To: Brian Leahy, Director, CA Department of Pesticide Regulations (DPR)
EPA failed. Time for California to step up.
Just this month, on August 8th, the Kern County officials confirmed that one of the pesticides in May’s major drift incident was chlorpyrifos. As many as 37 in a crew of 48 cabbage workers began feeling ill when the pesticides drifted a half-mile from where they were applied. At least 5 workers received medical attention.
The US EPA reversed their proposed ban of chlorpyrifos on all food crops despite the incredibly solid body of scientific evidence and clear links to human health harms — especially for kids.
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) needs to ban this incredibly harmful pesticide and provide leadership for the nation where the federal government has failed.
The US EPA reversed their proposed ban of chlorpyrifos on all food crops despite the incredibly solid body of scientific evidence and clear links to human health harms — especially for kids.
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) needs to ban this incredibly harmful pesticide and provide leadership for the nation where the federal government has failed.
Why is this important?
“I have always heard about how dangerous pesticides can be – but I never thought I would one day have to go to the emergency room because of them too. Friday, May 5th was one of the scariest days ever ... I think people wouldn’t buy these fruits if they knew how harmful the chemicals they use can be. I think it’s unfortunate that workers weren’t told what to do with their soiled clothes. I hope nobody brought their clothes inside or hugged their children or loved ones when they got home wearing their same work clothes.” -- Aylin
On May 5th, Aylin was one of 48 cabbage workers who were exposed to chlorpyrifos. The pesticides drifted a half-mile from where they were applied -- more than twice as far as proposed buffer zones for schoolchildren and more than 26 times the limit set by current rules aimed at protecting field workers.
Chlorpyrifos, a dangerous neurotoxin, was scheduled to be banned but was still in use because, in March, Trump’s EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt abruptly reversed the scheduled ban.
Chlorpyrifos was banned for home use in 2001 because of its clear impact on children’s developing brains. However, it continues to be used in agriculture despite decades of science showing that this chemical can lead to lower IQ, developmental and behavioral disorders, reduced lung function and more. EPA scientists have said there is “no safe level” of this neurotoxicant on food crops.
As the largest agricultural producer, what CA does will affect the nation. More than 1 million pounds of chlorpyrifos is used annually in the state. Take action and urge the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) to ban this incredibly harmful pesticide.
On May 5th, Aylin was one of 48 cabbage workers who were exposed to chlorpyrifos. The pesticides drifted a half-mile from where they were applied -- more than twice as far as proposed buffer zones for schoolchildren and more than 26 times the limit set by current rules aimed at protecting field workers.
Chlorpyrifos, a dangerous neurotoxin, was scheduled to be banned but was still in use because, in March, Trump’s EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt abruptly reversed the scheduled ban.
Chlorpyrifos was banned for home use in 2001 because of its clear impact on children’s developing brains. However, it continues to be used in agriculture despite decades of science showing that this chemical can lead to lower IQ, developmental and behavioral disorders, reduced lung function and more. EPA scientists have said there is “no safe level” of this neurotoxicant on food crops.
As the largest agricultural producer, what CA does will affect the nation. More than 1 million pounds of chlorpyrifos is used annually in the state. Take action and urge the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) to ban this incredibly harmful pesticide.