EPA could ban pesticide common for fruits and vegetables

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to ban a pesticide that is commonly used on various fruits and vegetables.

Chlorpyrifos is one of the most common insecticides for apples, corn, almonds, oranges, broccoli and other foods.

{mosads}Environmental and health advocates say chlorpyrifos has sickened farm workers and caused brain damage, as well as harmed fish when it entered waterways.

The EPA said its current scientific analysis does not show that the chemical is harmful when used on fruits and vegetables.

But that exposure, combined with exposure in water, and elsewhere, could exceed federal maximum standards, the agency said.

“At this time, EPA is unable to make a safety finding as required under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act due to exposure to drinking water in certain watersheds,” the agency said in a statement.

Home use of the chemical is banned, as is spraying it in certain areas such as close to schools.

Environmentalists applauded the EPA’s decision on the issue, which they say has long been ignored and delayed.

“At long last, the agency is signaling its intention to protect children, workers and their families by banning this hazardous pesticide,” said Patti Goldman, an attorney with Earthjustice who led litigation that resulted in a court order forcing the EPA’s hand on chlorpyrifos.

“It is imperative that EPA move quickly to protect workers and children by finalizing this important rule,” she said.

“The agency’s announcement today is a huge step in the right direction, but we think there’s enough evidence to ban all its uses now,” said Veena Singla, a Natural Resources Defense Counsel scientist.

The EPA is taking public comments on its proposed ban for 60 days.