Chlorpyrifos is a common pesticide that has been used on vegetables and fruit since the mid 1960s. Now, the Biden administration seeks to ban it because of a supposed link to neurological damage in children and farmworkers.
The EPA is set to release a new rule, which will go into effect in six months, to block the use of the pesticide on food. This comes after an order by the Ninth Circuit Court, which told the agency to stop the agricultural use of it.
“Today, EPA is taking an overdue step to protect public health. Ending the use of chlorpyrifos on food will help to ensure children, farmworkers, and all people are protected from the potentially dangerous consequences of this pesticide,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan stated, according to the New York Times.
Groups have been in opposition of the pesticide for a while. In 2015, the Obama administration made strides to begin banning the pesticide, but in 2020, former President Trump decided to ignore the agency’s recommendations, thus the chemical remained on the market
“Children will no longer be eating food tainted with a pesticide that causes intellectual learning disabilities,” attorney Patti Goldman stated.
Chlorpyrifos is still permitted for nonfood use.
Related:
Ag Retailers Association on chlorpyrifos ban
Story via Coral Davenport with the New York Times