Alarm mood in Austria: Pfas pesticides endanger health and the environment!
Alarm mood in Austria: Pfas pesticides endanger health and the environment!
Österreich - In 2023, more than 110,000 kilograms of Pfas pesticides were sold in Austria, with the herbicidal flake acet taking the top position. This electronic product has not only used broad application in agriculture, but also caused concern due to its harmful effects. According to Kleine Zeitung in March 2025 did not receive any approval extension. The reason for this was the hormonal harmfulness of the agent and the formation of TFA (trifluora vacetic acid) as a harmful degradation product.
tfa is a substance classified as an "eternal dragon chemical" that accumulates in water. Analyzes show that TFA was detected in line and mineral water as well as in rivers and groundwater in Austria and beyond. The presence of such pollutants on the European continent raises considerable health concerns, especially since PFAs are associated with diseases such as liver damage and various types of cancer.
threats from fluffenacet
The European Food Authority (EFSA) confirms that Flufenacet is harmful to both humans and the environment. It acts as an endocrine disruptor and can affect brain development, which in particular endangers pregnant women and newborns. Pan-Europe calls Flufenacet an important water contaminant, the use of which is used in agriculture Not only farmers, but also consumers. The coalition of 49 environmental and health organizations calls for an immediate ban on the means.
The repeated rejection of the safety data by the pesticide industry is the focus. Flufenacet has been approved for over 20 years, but the risks are worrying because the concentration of TFA in ground and drinking water often exceeds the specified limit values. Scientists have found that TFA fulfills the criteria for a planetary border threat. Flufenacet's sales increase also illustrates the need for faster regulatory measures.
political measures and demands
The Greens have submitted an application for a ban on Pfas pesticides in the Austrian parliament in order to prevent the dangerous use of such chemicals. Olga Voglauer, the Landbouw -Political spokeswoman for the Greens, expressed concerns about the steadily increasing use of pesticides and their potential health risks. Especially pregnant women and children could be at risk, for which they ask Agriculture Minister Norbert Tettschnig for action.
A legal opinion created on behalf of Global 2000 suggests that Austria is obliged to withdraw admission to these pesticides. Nevertheless, the application in the agricultural committee was postponed by the government factions, which raises questions about the political will to combat these problems.
The EU is currently discussing a ban on PFAs with some exceptions, while industrial associations warn of the possible negative effects on high-tech industries. Nevertheless, the protection of health and the environment remains priority, especially in view of the knowledge of the harmful effects of PFAS and TFA.
research and development
The environmental research center (UFZ) contributes to interdisciplinary research on PFAS. It develops technologies to remove these harmful chemicals from the environment and examines their effects on health and water resources. There is a clear need for more intensive research on the toxicological potential of PFAs in order to establish long -term protective measures. The data situation on the environmental impacts of many PFAS connections is still inadequate today, which underlines the need for professional action to protect people and the environment.
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