Vermont Approves Pesticide Amid Debate Over PFAs Classification
January 06, 2026 | Source: WCAX | by WCAX News Team
BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – A hotly debated pesticide is on its way to Vermont, and another is on the table following federal approvals.
In November, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved pesticides Isocycloseram and Cyclobutrifluram.
It caused a stir, as many experts claimed the pesticides are PFAS, or forever chemicals, persistent in the environment and linked to health issues.
The debate boils down to the chemicals’ molecular structure. Both pesticides are single fluorinated compounds. The EPA defines PFAS as chemicals containing two or more fluorinated carbons. Meanwhile, some experts say single fluorinated compounds are PFAS.
A state pesticide expert says Vermont operates by the definition provided by the EPA.
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture approved Isocycloseram in December, and it’s reviewing Cyclobutrifluram now.
The official we spoke with anticipates that it will be approved. Still, he says it remains to be seen whether Vermont farmers use these pesticides or not.