Governor Newsom signs law to track PFAS in California pesticides — The Hill

In California, United States, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1603 into law, requiring the California Department of Pesticide Regulation to identify pesticides containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the state’s public database. As The Hill reports, the new requirements are intended to provide environmental and health agencies with more information about the use of PFAS on the state’s agricultural land.

Pesticide data

California is the largest producer of agricultural products in the United States. The state produces nearly half of the country’s vegetables and more than three-quarters of the fruits and nuts grown in the United States.

The bill’s author, California Assemblymember Nick Schultz, said that families should know what substances are sprayed on food products. According to him, tracking and monitoring are a necessary first step.

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From a ban to monitoring

An earlier version of the bill would have prohibited California regulators from approving new pesticides containing PFAS. Agricultural groups opposed the proposal. Legislators later removed the ban and retained the requirement to collect and publish information on the use of such pesticides.

What are PFAS

PFAS are a large group of synthetic chemicals often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they break down very slowly in the environment and the human body. They can be found in various commercial products, including Teflon cookware, raincoats and fast-food packaging. Some PFAS are linked to certain types of cancer, elevated cholesterol levels and serious adverse effects on the immune system.