The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a rule to revoke most tolerances for the insecticide chlorpyrifos, except for specific uses on 11 crops, including alfalfa, apple, and soybean, in certain states. This action is in response to a 2007 petition by the Natural Resources Defense Council and Pesticide Action Network, which called for the revocation of all chlorpyrifos tolerances due to health concerns, particularly its potential effects on neurodevelopment. The EPA has determined that while some tolerances will be revoked based on voluntary cancellations, the remaining tolerances are considered safe under new restrictions. Public comments on this proposal are being accepted until February 10, 2025.
Simple Explanation
The EPA wants to stop using a bug spray called chlorpyrifos on most fruits and vegetables because it might hurt brains, but they think it's okay to keep using it on a few different plants, like apples and soybeans, if they follow some new rules. They're asking people to share their thoughts about this until February 2025.