The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken significant action to ban the pesticide chlorpyrifos, specifically targeting its uses on food crops.
EPA's Action on Chlorpyrifos
On August 18, 2021, the EPA announced its decision to ban all uses of chlorpyrifos on food. This landmark ruling came after decades of the chemical being permitted for agricultural use. The agency's move was widely hailed as a crucial measure to protect public health, particularly concerning potential neurological impacts associated with exposure to the pesticide.
Ongoing Status and State Interventions
While the EPA officially announced the ban on food uses, the broader regulatory landscape for chlorpyrifos remains complex. Despite the federal action, the continued presence and potential harm of this brain-damaging pesticide have prompted various states to implement their own bans or further restrictions. These state-level initiatives highlight an ongoing effort to fully phase out the chemical and protect communities, even as the comprehensive federal ban may face various stages of implementation or ongoing challenges.
Key Facts about Chlorpyrifos and the Ban:
- Pesticide Targeted for Ban (on food uses): Chlorpyrifos
- EPA Announcement Date: August 18, 2021
- Primary Reason for Ban: Protection of public health, particularly due to concerns about developmental and neurological impacts.
- Scope of EPA's Announced Ban: All uses on food.
This comprehensive approach by the EPA and subsequent state actions reflect a concerted effort to limit exposure to this controversial pesticide.
