14
Jun
Cutting Edge Science Must be Considered…See Science and Policy at the National Pesticide ForumÂ
(Beyond Pesticides, June 14, 2021) Beyond Pesticides reports regularly on new science showing how pesticides harm human health and ecosystems. This science is not factored into EPA decisions.
Tell EPA that cutting-edge science must be considered.
More than 50 pesticide active ingredients have been identified as endocrine disruptors that mimic the action of a naturally-produced hormone, such as estrogen or testosterone, thereby setting off similar chemical reactions in the body; block hormone receptors in cells, thereby preventing the action of normal hormones; or affect the synthesis, transport, metabolism and excretion of hormones, thus altering the concentrations of natural hormones. Endocrine disruptors have been linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, early puberty, infertility and other reproductive disorders, childhood and adult cancers, and other metabolic disorders. Similar effects are found in other species. In spite of legal requirements and the flood of research, EPA issues Proposed Interim Decisions (PIDs) on pesticide registrations making no human health or environmental safety findings associated with the potential for endocrine disruption, or identifying additional data needs to satisfy Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program requirements in the PIDs. EPA cannot make findings of no unreasonable adverse effects without findings concerning endocrine disruption. EPA continues to register pesticides posing unreasonable health effects.
There is much research on the impacts of pesticides on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates and plants, including overwhelming evidence of an on-going insect apocalypse and collapse of bird populations. EPA ignores this science and continues to register pesticides that contribute to the problem.Â
EPA ignores science on dangers to pollinators, the human gut microbiome, soil organisms, and effects of breakdown products and combinations of ingredients. This cutting edge science is not  factored into EPA’s static pesticide evaluation program, given its structure. What is needed is a precautionary approach that removes chemicals from the market when science raises reasonable doubts as to their safety. Not to do so is to put economic value to pesticide manufacturers above the health of human beings and the planet.
Tell EPA that cutting-edge science must be considered.
Learn more about science and policy by tuning in to Day 4 of the virtual National Pesticide Forum on June 15. REGISTER NOW.Â
EPA Must Consider Cutting Edge Science
Scientific journals report regularly on new science showing how pesticides harm human health and ecosystems. This science is not factored into EPA decisions.
More than 50 pesticide active ingredients have been identified as endocrine disruptors that mimic the action of a naturally-produced hormone, such as estrogen or testosterone, thereby setting off similar chemical reactions in the body; block hormone receptors in cells, thereby preventing the action of normal hormones; or affect the synthesis, transport, metabolism and excretion of hormones, thus altering the concentrations of natural hormones. Endocrine disruptors have been linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, early puberty, infertility and other reproductive disorders, childhood and adult cancers, and other metabolic disorders. Similar effects are found in other species. In spite of legal requirements and the flood of research, EPA issues Proposed Interim Decisions (PIDs) on pesticide registrations making no human health or environmental safety findings associated with the potential for endocrine disruption, or identifying additional data needs to satisfy Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program requirements in the PIDs. EPA cannot make findings of no unreasonable adverse effects without findings concerning endocrine disruption. EPA continues to register pesticides posing unreasonable health effects.
There is much research on the impacts of pesticides on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates and plants, including overwhelming evidence of an on-going insect apocalypse and collapse of bird populations. EPA ignores this science and continues to register pesticides that contribute to the problem.
EPA ignores science on dangers to pollinators, the human gut microbiome, soil organisms, and effects of breakdown products and combinations of ingredients. This cutting-edge science cannot be factored into EPA’s static pesticide evaluation program. It requires a precautionary approach that removes chemicals from the market when science raises reasonable doubts as to their safety. Not to do so is to put economic value to pesticide manufacturers above the health of human beings and the planet.
Please revise pesticide registration reviews to incorporate precaution.
Thank you.
