Pesticide manufacturers are backing legislation in multiple states that would shield them from lawsuits over health risks, sparking intense opposition from farm groups and public health advocates.
Carey Gillam reports for The New Lede.
In short:
- Proposed laws in at least eight states, including Iowa, would prevent lawsuits against pesticide companies if their labels meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approval.
- Critics argue the laws strip farmers and pesticide users of their right to seek damages for illnesses linked to pesticide exposure, while supporters claim they protect access to necessary agricultural chemicals.
- Bayer, facing thousands of lawsuits over its Roundup herbicide, is leading efforts at both state and federal levels to limit litigation against pesticide makers.
Key quote:
“We’re very worried. Our farmers feel that if they have an injuries or illnesses due to their use of a pesticide they should have access to the courts.”
— Aaron Lehman, president of the Iowa Farmers Union
Why this matters:
Research links pesticide exposure to health risks, including many cancers. Limiting legal options could leave affected individuals without recourse while strengthening corporate protections. The EPA relies on industry studies for pesticide safety assessments, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
Related: Endocrine disruptors: The discreet but major gift to the pesticides lobby.
