EPA Ignores Chlorpyrifos Ban
In 2000 the EPA banned Chlorpyrifos, a toxic pesticide linked to neurological damage in children. The chemical was banned from homes, schools, and daycare centers. But the EPA allowed farmers to use the chemical on crops as long as it was not used on agricultural products used by children, apples, grapes, etc. In 2015 a lawsuit forced the EPA to propose that Chlorpyrifos be banned from use on all foods by March 2017. In July, despite a court order, the EPA has again refused to implement the ban. Last year five million pounds of Chlorpyrifos were applied to US crops. EPA scientists have proven this is toxic, but the Trump administration insists on keeping it on the market (Molly Minta, The Nation, September 30, 2019).