Revisiting pesticide pollution: The case of fluorinated pesticides

Environ Pollut. 2022 Jan 1;292(Pt A):118315. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118315. Epub 2021 Oct 8.

Abstract

Fluorinated pesticides acquired a significant market share in the agrochemical sector due to the surge of new fluoroorganic ingredients approved in the last two decades. This growing trend has not been accompanied by a comprehensive scientific and regulatory framework entailing all their potential negative impacts for the environment, especially when considering the hazardous properties that may result from the incorporation of fluorine into organic molecules. This review aims to address the safe/hazardous dichotomy associated with fluorinated pesticides by providing an updated outlook on their relevancy in the agrochemical sector and how it leads to their role as environmental pollutants. Specifically, the environmental fate and distribution of these pesticides in the ecosystems is discussed, while also analysing their potential to act as toxic substances for non-target organisms.

Keywords: Environmental risk assessment; Fluorinated pesticides; Fluorination; Pesticide pollution.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Ecosystem
  • Environmental Pollutants*
  • Environmental Pollution
  • Pesticides* / analysis
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical* / analysis

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Pesticides
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical