The Trump administration has approved the use of cancer-linked pesticides diflufenican and epyrifenacil, both PFAS forever chemicals.
Neither pesticide has ever been used in the United States before. pic.twitter.com/F1S82Prbua
— FactPost (@factpostnews) June 30, 2026
Diflufenican and epyrifenacil approved for corn, soybeans and other crops.
Both classified as PFAS forever chemicals or break down into them.
EPA also approved expanded use of another PFAS pesticide bifenthrin.
Approvals come despite concerns over persistence and health risks.
Environmental groups call it a rollback of protections.
Approving persistent chemicals on food crops prioritizes industry over long-term health and environment.
This clashes with “Make America Healthy Again” messaging while adding more forever chemicals to the food chain.
Expect lawsuits and more debate as these new pesticides hit fields.
Center for Biological Diversity on approvals: https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/trump-epa-approves-two-more-forever-chemical-pesticides-for-use-on-most-widely-grown-us-crops-2026-06-30/
Common Dreams coverage: https://www.commondreams.org/news/maha-trump-pesticide-dispute