California Bans Chlorpyrifos After Concerns for Childrens Health
The new ban will affect many farmers and agriculture workers in the state, as they will no longer be allowed to use the widely used insecticide based on its threat to human health.
After extensive research by the California Environmental Protection Agency, the state of California is ending the use of chlorpyrifosa pesticide associated with neurodevelopmental problems and impaired brain function in children.
One U.S. News article breaks down the conversation: what the pesticide is, why its harmful, why it took so long to reach this conclusion, whats special about California and how the U.S. EPA is involved.
What is Chlorpyrifos and How is it Used?The article describes chlorpyrifos as an inexpensive and effective pesticide that has been on the market for decadessince 1965. Farmers across the country use millions of pounds of it to grow crops including many vegetables, corn, soybeans, cotton and fruit and nut trees.
It is an organophosphate insecticide, which means it is designed to kill insects by blocking an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase. This enzyme has another function, however: it normally breaks down acetylcholine, a chemical that the human body uses to transmit nerve impulses. Organophosphate insecticides are effective for killing insects, but they are also toxic and potentially lethal to humans.
Chlorpyrifos was used in homes for pest control until 2000, after a 1996 Food Quality Protection Act banned its indoor use and required additional protection of childrens health. However, residues left after indoor use were very high, and toddlers who crawled on the floor and put their hands in their mouth were at risk of poisoning.
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California Bans Chlorpyrifos After Concerns for Children's Health - Occupational Health and Safety
