The outdoor industry has been grappling with its use of PFAS — so-called forever chemicals — for years. As their toxic effects on wildlife and humans became more widely understood, conservation groups and customers pushed brands to eliminate these chemicals, which are often found in items like waterproof jackets.

　　And now theres a new potential source of PFAS in nature to contend with. This month, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the use of isocycloseram, a compound classified along with other forever chemicals, for use as a pesticide on crops.

　　What Are PFAS? PFAS are a kind of manmade chemical. They became popular in the 1950s, and were used for everything from nonstick cookware to cleaning products to stain-resistant carpeting.

　　To make PFAS, scientists replace the hydrogen in an organic molecule with fluorine. The fluorine bonds very strongly to the carbon, making them slow to degrade, which is where the term forever chemicals comes from.

　　For years, researchers have documented the potential negative health effects of PFAS on humans. They include increased risks of certain cancers, lowering of the immune systems ability to fight infections, delayed onset of puberty in girls, showed evidence of liver damage, and increased risk of childhood obesity.

　　PFAS have become extremely widespread. Researchers have found above-advised levels of PFAS across California, and particularly in communities of color. According to a study by the Environmental Working Group, over 172 million Americans rely on drinking water that has tested positive for PFAS.

　　Map showing PFAS in water levels; (map/EWG) What Is Isocycloseram? There is some debate about whether isocycloseram qualifies as a PFAS. This chemical has one fluorinated carbon, which, according to groups like Beyond Pesticides, qualifies it as such.

　　The EPA, however, said that (PFAS) are defined in certain contexts as substances containing two or more fluorinated carbons, and in others as substances containing one or more fluorinated carbons. The agency does not have a strict definition of PFAS.

　　When it comes to agricultural uses, the EPA stated that isocycloseram will help control pests like the Colorado potato beetle, the diamondback moth, and the Asian citrus psyllid, which target potatoes, brassica vegetables, and citrus, respectively. It can also help deal with household pests like cockroaches, termites, and bed bugs.

　　The Colorado potato beetle; (photo/Shutterstock) Is Isocycloseram Safe? What the EPA Says The EPA stated that this chemical posed no human health risks of concern and no risks to aquatic and terrestrial plants when used as directed.

　　However, there are several other types of species that may be affected. As stated on isocycloserams label, This pesticide is toxic to fish and highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates. Do not discharge effluent containing this product into lakes, streams, ponds, estuaries, oceans, or other waters.

　　The EPA also disclosed that it may affect insect pollinators from spray application and can also cause chronic risks to birds and mammals ingesting treated rapeseed.

　　(Photo/Shutterstock) According to the agency, its a reasonable expectation that bees will face exposure to the chemical while in or near a treated field of crops. Despite the risks to these animals, the EPA concluded that use of isocycloseram is unlikely to jeopardize any species survival, nor harm any critical habitat.