The US EPA allows limited use of chlorpyrifos despite known risks

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced plans to partially ban chlorpyrifos and allow its use in 11 crops, despite its links to developmental harm in children and concerns from health advocates.

Carey Gillam reports for The new lede.

In summary:

• The EPA will allow the use of chlorpyrifos in crops such as apples, peaches and soybeans, while banning it for other agricultural uses.
• Scientific studies have linked prenatal exposure to chlorpyrifos to cognitive deficits, lower IQ, and other developmental problems in children.
• Health advocates criticize the decision as inadequate, pointing out that there are safer alternatives and calling continued use “unsustainable.”

Key quote:

“The trade-offs associated with the use of petrochemical chemicals and public health are unreasonable given the availability of cost-effective and productive alternatives.”