Chlorpyrifos is Dangerous, but Hasn’t Been Banned

Washington’s Department of Agriculture is currently investigating cases of illness reported as a result of exposure to a pesticide chemical called chlorpyrifos.  Chloryrifos has been the subject of heated debates as of late regarding whether or not the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) should ban it.  In March 2017, Scott Pruitt decided not to (against his own scientists’ advice).

In 2016 alone, Washington farmers used more than 200,000 pounds of chlorpyrifos on their orchards and vineyards, and most Christmas tree farmers also use the hazardous chemical.  When chlorpyrifos drifts onto farm workers and their neighbors, it can cause unwelcome symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, a scratchy throat, difficulty breathing, stomach aches, and even neurological issues.  Chloryrifos is particularly hazardous for infants and young children because it can have lasting neurological effects on the body. Parents who work in orchards can transport the chemical home, it can be eaten on unwashed fruit, and chlorpyrifos can make its way into developing fetuses through umbilical cord blood.

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