 2023. The findings come from a new review by the Environmental Working Group, which analyzed state pesticide records and found roughly 15 million pounds of these chemicals were sprayed on crops like almonds, pistachios, tomatoes, alfalfa and wine grapes.
Pfas are a family of more than sixteen thousand compounds designed to resist water and heat. They linger in soil, water and the wider environment because they do not naturally break down. Research has linked them to a long list of serious health issues including cancer, kidney disease, immune disorders and birth defects. For water rich fruits and vegetables, the risk of chemical uptake is especially high, and the same danger extends to farm workers who often live and work closest to contaminated fields.
The review identified fifty one Pfas used across fifty eight counties, with the highest concentrations in Fresno, Kern, San Joaquin, Napa and Riverside. Many of these pesticides use short chain Pfas, which move quickly through air and water and break down into Tfa, a compound now accumulating worldwide at levels higher than almost any other Pfas. Some industry voices claim short chains are safer, but existing studies suggest the opposite and show real harm to people and the Earth.
While the European Union has already banned several of the chemicals sprayed on California crops, the United States has been far slower. Some of the chemicals are used directly to kill pests and weeds, while others are added as inert ingredients meant to boost pesticide performance on fields and even on pets. The result is a steady stream of toxic Pollution released into food and water systems every single year.
As awareness grows, so does public pressure. Choosing vegan and plant based foods from trusted sources is one simple way to Support a healthier future for people and the earth. Small shifts help push agriculture toward safer and cleaner choices.
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