Protect produce from PFAS: No forever chemicals in California pesticides | Opinion

California prides itself on setting the nation’s environmental standards. From vehicle emissions to plastic waste, we often lead while others follow.

But when it comes to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — also known as “forever chemicals” — in pesticides, California is falling behind.

As reported by the media, recent testing has found that a significant share of produce contains pesticide residues, and some of those pesticides are part of the PFAS chemical family. These chemicals, prized by manufacturers for their durability, can persist in the environment for decades. Some have been linked to cancer, immune system damage and developmental harm.

A California lawmaker wants to ban the use of long-lasting chemical pesticides in the state within a decade. Assembly Bill 1603, authored by Assemblymember Nick Schultz, D-Burbank, would ban the use, sale and manufacture of PFAS pesticides in California beginning in 2035. More than 20 of the chemicals already banned in the European Union would be prohibited earlier, starting in 2030.

If California wants to remain a world-leader in the environmental space, it cannot allow its farms to become a new pipeline for forever chemicals into our food and soil. Other states like Maine, Rhode Island, Minnesota and North Carolina are all way ahead of us when it comes to PFAS study and mitigation.

The good news is that while other states are making progress ahead of us, progress is being made. New Jersey’s landmark settlement created a $1.2 billion remediation fund that the state is already using to implement PFAS-destroying technology in its water treatment plants. California has a similar lawsuit in the works, and, if successful, it could be the big step we need to detoxify our water, food and soil.

Notably, California’s produce feeds much of the U.S. PFAS chemicals in California’s produce means that our state is actively contributing to the spread of toxic forever chemicals across the country.

The economic burden of PFAS contamination is another reason why proactive solutions are needed. The U.S. Environmental Protections Agency estimates that the cost of removing PFAS from U.S. water systems will reach between $2 billion and $4 billion dollars every year — and that doesn’t account for agricultural losses, soil remediation or medical expenses linked to long-term exposure.

These are expenses that taxpayers may ultimately shoulder. Investing in stronger oversight of pesticides and water treatment technologies is now vastly cheaper than paying the cleanup bill later, once the damage has spread across thousands of acres and millions more people.

Although California is more progressive than some states, this is a wake-up call for our state.

Thankfully, in many ways, California already leads by example: We do have some of the strictest laws regarding consumer goods. With states like Maine and Minnesota already implementing strong restrictions on PFAS in consumer products, California’s regulations are anticipated to become increasingly broad, making it essential for businesses to proactively focus on testing and compliance.

There are business and entrepreneurial opportunities here for key services, including laboratory testing and regulatory guidance to detect PFAS in various consumer goods, produce, water and soil. Companies will also need consultation on alternative product solutions, such as non-PFAS formulations for apparel and pesticide uses to help companies meet future regulatory standards.

By implementing PFAS-reduction practices and infrastructure in various aspects of the state, we can lead the nation in ridding ourselves of this toxic threat.

Dennis Calvert is president and CEO of BioLargo, a Westminster, California-based cleantech company. He serves on the Environmental Technologies Trade Advisory Committee, advising the U.S. Department of Commerce, and chairs its Enabling Innovative Technology subcommittee.

This story was originally published April 30, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Protect produce from PFAS: No forever chemicals in California pesticides | Opinion."