Fluazinam fungicide under scrutiny over potential brain development risks

A re-analysis of data regarding the fungicide fluazinam suggests the substance may impact brain development. Researchers from Stockholm University re-examined 2005 study data originally used to approve the chemical for use in the European Union in 2008. Using the original report's own statistical methods, the new analysis found statistically significant changes in the brain development of offspring in rat studies, specifically noting a reduction in brain mass and width.

Fluazinam, a member of the PFAS group, is widely used for controlling fungal diseases in potato and apple crops. Environmental organizations are calling for its withdrawal from the market, arguing that a safe exposure level cannot be determined given these findings. Professor Antoine Bailleux of UCLouvain noted that overlooking these neurotoxicity results could constitute a violation of EU pesticide approval regulations.

The European Food Safety Authority has commissioned the Austrian agency AGES to conduct a new safety assessment. A final position from EU member states is expected to be published in 2027.