Forever chemicals in pesticides: New studies reveal alarming epigenetic effects and rising health risks
By isabelle // 2025-01-20
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  • Endocrine-disrupting pesticides (EDPs), including PFAS, are linked to epigenetic changes, multigenerational health risks, and diseases like cancer and immune disorders.
  • PFAS-laced pesticides are found in food, household products, and fluorinated plastic containers, exposing humans through food, air, and skin contact.
  • Regulatory agencies like the EPA are criticized for inadequate oversight and waiving critical toxicity studies for pesticides.
  • Organic land management is urged as a safer alternative to petrochemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.
  • Immediate action is needed to address the rising contamination and long-term health impacts of EDPs on future generations.
A growing body of research is sounding the alarm on the widespread use of endocrine-disrupting pesticides (EDPs), particularly per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are increasingly found in agricultural and household products. These "forever chemicals," known for their persistence in the environment and human body, are now linked to epigenetic changes that can alter gene expression and lead to multigenerational health risks. Despite mounting evidence, regulatory agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continue to approve these chemicals, raising concerns about their long-term impact on public health. A recent review published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety by researchers from Hebei Agricultural University and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences highlights the epigenetic effects of EDPs, including PFAS. These chemicals mimic natural hormones, disrupting endocrine systems and leading to reproductive issues, cancer, immune disorders, and developmental problems. Epigenetic changes, which alter gene expression without modifying the DNA sequence, can occur through mechanisms like DNA methylation and chromatin modifications. For example, studies show that exposure to the fungicide flutolanil increases DNA methylation in zebrafish ovaries, causing endocrine disruption and developmental harm in offspring. Similarly, the insecticide sulfoxaflor disrupts steroid hormone biosynthesis in bees, while the fungicide epoxiconazole interferes with fetal development by altering maternal steroid hormone levels. “These chemicals can interfere with the normal functioning of target tissues by altering their response to hormonal signals, thereby affecting various physiological processes including reproduction, development, the nervous system, the immune system, and even the process of carcinogenesis [causing cancer],” the researchers wrote.

How are we exposed?

EDPs enter the human body through food, air, and skin contact. PFAS-laced pesticides are commonly used on staple crops like corn, wheat, and strawberries, as well as in household products like flea treatments and insect sprays. A study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that 14% of U.S. pesticide active ingredients are PFAS, with nearly one-third of newly approved ingredients in the past decade containing these chemicals. PFAS are also leaching into pesticides from fluorinated plastic containers, a process that creates long-chain PFAS like PFOA and PFOS, which are linked to cancer and immune system damage. “This is truly frightening news,” said Nathan Donley of the Center for Biological Diversity. “Lacing pesticides with forever chemicals is likely burdening the next generation with more chronic diseases and impossible cleanup responsibilities.”

Regulatory failures

Critics argue that the EPA’s regulatory framework is ill-equipped to address the risks posed by PFAS and other EDPs. The agency often waives immunotoxicity study requirements for pesticides, limiting its ability to detect harm. “The blame for this contamination crisis lies squarely on the EPA’s shoulders,” said Kyla Bennett of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility. The researchers emphasize that the biological mechanisms of EDPs are not fully understood, making it difficult to assess their cumulative and synergistic effects. “Combined exposure to multiple EDPs has been indicated to have a synergistic effect,” they noted, calling for a comprehensive evaluation of pesticide toxicity. Advocates urge the adoption of organic land management practices to eliminate the use of petrochemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. “Organic methods safeguard public health and biodiversity,” said Beyond Pesticides, a nonprofit organization advocating for safer alternatives. As PFAS contamination continues to rise, the need for stricter regulations and better oversight is clear. Without immediate action, the long-term health consequences of these endocrine-disrupting chemicals will only grow, leaving future generations to bear the burden. The evidence is undeniable: PFAS and other endocrine-disrupting pesticides pose a significant threat to human health and the environment. From altering gene expression to contaminating waterways, these chemicals are leaving a toxic legacy that demands urgent attention. As regulators grapple with the complexity of these substances, the public must push for safer alternatives and stricter oversight to protect our health and the planet.   Sources for this article include: BeyondPesticides.org EWG.org CNN.com
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