From packaging to fields, exploring the routes of contamination and strategies for an agricultural future free of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFSA)

Research carried out by the European Pesticide Action Network (PAN Europe) reveals a disturbing increase in contamination by perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals", in fruit and vegetables consumed in the European Union.

These chemical compounds, characterized by their incredible resistance to environmental degradation and their potential risks to human health, have been reported for their increasingly frequent presence in crops following use in pesticides, despite the European Commission abandoning plans to ban them last year.

The Use of PFAS in Agriculture

The use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS) in agriculture, while not the most well-known or widespread application of these chemicals, can occur in various forms, often linked indirectly through the use of industrial products that contain PFAS or environmental contamination rather than direct use on crops.

These compounds are used in numerous industries for their unique properties, including heat resistance, ability to repel oil and water, and chemical stability.

Let's look at some ways in which PFAS may find themselves involved in agricultural contexts:

Food Packaging: PFAS are often used in food packaging due to their non-stick, water- and oil-resistant properties. This packaging can be used to transport and store agricultural products, increasing the risk of indirect contamination of food products.

Soil and Crop Treatment Products: Some products used to improve crop resistance to the elements or to treat soils may contain PFAS. These applications are generally rarer and subject to regulation in many jurisdictions.

Contaminated Water: The use of PFAS-contaminated water for irrigation is one of the primary routes through which these compounds can enter the agricultural system. PFAS, due to their resistance to degradation, can accumulate in the environment, including water sources used in agriculture.

Biosolids as Fertilizers: Biosolids, which are treated wastewater byproducts, can be used as fertilizers in agriculture. If wastewater contains PFAS, these compounds can accumulate in biosolids and, when applied to fields, can contaminate soil and, consequently, agricultural products.

The specific use of PFAS in agriculture is limited, but their widespread presence in the environment and in various products can lead to indirect contamination. Growing awareness of the health and environmental risks associated with PFAS has led to increased scrutiny and calls to regulate and limit their use.

Reducing exposure to PFAS in agriculture and other sectors requires a holistic approach that includes monitoring and cleaning up sources of contamination, developing safer alternatives, and regulating the use of these persistent chemical compounds.

Growth in the Presence of PFAS in Agriculture

The temporal analysis of the decade 2011-2021 shows that the presence of PFAS residues in agricultural products has drastically increased, highlighting a growth of 220% in fruit and 274% in contaminated vegetables.

The use of these substances in different industrial applications, such as non-stick coatings, heat-resistant and waterproof materials, as well as food packaging, significantly contributes to their spread in the environment and, consequently, in the food chain.

The phenomenon is all the more worrying considering that in 2021, 20% of fruit produced in the EU was contaminated with residues of at least one PFAS. The alarm was further strengthened by the appeal by four EU member states and Norway to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) for a new risk assessment associated with these compounds in early 2023.

Despite the introduction of a "chemical strategy for sustainability" by the European Commission in 2020, aimed at phasing out PFAS unless they are essential to society, no concrete steps have yet been taken to limit their use.

This highlights gaps in current pesticide risk assessments and the need for stronger action to protect public health and the environment.

The persistence and toxic properties of PFAS should have accelerated their ban, according to Angeliki Lysimachou, chief scientist at PAN Europe. The most alarming data comes from Austria and Greece, where the greatest increases in PFAS contamination are recorded.

The most frequently detected substances include the fungicide fluopyram, the insecticide flonicamid, and the fungicide trifloxystrobin.

The distinction between fruit and vegetables shows that, although a lower percentage of vegetables (12%) are contaminated than fruit (20%), some vegetables have contamination rates comparable to those of the most affected fruits. In particular, chicory, cucumbers and peppers show high levels of PFAS residues, as do strawberries, peaches and apricots among fruits.

Solutions to Reduce the Environmental and Health Impact of PFSAs

To address the problem of PFAS and reduce their environmental and health impacts, coordinated action is needed that includes:

Strengthening legislation: Impose tighter restrictions on the use of PFAS in industrial and agricultural products, promoting safer alternatives.

Deeper risk assessment: Improve assessment methodologies to consider the cumulative and long-term effect of PFAS on human health and the environment.

Developing purification technologies: Invest in research into effective methods to remove PFAS from water and soil, thereby limiting exposure through consumption of food and drinking water.

Promotion of organic farming: Encourage agricultural practices that do not rely on dangerous chemicals, offering consumers healthier alternatives.

To defend against Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS), it is essential to adopt a multidimensional approach that involves both the prevention of contamination and the treatment of pollutants already present in the environment and living organisms.

Furthermore, a detailed understanding of the effects of PFAS on human and animal health is crucial to developing effective mitigation strategies.

Effects of PFAS on Humans and Animals

PFAS have been associated with a variety of adverse effects on human and animal health. These effects are due to their ability to resist environmental and biological degradation, accumulating in living organisms.

Effects on Human Health

Immune System Dysfunctions: Exposure to PFAS can reduce the immune response, making individuals more susceptible to infections.

Reproductive Effects: Some studies have linked exposure to PFAS to reduced fertility rates, delays in prenatal development and hormonal changes.

Impact on Metabolism: There is a correlation between PFAS and increased cholesterol, changes in lipid metabolism and potential development of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Cancer: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a type of PFAS, has been classified as a possible human carcinogen, with studies suggesting a link to some types of cancer, such as kidney and testicular cancer.

Effects on Animals

Acute and Chronic Toxicity: Animals exposed to PFAS can suffer from acute toxic effects and long-term accumulation leading to vital organ failure.

Alterations in Behavior and Reproduction: Exposure to PFAS can negatively affect animal reproduction and cause changes in behavior, potentially compromising the survival of species.

Impacts on Aquatic Ecosystems: Aquatic animals, such as fish and shellfish, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of PFAS, which can alter the food chain and the balance of ecosystems.

The fight against PFAS requires globally coordinated action, focused on prevention, innovation and mitigation. Reducing human and animal exposure to PFAS and finding safer alternatives are crucial steps to protect public health and the integrity of ecosystems.