A Research-backed explanation, practical choices, and how this could affect people with autoimmune disease.
The Washington Post reported this week that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved pesticides that contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — the so-called “forever chemicals” — for use on food crops like lettuce, broccoli, potatoes and more. These approvals (including chemicals with names like cyclobutrifluram and isocycloseram) have alarmed scientists, public-health advocates and state regulators because PFAS are persistent in the environment, bioaccumulate, and have been linked to cancer, reproductive problems and immune disruption. (The Washington Post)
If you’re living with an autoimmune disease or protecting someone who is, this development is especially worth paying attention to. Below I break down the science and the practical steps you can take to reduce your risk — without panic, but with real precautions.
What are PFAS and why are they used in pesticides?
PFAS are a large family of synthetic chemicals prized in industry because they repel water, oil and heat and are extremely stable. That same stability is what gives them the nickname “forever chemicals” — they persist in soil, water and living tissues for years or decades. Some pesticide manufacturers add fluorinated (PFAS-class) ingredients because they can increase a pesticide’s stability, spreading, or efficacy. (Environmental Health Perspectives)
Key point: PFAS don’t break down. Ever. If they’re sprayed on crops, they can remain in the environment, move into soil and water, and — in many cases — end up on or inside food. (Environmental Health Perspectives)
What did the Washington Post and other outlets report? (Short version)
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The Washington Post reported the EPA approved new pesticide products that contain fluorinated compounds classified by many scientists and environmental groups as PFAS; these approvals include use on food crops. (The Washington Post)
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Environmental groups (e.g., EWG, Center for Biological Diversity) and some states have documented that millions of pounds of PFAS-containing pesticides have already been used on farms, and they are pushing back on the EPA approvals. (EWG)
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Scientists and public health groups warn that increasing the use of PFAS in pesticides risks more contamination of food and drinking water, and could worsen health outcomes tied to PFAS exposure. (PMC)
How PFAS exposure affects the immune system (and why this matters for autoimmune disease)
There is growing, robust evidence that PFAS can impair immune function. The clearest human signal so far is that higher PFAS exposure is associated with reduced antibody responses to vaccines, and other studies link PFAS to changes in immune markers and higher rates of some infections. This is strong evidence that PFAS are immunotoxic. (PMC)
Why this matters for people with autoimmune disease:
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Autoimmune disease involves an already dysregulated immune system. Adding an immunotoxic chemical that disrupts immune signaling could plausibly worsen immune dysregulation or interfere with how the immune system responds to triggers. While direct causal studies specifically showing PFAS causing autoimmunity are still emerging, PFAS have been associated with immune dysfunction and altered vaccine response — and immune disruption is central to autoimmune disease. (PMC)
How these pesticides could end up on your plate (pathways of exposure)
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Direct pesticide residues on the surface or inside produce (some pesticides penetrate peels). New research shows certain residues can migrate into the fruit/vegetable tissue, making surface washing less effective for some chemicals. (EHN)
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Soil uptake — PFAS in soil can be taken up by plants and concentrate in edible tissues. (Environmental Health Perspectives)
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Water contamination — PFAS applied to fields can leach into groundwater or run off into surface water used for irrigation or drinking. (The Washington Post)
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Drift & worker exposure — airborne drift during application can contaminate neighboring fields, homes, and people (farmworkers are especially at risk). (Environmental Protection Agency)
Specific considerations for people with autoimmune disease
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PFAS can blunt vaccine responses and alter immune markers, which is especially concerning when your immune system is already dysregulated. Studies show PFAS exposure is tied to reduced antibody production after routine vaccinations — an example of PFAS altering how the immune system functions. For people relying on robust immune responses (for infections, vaccines, or immune regulation), adding PFAS exposure is not ideal. (PMC)
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Inflammation & immune signaling: PFAS have been linked in animal and some human studies to increased inflammation and changes in cytokines that modulate immune activity. Because autoimmune flares are often driven by inflammatory signaling, anything that nudges systemic inflammation upward can make symptom control harder. (Environmental Health Perspectives)
Bottom line: While PFAS in pesticides are not yet proven to cause autoimmune disease on their own, they are immunotoxic and persistent — and adding another immune stressor matters for people already living with immune dysregulation. Reducing exposure where you can is a reasonable, evidence-informed strategy.
