Widespread Forever Chemicals In Pesticides Threaten Everyone’s Health

forever chemicals. pesticides.

For decades, scientists have raised concerns about the widespread use of forever chemicals because of their toxicity. These forever chemicals get their name from their molecular bonds as they break down incredibly slowly, taking hundreds of years to complete. These chemicals are often used for clothing and cookware and are sometimes found in tap water.  Because of these exposures, they are also found in some people’s bloodstream.

What’s more? Research has shown that common pesticides are spreading these toxic chemicals even faster. According to a review paper published in Environmental Pollution, around 70% of all pesticides in the global market contained these chemicals and other related compounds from 2015 to 2020. To make it worse, the potential impact of these chemicals on human health and the environment isn’t fully understood.

What Are Forever Chemicals?

Forever chemicals go by various names such as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) or perfluoroalkyl. Mostly, they’re a subset of what are called fluorinated chemicals, which have a carbon-fluorine bond that makes these chemicals highly stable. Not only that but they’re used in products designed for repelling grease and water, as they don’t biodegrade quickly. 

Although many governments are trying to limit the use of PFAs, their efforts are hindered by a lack of understanding of how these drugs work. Specifically, they haven’t figured out which fluorinated chemicals are actually PFAs. Due to their misunderstanding, people and the environment are more likely to be harmed. Furthermore, multiple countries have different classifications for these chemicals, resulting in harmful exposures in many communities. Ultimately, exposures can happen from spraying pesticides on crops containing fluorinated compounds. 

The Negative Effects of Fluorinated Pesticides

https://gty.im/2154766032

Moreover, pesticides containing fluorinated chemicals are known as fluorinated pesticides. While they can address many problems in agriculture, research still needs to be done to ensure that they’re used in a safe way to avoid harming people and the environment.

Since the 1940s, fluorinated chemicals and PFASs have largely been used in consumer products. Due to being found in human bodies and water, the Environmental Protection Agency would investigate the impact of PFASs during the 1990s. Surprisingly, research showed that the majority of U.S. citizens have low levels of these chemicals in their blood. 

Even more, these forever chemicals may cause debilitating health issues such as kidney and testicular cancers, thyroid disease, and reproductive disorders. Additionally, these chemicals are linked to an increased risk of a COVID-19 diagnosis. 

The Most Common Fluorinated Pesticides

So far, bifenthrin is the most commonly used fluorinated pesticide because it’s the main ingredient in many crops such as corn, vegetables, soy, and a few others. These pesticides can also control many insects and pests by targeting their central nervous system. 

How bifenthrin affects human beings is still widely unknown, but there may be a risk of neurotoxicity from chronic exposure. In fact, The EPA has classified these pesticides as a potential human carcinogen. Still, concerns surrounding the risk of bifenthrin aren’t a priority so long as people don’t overconsume it. 

However, the pesticide has been found in many foods such as collard greens, spinach, sweet potatoes, and other foods that far exceed these safety levels. Unfortunately, removing these pesticides requires an extra scrubbing because of bifenthrin’s oil.

The Government’s Response to Growing Concerns

With these growing concerns, the U.S. government has weighed numerous bipartisan bills that would ban these chemicals from being used in cookware and food containers. Along with these bipartisan bills, the EPA is required to prevent PFAS pollution with comprehensive action. For instance, they could place limits on drinking water to decrease this pollution and keep people safe. 

Currently, the EPA, under the Biden administration, has created a guideline called, PFAs Strategic Roadmap, that lays out plans to address the crisis. So far, eight states have outright banned PFASs in consumer products, mostly food packages, but for some reason haven’t addressed these chemicals in pesticides.

For More Great Content

Total Apex is an all-encompassing content producer. We provide heavily-detailed articles every day on entertainment, gaming, sports, and so much more! Check out all our great sports content Total Apex Sports. Check us out on X @TotalApexEandG and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports.

Disclaimer: This article is intended simply to provide information. It does not replace the medical advice of a physician or other medical professional. Please speak with your doctor or therapist if you have any questions or concerns.

More Great Reads

Donald Trump signs executive order

Trump Signs Executive Order Requiring Voters to Have Proof of Citizenship

This week, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that he says will strengthen the enforcement of federal election law ...
Maryland Father Wrongfully Deported

Maryland Father Sues Trump Administration For Wrongful Deportation

President Donald Trump and his administration recently deported a Maryland Father due to a clerical error. The administration has made ...
Body Composition

Understanding Body Composition: Unlock Your Best Self in 2025

Your body is more than just a number on a scale. Understanding body composition can help you take control of ...
Aerial view of dramatic consequences of massive hurricane with ruined houses and kindling woods lying on green lawn

Severe Weather Sweeps The United States

Recently, weather conditions around the United States have been dire. Dramatic meteorological events have occurred throughout the country. Dust storms, ...
Ted Bundy

Ted Bundy’s Reign of Terror From 1974 to 1978

Theodore Robert Cowell, famously known as Ted Bundy, was born in Burlington, Vermont, on November 24, 1946, to a young ...

Join Our Newsletter

Scroll to Top