This is shown by a compilation from the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, which is based on statistics from the Chemicals Inspection.
It is a very worrying development, says the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation's Secretary General Karin Lexén.
In Sweden, 19 active substances that are PFAS are used in approved plant protection products.
In Denmark, it was decided last summer that six PFAS agents in a total of 23 products should be removed with reference to the fact that they break down into a substance called TFA (trifluoroacetic acid), which runs off into the groundwater.
TFA is extremely difficult to break down and can, according to some studies, damage fetuses and reproductive capacity.
Used against leaf mold
According to the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation's calculations, the plant protection products with PFAS that were sold in Sweden last year may have resulted in over 25 tons of TFA ending up in the groundwater.
In agriculture, PFAS agents are used to combat leaf mold on potatoes and against weeds and insects that damage crops.
I understand that you need some time to reorganize, at the same time it is incredibly worrying that sales are increasing and that we see PFAS spreading in the environment as it does. Therefore, Sweden should follow Denmark's example, says Karin Lexén.
"Only reasonable"
The Farmers' Organization LRF refers to the fact that the preparations are approved for use in Sweden.
— The only reasonable thing, as we see it, is that we follow what authorities, research, and development show. As long as they say that things are safe, we are safe, says Fredrik Andersson, member of LRF's board of directors.
