The Dark Psychology Behind the Use of Forever Chemicals in Agriculture

The presence of forever chemicals, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in our food supply has raised serious concerns. These chemicals resist breaking down in the environment and accumulate in living organisms, including humans. Yet, despite known risks, they continue to be sprayed on vegetables and used in agricultural practices. Why does this happen? Is it simply about money, or is there a deeper, more troubling reason?

This post explores the complex motivations behind the use of forever chemicals in agriculture, the psychology of control and power that may drive such decisions, and what it means for society.

Chemical spray on leafy vegetables in a farm field

What Are Forever Chemicals and Why Are They Used?

Forever chemicals are synthetic compounds designed to repel water, oil, and stains. Their unique properties make them valuable in many industries, including agriculture. In farming, PFAS are sometimes used in pesticides, herbicides, and soil treatments to improve crop yield and protect plants from pests and diseases.

However, these chemicals do not degrade naturally. They persist in soil, water, and plants, entering the food chain and accumulating in human bodies over time. Studies link PFAS exposure to health issues such as immune system problems, hormone disruption, and increased cancer risk.

Despite these dangers, forever chemicals remain in use. The question is why.

The Role of Money in the Continued Use of Forever Chemicals

At first glance, the answer seems straightforward: money. Forever chemicals are cheap to produce and effective at protecting crops, which translates into higher profits for chemical manufacturers and farmers. The agricultural industry faces constant pressure to maximize yields and reduce losses, and PFAS-based products offer a tempting solution.

Chemical companies invest heavily in lobbying and marketing to maintain their market share. They often downplay health risks and emphasize the benefits of their products. Farmers, especially those operating on thin margins, may feel they have little choice but to use these chemicals to stay competitive.

This economic dynamic creates a cycle where profit motives overshadow environmental and health concerns. But is money the whole story?

Power, Control, and the Psychology Behind Risky Decisions

Looking beyond economics, the use of forever chemicals reveals a darker psychological pattern tied to power and control. Historically, societies have seen divisions between those who hold power and those who do not. Control over resources, including food, has been a key factor in maintaining dominance.

Allowing harmful chemicals to be sprayed on vegetables can be seen as an extension of this control. It reflects a mindset where the health and well-being of the many are sacrificed for the benefit of a few. This behavior aligns with psychological traits such as:

• Superiority complex: Feeling entitled to make decisions that affect others without their consent.

• Detachment from consequences: Ignoring or minimizing the harm caused to vulnerable populations.

• Short-term thinking: Prioritizing immediate gains over long-term sustainability.

  
  

This mindset can lead to systemic neglect of public health and environmental safety, reinforcing inequalities between the "haves" and "have nots."

Examples of Control Through Environmental Decisions

History offers examples where environmental policies have been used to exert control:

• Industrial pollution in marginalized communities: Factories often locate in poorer areas, exposing residents to toxins.

• Water contamination: Access to clean water has been weaponized in some regions to suppress populations.

• Agricultural chemical use: Decisions about what chemicals are allowed can disproportionately affect low-income consumers who rely on affordable produce.

  
  

These examples show how environmental risks are not just accidents but sometimes tools of power.

The Challenge of Changing the System

Addressing the use of forever chemicals requires more than scientific solutions. It demands confronting the underlying power structures and psychological attitudes that allow harmful practices to persist.

Efforts to ban or regulate PFAS face resistance from powerful industries. Public awareness is growing, but change is slow. Consumers can push for transparency, support organic and chemical-free farming, and advocate for stronger regulations.

At the same time, society must reflect on the values that guide decisions about food safety and environmental health. Is profit and control worth the cost to human lives and ecosystems?

What Can Individuals Do?

While systemic change is essential, individuals have a role:

• Choose produce from trusted sources that avoid harmful chemicals.

• Support policies and organizations working to eliminate forever chemicals.

• Educate others about the risks and the psychology behind these issues.

• Demand accountability from companies and regulators.

  
  

Every action contributes to shifting the balance toward a healthier, fairer food system.