Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also referred to as ‘forever chemicals’, are a group of over 10,000 manufactured chemicals internationally recognised for harmful health and environmental impacts. While discussion has largely focused on PFAS in consumer goods, such as food packaging and textiles, far less attention has been given to their role in agriculture. Yet PFAS pesticides represent a significant and direct pathway through which PFAS enters the environment, contaminating crops, soil and water sources. Our new report reveals on-going widespread use of PFAS pesticides in the UK and a deepening divergence between UK and EU standards, highlighting the critical need to incorporate pesticides within wider PFAS pollution discussions.
PFAS pesticide use in the UK
In our new report, we investigate latest pesticide usage data published for 2023-2024 to establish the prevalence of PFAS pesticide use in the UK. Our analysis revealed that currently at least 30 PFAS active substances are approved for use in Great Britain and remain widely used across UK agriculture[1]. In fact, PFAS pesticides made up approximately 14% of the top 50 most commonly applied pesticides between 2023 and 2024, largely unchanged from 13% in 2021 and 2022.
Furthermore, our analysis revealed that the UK are continuing to use PFAS active substances now withdrawn in Denmark and in some cases, the EU, in significant quantities. From 2014 to 2024, more than 34 million hectares of UK arable crops (an area greater than the size of Finland) were applied with PFAS active substances that are now withdrawn from use in Denmark due to environmental and health concerns.
[1] Pesticide usage statistics are reported for the UK as a whole. However, when it comes to which pesticide active substances are approved, Northern Ireland continues to follow EU legislation on plant protection products (PPP) under the EU Withdrawal Agreement’s Windsor Framework.
PFAS pesticides & TFA
A key driver behind why regulatory attention on PFAS pesticides in the EU is increasing, is because of their association with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). TFA is an ultrashort-chain PFAS that often forms from the breakdown of larger PFAS, such as those used in pesticides. Once formed, it is extremely persistent, highly mobile in water, and difficult to remove. Previous research undertaken by Fidra and the University of York found TFA pollution to already be widespread across UK rivers, with TFA detected at 98% of the 54 sites tested.
Just last week, the Risk Assessment Committee of the European Chemicals Agency concluded that TFA should be classified as toxic to reproduction, persistent, mobile and toxic (PMT) and very persistent and very mobile (vPvM). This update is a crucial step in recognising TFA’s potential risks to human health and the environment. In the EU, it would mean TFA is now considered a “toxicologically relevant” metabolite of PFAS pesticides, triggering stricter legal thresholds. Under EU standards, such substances should not exceed 0.1 µg/L in groundwater, a level already surpassed in many regions across Europe contaminated with TFA. Some EU Member States have already begun to take action, in 2025, Denmark restricted six PFAS active substances used in over 30 pesticide products, because of their potential to degrade into TFA.
Growing pressure to phase out PFAS pesticides
Recognising the risks posed by PFAS, the EU is progressing towards a universal restriction on all 10,000+ substances. However, this proposal does not currently include PFAS pesticides as active substances. Earlier this year, ECHA’s committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) published its draft opinion on the EU’s proposed universal PFAS restriction. This expert committee concluded that the proposed group-based restriction is the most appropriate measure to address PFAS but highlighted that the current exclusion of PFAS pesticide active ingredients is inconsistent with the rest of the restriction proposal, recommending they be brought within scope alongside other omitted sectors. SEAC’s draft opinion is hoped to be finalised by the end of 2026 and will then be sent alongside the Committee for Risk Assessment’s (RAC) opinion, to the European Commission to determine the final restriction.
As mentioned, countries like Denmark have already taken proactive steps, withdrawing several PFAS pesticide active ingredients due to environmental and health concerns. In contrast, the UK continues to permit the use of these substances, despite mounting evidence and international action. However, change may be on the horizon – the proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement could require realignment with EU pesticide regulations. This would mark a positive shift and provide a strong baseline from which the UK could continue to reduce its reliance on harmful chemical inputs, including PFAS pesticides, and shift towards more sustainable agricultural practises.
Earlier this year, the UK’s Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) assessed the Government’s approach to addressing PFAS, including its newly published PFAS plan. The EAC concluded that the Government’s current commitments do not go far enough to address the scale of the PFAS pollution crisis. Within its recommendations, the committee specifically highlights the need for rapid restrictions on non-essential uses of PFAS and the importance of addressing PFAS entering the food chain such as through food packaging, sewage sludge and pesticides. The Government’s response to the EAC is expected soon and will be a key moment in shaping future PFAS policy.
The path forward
Fidra and other environmental NGOs are calling on the UK government to commit to a universal restriction on PFAS which includes pesticides.
The evidence is clear – PFAS pesticides are a significant source of environmental contamination in the UK. Despite growing awareness of PFAS risks, their use in agriculture remains widespread, with years of application spanning the equivalent of millions of hectares. At the same time, emerging science particularly around TFA has strengthened the case for urgent action.
To meaningfully address PFAS pollution, UK policymakers must commit to a comprehensive restriction on all 10,000+ PFAS, including use in pesticides. This should complement broader commitments to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and support farmers to transition to more sustainable practices.
Read our new report on PFAS pesticide use in 2023 and 2024: