A nonprofit advocacy organization that focuses on food production technologies, public health, and the environment is fighting to get the Environmental Protection Agency to address a major loophole in the way it regulates pesticides — so far, with little positive movement.
What is happening?
Center for Food Safety (CFS) wants the EPA to reexamine its rule that does not require the agency to account for "inactive ingredients," also called inert ingredients, when deciding whether a pesticide is safe to use on crops.
But there are 4,000 inert ingredients approved for use by the EPA, many of which may be harmful to humans and wildlife. These include substances like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and many others.
CFS has tried to get the EPA to address the issue with a petition, which was ignored, and then with a lawsuit to force the agency to respond to the petition. The EPA eventually responded that "too many pesticide formulas exist for the agency to check them all for safety," according to the Guardian.
Why is it concerning?
The EPA has language on its website that explains that PFAS "do not [break down] in the environment, can build up in living things, and can adversely impact human health and the environment." However, the agency does not currently take these substances into account when deciding if a pesticide is safe.
"The idea that we're not assessing the actual chemicals that farmers spray is kind of ridiculous," Bill Freese, science director at CFS, told the Guardian.
Can't afford solar panels? Here's how to get them without paying for purchase or installation Palmetto's revolutionary LightReach program gives you all the benefits of solar power without the upfront costs. LightReach lets you lease solar panels with no money down, making it easier than ever to lock in energy savings. Palmetto assumes all risk and responsibility for the panels you lease, which means you'll get reliable performance without unforeseen costs. To get started, just answer a few basic questions about your home and learn how much you can save. Learn more → |
CFS senior attorney Sylvia Wu called the decision by the EPA not to review its rules "disappointing but not surprising," adding that "it's unfortunate that they want to live in this loophole."
What is being done about it?
Wu told the Guardian that public health groups are "analyzing their legal options" and may bring another lawsuit against the EPA to strengthen its rules and regulations around the approval of pesticides.
Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
