Danish farmers set PFAS pesticide record

Danish farmers sprayed a record 196 tons of PFAS pesticides from August 1, 2022, to July 31, 2023, surpassing the previous record of 117 tons. The use continues despite experts’ warnings about PFAS accumulation in humans and the environment. These chemicals are used to combat potato blight, which thrived in 2023’s wet conditions. Resistance to pesticides, similar to bacterial resistance to antibiotics, complicates the situation. To combat this, experts recommend using a mix of substances with various mechanisms. Pesticides breaking down into TFA may threaten groundwater, with an estimated 7 to 50 tons annually reaching it. PFAS, often called ‘forever chemicals,’ are also used in various consumer products and are linked to health risks like cancer, immune disorders, and hormonal disruptions.