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EPA Approves Three Pesticides Amid Cancer, PFAS Concerns

7/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

EPA approved epyrifenacil, diflufenican and trifludimoxazin for use on several U.S. crops.
EPA classified the pesticides as single-fluorinated compounds outside its PFAS definition, citing cancer risk for trifludimoxazin and thyroid and liver effects in animals.
Center for Biological Diversity director Nathan Donley warned that breakdown into trifluoroacetic acid could cause lasting environmental damage, fueling debate over the chemicals’ PFAS “forever chemicals” status.

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Story summary

EPA approved epyrifenacil, diflufenican and trifludimoxazin for use on several U.S. crops.
EPA classified the pesticides as single-fluorinated compounds outside its PFAS definition, citing cancer risk for trifludimoxazin and thyroid and liver effects in animals.
Center for Biological Diversity director Nathan Donley warned that breakdown into trifluoroacetic acid could cause lasting environmental damage, fueling debate over the chemicals’ PFAS “forever chemicals” status.