Despite Its Dangers, Chlorpyrifos is Still All Too Common

Chlorpyrifos is a potentially dangerous chemical that is also commonly used as a commercial pesticide. It is applied to a variety of crops, including alfalfa, almond, citrus, cotton, grapes, and walnuts. However, the detrimental effect the pesticide has on pests is also taking place on humans. In fact, it is particularly harmful to children and pregnant women. But if chlorpyrifos is such a dangerous chemical, why is it still so commonly used?

How Harmful is Chlorpyrifos?

Chlorpyrifos effectively shuts down the stimulant that oversees messages between nerve cells. When the nervous system cannot send signals, it malfunctions and ultimately kills any pests. This makes it an effective pesticide, but it also can harm people. As a result, it has been directly linked to neurological and brain disorders. Proven injuries from the chemical include: 

• Autism, 
• Intelligence deficiencies, 
• Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and 
• Cognitive impairments impacting memory, focus, tremors, permanent neurological deficits, and motor skills.

Studies have shown that at even low exposures, chlorpyrifos in infants and children can lead to serious health problems. But these risks are not limited to children. In adults, exposure to pesticides like chlorpyrifos also increases the risk of endometriosis, a disorder where tissue lining the uterus actually grows outside the uterus. It has also been shown to be linked to lung cancer and Parkinson’s disease.

Should Texas Ban Chlorpyrifos?

Many states are banning chlorpyrifos to some degree or another:

• Hawaii successfully banned it in 2018. 
• California will outlaw it in the beginning of 2021 as per an agreement with the makers of the chemical. 
• New York is actively working to ban the pesticide. 
• Washington state is considering a limit on use and make emergency rules to address health problems cause by chlorpyrifos, but not ban it outright. 
• Maryland is trying to implement a measure that would ban chlorpyrifos throughout the state beginning early 2021. 
• Oregon continues to attempt a phase out by first prohibiting any aerial use of the chemical, then prohibiting applying the pesticide within 300 ft of a school, and then eliminating it completely by 2022.

However, despite these state level efforts, farmers and other rural workers continue to lobby nationally for keeping the chemical on the market and easily accessible. They argue that, in the agricultural industry, there is a predicted annual demand increase for chlorpyrifos to mitigate pests like mosquitoes and other insects on golf course and playgrounds. In many ways, this is putting people at unreasonable risk.

Experienced product liability attorneys know the ins and outs of how to investigate, build, and win a successful lawsuit. Our attorneys at  Williams Hart can help you learn your options for getting compensation if you were harmed by the chemical chlorpyrifos. If you or someone you love has suffered physical or emotional damage following an exposure to chlorpyrifos, you should contact a lawyer immediately. Call us today for a free initial consultation - we are look forward to discussing your potential recovery.