The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will now evaluate pesticide spray drift risks earlier in its review process to better protect farmworkers and nearby communities.
Alejandro Figueroa reports for Oregon Public Broadcasting.
In short:
- The EPA will consider spray drift risks during the initial registration or review of pesticides.
- The policy aims to protect public health by addressing risks before pesticides are widely used.
- Environmental justice groups highlight that many pesticide drift incidents go unreported or unnoticed.
Key quote:
“Our new policy will ensure that vital public health protections are in place when a pesticide is initially approved.”
— Michal Freedhoff, assistant administrator for EPA’s office of chemical safety and pollution prevention
Why this matters:
Evaluating pesticide drift risks sooner can prevent harm to farmworkers and nearby communities. Timely assessments may lead to stricter regulations and better safety measures, reducing the incidence of pesticide-related health issues.
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