Common chemicals sprayed on many crops each year are cloaked in bureaucratic uncertainties
Scientists have been raising growing concerns for decades over the use of toxic “forever chemicals,” so called because their strong molecular bonds can take hundreds of years to completely break down in the environment. Widely used in consumer products such as cookware and clothing, these substances are turning up everywhere from drinking water to our bloodstream. And now researchers are warning of yet another—and so far underrecognized—source of these troubling toxins: common pesticides.
Fluorinated pesticides first appeared on the market in the 1930s, but it is only in the past decade that this use has expanded so dramatically. This rise is linked to improvements in manufacturing processes and the expiration of patents that have allowed for wider competition, Alexandrino says. Bifenthrin is also a persistent pollutant with a half-life of 97 to 345 days in soil, depending on soil type. A 2016 U.S. Geological Survey study found that it binds to sediments contained in stormwater and can persist in surface waters, where it harms beneficial insects that provide food for fish, birds and wildlife.
At least three active pesticide ingredients currently allowed by the EPA—broflanilide, pyrifluquinazon and noviflumuron—meet its definition for a PFAS. Four others that the EPA qualifies as a PFAS have been banned in the U.S. but are still used in Japan, China and some countries in Latin America. New pesticide ingredients that the EPA would classify as PFASs continue to come on the market in China. While the three allowed in the U.S.
But PEER’s Bennett, who previously worked at the EPA’s New England regional office for more than a decade, is among many who point out that the data the agency use to evaluate pesticide safety are almost entirely provided by manufacturers—which Bennet says leaves regulators open to “incredible industry capture” and “political pressure” to get pesticides on the market. She claims that EPA staff evaluating pesticide risks do not have access to enough information to do their job correctly.
México Últimas Noticias, México Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Mini-brains show how common drug freezes cell division in the womb, causing birth defectsMinibrains show how common drug freezes cell division in the womb, causing birth defects
Leer más »
Overstock converts preferred stock token to common stockThe move reflects the outcome of a May 12 shareholders vote approving the conversion and 'simplifies' the firm's equity capital structure.
Leer más »
Mayor Justin Bibb joins other Ohio mayors in call for ‘common sense’ gun reformsCleveland Mayor Justin Bibb joined other Ohio mayors Monday to call for “common sense” gun reforms at the state and federal level, while acknowledging they have limited power to enact any gun regulations within their cities.
Leer más »
After three impaired driving crashes in one week, MADD reiterates call for common senseThree drivers face charges in connection with the crashes. One caused a fatality, and one injured a five\u002Dyear\u002Dold child.
Leer más »
After three impaired driving crashes in one week, MADD reiterates call for common senseThree drivers face charges in connection with the crashes. One caused a fatality, and one injured a five\u002Dyear\u002Dold child.
Leer más »
Year-Round Allergies Are Becoming More Common | Well+GoodAn allergist explains why allergy season isn’t just spring to fall—plus, tips for how to deal with the symptoms of year-round allergies.
Leer más »