EPA denies approving pesticides containing PFAS

On Nov. 24, 2025, several major US news outlets reported that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the use of 10 pesticides that contain isocycloseram, otherwise known as a PFAS, or “forever chemical.” Among its approved applications were agricultural, turf, and indoor pest control use.

Studies have shown that among the risks of PFAS exposure are reproductive and liver toxicity and low birth weight, and environmental advocates say the EPA’s decision ignores this evidence.

Researchers say isocycloseram is highly persistent and toxic to insect pollinators, raising concerns about its ecological and public health impacts.

However, on its website, the EPA is disputing these claims, referring to them as “fake news from Democrats and their media allies.” The statement continues, “...protecting American families remains the top priority—ensuring that every approved pesticide undergoes thorough safety evaluation and poses no health risks when used as directed.”

The EPA argues that, in 2023, its Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics officially defined PFAS as chemicals containing two or more fluorinated carbons. Additionally, they assert that it was under the Biden Administration that the EPA ruled that single fluorinated compounds like isocycloseram are not PFAS.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin posted on X, “...it was the BIDEN ADMIN in a public rulemaking that defined PFAS in 2023, and guess what, it specifically excluded single fluorinated compounds, so the Democrats aren’t just fear mongering, they are outright lying. Sound, gold-standard science is what drives ALL of these reviews. It’s the only way to operate.”

It seems all we can do is hope Biden’s EPA got it right about isocycloseram and other single fluorinated compounds, but I struggle to feel optimistic. How about you?