CA Pesticides Now Tracked for 'Forever Chemicals'

California is enhancing its oversight of agricultural practices by mandating the tracking of pesticides containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as 'forever chemicals.' Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation this week that requires the state's Department of Pesticide Regulation to document the use of these chemicals in a public database.

The new law also mandates trend analysis of PFAS pesticide usage within California, a state critical to US agriculture, producing nearly half of its vegetables and over three-quarters of its fruits and nuts. Environmental groups, like the Environmental Working Group, supported the bill, anticipating that improved data on PFAS application and impact will pave the way for future regulatory actions.

Research from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has established links between PFAS exposure and adverse health outcomes, including cancer and compromised immune function. While an earlier, more stringent version of the bill that proposed prohibiting new PFAS pesticide approvals faced opposition from agricultural groups, the current legislation represents a significant step toward greater transparency and future control over these concerning substances.