EPA: insecticide a risk for workers, drinking water

The Environmental Protection Agency is considering whether additional restrictions are necessary to better protect sources of drinking water and workers from the pesticide chlorpyrifos. 

On Monday, EPA released a new risk assessment for public comment. Though the agency found that the pesticide is no longer contaminating food or an airborne threat to workers and bystanders, those who mix, load and apply the pesticide are still at risk. 

Chlorpyrifos, which was commonly used an insecticide on crops, golf courses, and in the home, has been known to impair the growth and development of the brain and central nervous system in children. 

In 2000, EPA banned the household use of chlorpyrifos. It can now only be used as bait in child-proof packaging. Though formerly sprayed on tomatoes, apples, citrus fruits and tree nuts, EPA imposed no-spray rules, created buffer zones around public spaces and lowered pesticide application rates. 

The agency said it is assessing the ecological impact chlorpyrifos could have on endangered species. The results are expected later this year.