Annisa, Forever chemicals (PFAS) are toxic compounds that research has linked to various diseases, including cancer, immune disorders, thyroid issues, kidney and liver conditions, and more. So why did California allow farms to spray an average of 2.5 million pounds of PFAS each year on crops that we eat?
Over the course of 6 years, from 2018 to 2023, the amount of PFAS sprayed on crops amounted to around 15 million pounds. This is because most pesticides contain PFAS — even the pesticides that the U.S. government has approved for use on food supplies. In fact, one report showed that upwards of 60% of active ingredients in most pesticides qualified as PFAS!
Even worse, PFAS are attracted to water, meaning some fruits and vegetables end up absorbing more of the toxic forever chemicals. This includes water-intensive produce items like grapes, tomatoes, and alfalfa, as well as various nuts, including almonds and pistachios.
And then, what happens after forever chemicals are applied to our food items? They're harvested, taken to grocery stores, and then... we eat them. We feed them to our families and children.
Luckily, some parts of the world are taking action. The European Union has begun banning PFAS in certain pesticides, and is considering a larger plan to phase out PFAS use entirely.
If the European Union can do this, then so can California. As the nation's largest agricultural producer, it has an obligation to prioritize the nation's health! Sign the petition to demand an immediate ban on toxic forever chemicals on farms in California! |
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