In the United States, farmers have been spraying a pesticide called chlorpyrifos on crops since 1965, which has been linked to neurological damage in children.
On Wednesday, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final ruling saying that chlorpyrifos can no longer be used on the food in the nation, according to NPR.
Chlorpyrifos has been linked to neurological disorders in children, including reduced IQ, loss of memory, and attention deficit disorders.
The EPA’s move is intended to protect the children and farmworkers.
EP Administrator Michael Regan called the move “an overdue step to protect public health from the potentially dangerous consequences of this pesticide.”
“After the delays and denials of the prior administration, EPA will follow the science and put health and safety first,” he added.
The EPA was considering a ban on chlorpyrifos but under the Trump administration, the agency said there was not enough evidence showing the harmful effects of the chemical on humans.
Farmers have been using chlorpyrifos on crops, such as apples, strawberries, citrus, broccoli, and corn since 1965. The chemical was also a common household item that is used to keep homes free from ants, mosquitos, and roaches.
Patti Goldman, Managing Attorney of the Northwest Regional Office in Seattle, said, “It took far too long, but children will no longer be eating food tainted with a pesticide that causes intellectual learning disabilities.”
“Chlorpyrifos will finally be out of our fruits and vegetables,” added Goldman, an attorney for Earthjustice, a nonprofit public interest environmental law organization that wields the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health.
The Natural Resources Defense Council appreciated the EPA’s move but cautioned that the pesticide can still be used on other things, including cattle ear tags.
The group also wants a ban on other pesticides that belong to the same chemical family as chlorpyrifos.
The new EPA rule will take effect within six months. The article was published on NPR.
