For immediate release: May 8, 2019
Sacramento, CA – Today, leaders with California Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration announced a historic decision to initiate the process to cancel the registration for use in the state of the neurodevelopmental toxicant pesticide chlorpyrifos. Robust studies have linked prenatal exposure to chlorpyrifos to children developing autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions. The Governor’s office also announced that $5.7 million will be earmarked to identify and implement alternatives to chlorpyrifos, including research into biological pesticides, and a new focus on integrated pest management.
Medha Chandra of Pesticide Action Network issued the following statement:
“Pesticide Action Network applauds this long-overdue action on the pesticide chlorpyrifos taken by the new administration. This step will protect vulnerable populations, especially children and farmworkers, from exposure to this highly hazardous brain-damaging pesticide. Almost 1 million pounds of this pesticide were applied in the state as per the most recent data available.
We are encouraged by the commitment of CalEPA and the California Department of Food and Agriculture to find alternatives to chlorpyrifos. We urge the administration to focus on integrated pest management and on encouraging the transition to agroecological methods of agriculture in the state.
While we await federal action, PAN applauds action on chlorpyrifos at the state level. Governor Newsom has taken critical action needed to protect generations of California children from brain damage. We urge the administration to ensure the cancellation of this pesticide is swift and comprehensive.”
Contacts:
Ahna Kruzic, Pesticide Action Network, ahna@panna.org, 510 927 5379
Medha Chandra, Pesticide Action Network, mchandra@panna.org, 650 861 2569
###
Pesticide Action Network works to create a just, thriving food system. PAN works alongside those on the frontlines of pesticide exposure — from farmworkers to rural communities to beekeepers. PAN links local and international consumer, labor, health, environment and agriculture groups into an international citizens’ action network. Together, we challenge the global proliferation of pesticides, defend basic rights to health and environmental quality, and work to ensure the transition to a just and viable food system.
