PFAS is an important topic in agriculture—and one worth understanding. The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) recently shared a fact sheet titled "PFAS and Specialty Crops: What Growers Should Know". It covers several commonly asked questions and breaks down what PFAS are and how they affect the ag industry.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of synthetic chemicals that have been used for decades in products such as nonstick cookware, waterproof fabrics, firefighting foams, and industrial manufacturing because they resist heat, oil, grease, and water.
As research continues and federal and state regulations evolve, growers and consumers are understandably asking more questions about PFAS and food production.
One question we occasionally hear is whether TELONE™ by Teleos soil fumigant contains PFAS. The answer is NO. TELONE™ does not contain any PFAS compounds.
TELONE™ is a pre-plant soil fumigant used to manage plant-parasitic nematodes before planting. When used according to the label, TELONE™ is injected into the soil, where it performs its intended function and naturally dissipates before crops are planted. It also leaves ZERO residuals on harvested crops. You heard that right—zero residuals and the product never comes in contact with the actual crop!
At Teleos Ag Solutions, we believe science-based education and transparency are essential. As conversations around PFAS continue, it's important to distinguish between different chemistries and understand how individual crop protection products are used.