EPA decision to ban pesticide use does not solve problem but is a step forward

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to ban the use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos on most foods, except 11 food and feed crops, in a new attempt to ban a dangerous pesticide.

Dr. Margaret Reeves, Senior Environmental Health and Workers’ Rights Scientist for the Pesticide Action Network of North America-PANNA, explains the scientific evidence that demonstrates the risks of the use of this pesticide to children’s neurological development and harm to humans and details the effects on the body from the use of chlorpyrifos pesticide.

Dr. Margaret Reeves, Senior Environmental Health and Worker Rights Scientist with the Pesticide Action Network of North America-PANNA, recalled that there are many pesticides in this class and EPA’s determination only addresses this one type of pesticide. She indicated that the federal agency’s determination is not enough, but it is an important step.

Dr. Margaret Reeves, Senior Environmental Health and Workers’ Rights Scientist with the Pesticide Action Network of North America-PANNA, says that not only does this pesticide affect the human body through exposure to it, but what we consume may also be contaminated with chlorpyrifos and warns that this pesticide also contaminates our drinking water.

Because it is so difficult to ban these pesticides that are harmful to the population and the environment, let’s listen to Dr. Margaret Reeves, Senior Scientist in Environmental Health and Workers’ Rights of the Pesticide Action Network of North America-PANNA.

The scientist points out that there are people looking for organic food that does not have pesticides in its process, however, the challenge is still that it is not available to the entire population because of its price.

She points out that there are farmers’ markets where people can get organic food at a better cost.