Chlorpyrifos: Toxic Pesticide Harmful to Children and Environment Still Being Used 

An apple a day won’t keep the doctor away if it has pesticides in it!

For half a century, U.S. staple foods such as apples, broccoli, citrus, corn, cotton, oranges, strawberries, sweet potatoes, and wheat, have been sprayed with chlorpyrifos, a toxic pesticide that can damage the developing brains of children, causing reduced IQ, loss of working memory, and attention deficit disorders.

Sold under many brand names, Chlorpyrifos (CPS) is an organophosphate pesticide used to kill many pests including insects and worms. It is used on crops, animals, and buildings. Introduced in 1965 by Dow Chemical Company, chlorpyrifos acts on the nervous system of insects by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase.

Chlorpyrifos is considered hazardous to humans by the World Health Organization. Exposure surpassing recommended levels has been linked to neurological effects, persistent developmental disorders and autoimmune disorders. Exposure during pregnancy may harm the mental development of children. In agriculture, it is “one of the most widely used organophosphate insecticides” in the United States, and before being banned for home use in 2001, was one of the most used residential insecticides.

On March 29, 2017, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt denied a petition to ban chlorpyrifos. However, on August 9, 2018, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ordered the EPA to ban the sale of chlorpyrifos in the United States within 60 days, based on undisputed findings that the pesticide is unsafe for public health, and particularly harmful to children and farmworkers. On September 24, the EPA asked the 9th Circuit to re-hear the case. Filing the request has the effect of postponing the effectiveness of the court order.

To Reduce Your Family’s Exposure to Chlorpyrifos and Other Dangerous Pesticides:

1. Eat organic locally grown fruits and vegetables: Due to unreliable regulation of organic produce coming from China, avoid Chinese organic produce. Many organic food and body brands that were once small brands are now owned by mega corporations. This may not necessarily affect the ingredients, but your dollars are not going to independent or local businesses. Instead, buy local produce and products as much as you can. Not only does this support your local economy, but it also ensures that you have a better idea of the ingredients and that you know where your food comes from.
2. Wash fruits and vegetables: Use a solution of mild dish soap diluted with water (1 teaspoon dish soap per gallon), then rinse with lukewarm water, or rinse produce under running water and scrub firm fruits and vegetables like melons and potatoes. Remove the outer layer of leafy vegetables, like cabbage or lettuce. Peel fruits and vegetables when possible.
3. Learn which conventionally grown fruits and vegetables contain higher levels of pesticide residue: The “dirty dozen” lists fruits and vegetables which should be bought organic to avoid chemical pesticides.
4. Grow your own produce using organic methods: This lets you to control environmental conditions, including soil and use of safe pesticides and fertilizers. Follow sustainable landscaping practices to cut down on chemicals, improve health benefits, save money over time and protect the environment.
5. Use non-toxic pest control products: Rather than chemical pesticides, use detergent pesticides, such as Safers, or neem oil, a naturally occurring pesticide, or traps with natural chemicals (pheromones) to attract pests.
6. Leave shoes by the door when you come home: This helps to reduce pesticides, fertilizers and dirt tracked through your home.
7. Protect children and pets: If you do use chemical pesticides or fertilizers, use them appropriately. Keep children and pets away from treated lawns. Do not use pesticides indoors. Never spray pesticides on a windy day.
8. Store pesticides carefully: Do not store pesticides or other chemicals in a soda bottle or food container. Children may not understand that the contents are dangerous. Always store pesticides out of the reach of children.
9. Choose plants suited to your area and use proper cultivation methods: Mulching with good quality mulch and picking bugs off plants are two pest control methods that don’t require chemicals. Note that helpful insects such as ladybugs and praying mantises eat some pests.
10. Eat only organic, grass-fed beef and other organic, antibiotic-free meats: What an animal eats moves up the food chain. If an animal has eaten contaminated grass or feed, you are essentially eating those same contaminants when you eat the animal. Eating organic, grass-fed beef helps ensure that you’re not exposing yourself or your family to these chemicals. Also, trim the fat and skin from meat as pesticides and other chemical residue can accumulate in fat.

Summary:

• Buy organic when you can, especially local produce.
• Grow your own produce if possible.
• Use non-toxic pesticides (like neem oil) and fertilizers.
• Wash fruits and vegetables.
• Don’t wear your shoes in the house.
• Always store pesticides in appropriate containers out of children’s reach.