Statement from Center for Food Safety on Cal EPA's Announcement to Cancel Chlorpyrifos

"We applaud the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), and Governor Newsom and his leadership team for their commitment to cancelling the toxic pesticide chlorpyrifos, a pesticide known to harm children's brain development, including reducing IQ," stated Rebecca Spector, West Coast Director at Center for Food Safety (CFS). "We are thrilled that California has taken the lead in putting the interests of our children ahead of chemical company profits."

The scientific data on the health impacts of chlorpyrifos is clear. Leading scientific and medical authorities, such as the Academy of Pediatrics, the Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health, UC Berkeley's School of Public Health and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have all concluded that chlorpyrifos harms children's brain development. It reduces children's IQ, and puts children at risk of learning disabilities. Meanwhile, use of this toxic pesticide continues, and children continue to be exposed.

"This is a huge win for children, consumers, and farmers across the State," Spector continued. "Because pregnant women and young children are especially vulnerable to harm from exposure to chlorpyrifos, in particular farm workers, a cancellation of this dangerous product is the only path forward."

Harm from chlorpyrifos can occur when a mother is pregnant and/or when a child is exposed early in life to chlorpyrifos on food, in drinking water, or in the environment near where chlorpyrifos is applied. 

Hawaii became the first state to ban the use of chlorpyrifos in 2018. Center for Food Safety provided legal and legislative support for the ban.

CFS is also pleased that this action is coupled with proposed new funding to implement new funding to support California growers transition to alternatives that are safe for humans and promote ecological health.