Forever Chemicals: A Hidden Threat to Our Food and Future

The EPA has recently approved a new pesticide, isocycloseram, which belongs to the group of "forever chemicals. " These chemicals are notorious for their persistence in the environment and their ability to accumulate in living organisms. The approval allows its use on various food crops such as oranges, tomatoes, and almonds, as well as on lawns and golf courses. However, the EPA was aware of potential risks, especially to children and bees. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their developing bodies. Normally, the EPA includes an extra safety measure to protect kids, but in this case, they chose not to. Their own research indicated that if they had applied this safety measure, they would have discovered that children consuming these treated foods face significant risks. By skipping this step, they avoided a finding that could have led to the pesticide's rejection. Bees and other pollinators are also at great risk. The EPA found that bees near treated fields could be exposed to amounts of this pesticide over 1, 500 times the lethal dose. Bees play a crucial role in our food supply, aiding in the reproduction of nearly 90% of the world's flowering plants. Without them, our food supply could be in serious danger. This approval is not an isolated event. It is part of a broader trend to expedite the approval of "forever chemicals. " The Trump administration plans to approve three more of these pesticides in the coming year. This is happening despite growing scientific evidence and public concern about the dangers of these chemicals, which have been linked to serious health issues like cancer and liver damage. The EPA has faced criticism for years over its handling of these chemicals. They have been involved in lawsuits and public outcry, particularly over the spread of contaminated sewage sludge on farmland. Critics argue that the agency has known about the toxicity and persistence of these chemicals but has not taken decisive action to stop their spread. In an attempt to regain public trust, the EPA has launched a public relations campaign. They have created a new webpage highlighting their "robust, chemical-specific process" for pesticide approval. This comes after pressure from the pesticide industry, which has shifted the focus from highlighting pesticide dangers to promoting the agency's regulatory diligence. The EPA's recent actions indicate a concerning shift. By fast-tracking the approval of these persistent, toxic chemicals and removing key safety reviews, they are taking a gamble with our health and the environment. The consequences of this gamble could be severe, including compromised children's health, collapsing pollinator populations, and an environment saturated with indestructible toxins.