Question

Discuss and evaluate the decision of the EPA to allow the use of Chlorpyrifos. Discuss the effects of this chemical, and the reasons why the EPA has decided to allow its use. Essay in 100 or more words please.

Answer 1

Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate insecticide, acaricide and miticide. It is used to control foliage and soil-borne insect pests present on food and feed crops. It has been used to control pests since 1965 in both agricultural and non-agricultural products. It is used on soybeans, fruit and nut trees, Brussels sprouts, cranberries, broccoli, cauliflower, and corn. In humans, Chlorpyrifos can cause inhibt enzyme at high enough doses. This enzyme breaks down acetylcholine, which is involved in muscle contraction. Hence, it can over-stimulate the nervous system resulting in nausea, dizziness, confusion. Very high does can result in respiratory paralysis and death. There were reports that indicated asthma and bronchitis due to chloropyrifos use.

In the year 2000, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allowed the use of this chemical only in ant and roach baits with child protection covering. It had been allowed only on tomatoes, pre-bloom and dormant stage of apples, and to lower growth tolerance in grapes. Although in 2014, increased risk were observed with the use of chloropyrifos, a petition to stop its use was not accepted. The EPA did not ban the use of this chemical because the scientific evidence did not conclusively show the effect on neuro-degeneration. EPA wants more reliable scientific evidences before a ban is enforced. The data that was proposed to enforce the ban was inconclusive. Future studies need to be conducted to show that chloropyrifos cause neuro developmental effects in humans.