Practical — and realistic — steps to reduce your exposure (what to do now)
I’ve aimed these suggestions at people who want real protection without paralysis. Pick one or two to start.
1. Prioritize water filtration (big impact)
If PFAS reach water, one major way they enter our bodies is drinking water. The EPA and independent experts point to reverse osmosis (RO) and granular activated carbon (GAC) systems (and certain ion-exchange units) as effective home treatments when properly certified and maintained. Look for NSF/ANSI testing or EPA guidance on certified filters for PFAS reduction. (Environmental Protection Agency)
Helpful links:
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EPA guide to PFAS-reducing filters. (Environmental Protection Agency)
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NSF/ANSI certification lists and guidance for filters (search for NSF/ANSI 53 or 58). (NSF International)
2. Trim high-exposure foods when possible (practical choices)
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Leafy greens and crops that are sprayed often may be more likely to have residues (the Washington Post article specifically mentioned lettuce and other vegetables used in salads). If you’re concerned, consider temporarily prioritizing produce items that are less likely to be sprayed with PFAS-containing pesticides or rotating the types of produce you buy. (The Washington Post)
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Peeling can remove some residues — research shows peeling can reduce some pesticides that penetrate peels — but it’s not a perfect solution and removes fiber/nutrients too. Washing still helps for surface residues. (EHN)
3. Choose trusted sources / local farmers you can ask
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Buy from local farmers markets or CSAs where you can ask about pesticide use. Small, transparent farms may avoid fluorinated pesticide ingredients. Some states and brands are already restricting PFAS use; buying from producers who explicitly avoid PFAS can reduce risk. (EWG)
4. Reduce processed/packaged fast food (packaging can contain PFAS)
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PFAS are used in grease- and water-resistant food packaging. Limiting fast-food packaging exposure (and transferring food to your own dishes when possible) reduces this pathway. (NRDC)
5. Advocate & stay informed
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Policy matters. States like Maine and Minnesota have pushed back and considered bans. Write to your state and federal representatives to express concern and push for stricter PFAS rules and pesticide transparency. Read EWG and local reports to learn where PFAS are being used near you. (The Guardian)
Final thoughts (how I’m approaching this, and how you might too)
This latest EPA approval of PFAS-containing pesticides is a wake-up call — a reminder that the chemicals used in agriculture matter to all of us, and especially to people whose immune systems are already under strain.
If you’re living with Hashimoto’s or another autoimmune disease, my approach is: reduce the big, avoidable sources of exposure, prioritize sleep and stress reduction (because stress amplifies immune vulnerability), filter the water you drink, and buy from transparent food sources when you can. Those steps are practical, effective, and doable even during busy, messy life seasons.
Practical FAQ
Q: Should I stop eating salad/produce?
A: No. Produce is still an important part of a healthy diet. But you can reduce risk by: prioritizing trusted/organic suppliers, peeling when appropriate, varying your produce choices, and using water filters for drinking and cooking when PFAS is a concern locally.
Q: Will cooking remove PFAS?
A: PFAS are chemically stable and not reliably destroyed by ordinary home cooking. That’s why preventing contamination (sourcing and filtration) is more effective than trying to “clean” foods after the fact.
Q: Are organic foods PFAS-free?
A: Organic certification prohibits many synthetic pesticides, but PFAS contamination is complicated (PFAS can persist in soil and water, and organic rules vary by country). Buying organic can reduce exposure to many conventional pesticides, but it may not fully eliminate PFAS risk if environmental contamination is present. Asking your supplier about pesticide use and PFAS avoidance is the best approach. Shop small!