Rise in PFAS Pesticide Usage in Austria Raises Health Concerns

The use of PFAS pesticides in Austria has seen a significant increase in recent years, according to data revealed in response to a parliamentary inquiry by the Green Party directed at the Ministry of Agriculture. Between 2015 and 2023, the application of these substances grew by 20 percent, and from 2015 to 2022, the increase was even more pronounced at 29 percent.

In 2023 alone, a total of 110,129 kilograms of PFAS pesticides were sold. One of the most commonly used PFAS pesticides, Flufenacet, was denied an extension of its approval in March 2025 due to its harmful hormonal effects and the fact that it produces Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) as a degradation product. TFA, often referred to as an "eternal chemical," accumulates in water sources. Recent analyses have detected TFA in drinking water, mineral water, rivers, and groundwater across Europe, including Austria.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are not naturally occurring in the environment and can persist for extensive periods, accumulating over time. This group consists of an estimated 10,000 different chemicals, many of which are highly toxic. Research has linked these substances to serious health issues, including liver damage and an increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer. Due to their unique properties, PFAS compounds are widely used in numerous industrial products and everyday items, ranging from jackets and cookware to cosmetics.

The European Union is currently discussing a potential ban on PFAS, although some exceptions may apply. Industry groups express concern that such a ban could pose a threat to high-tech sectors.

The Green Party has submitted a proposal to prohibit PFAS pesticides in parliament, supported by a legal opinion commissioned by Global 2000 that argues the current data obligates Austria to revoke the approval of these pesticides. However, this proposal was postponed last week by government factions in the agriculture committee.

Olga Voglauer, the Green Party's spokesperson on agriculture, highlighted the dangers posed by TFA, labeling it a highly hazardous chemical that may adversely affect reproductive health. She noted the troubling trend of increasing pesticide use despite its association with such dangerous byproducts, stating that this trend not only has long-term ecological repercussions but also poses a direct health threat to the population, particularly to pregnant individuals and their children.

Voglauer urged Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig to take immediate action to prevent the use of such dangerous substances in agricultural practices.