Chlorpyrifos is a pesticide widely used on a variety of crops. About five years ago, scientists at the Environmental Protection Agency concluded chlorpyrifos stunts brain development in children.
In 2015, the Obama administration said it would ban chlorpyrifos based on the studies produced by the EPA. But before that ban was put into effect, a new president was elected. And, in 2017, Scott Pruitt, the new EPA administrator, reversed that decision.
Now the EPA has assessed “the science addressing neurodevelopmental effects remains unsolved.” In making this finding, the EPA excluded several epidemiological studies that found a correlation between prenatal exposure to chlorpyrifos and developmental disorders in toddlers.
The rejection of its own findings comes as the EPA moves to weaken restrictions on perchlorate, a water contaminant tied to fetal brain damage.
These actions suggest the Trump administration is more concerned about the chemical industry than the safety of children.
Upper Macungie Township