California to Ban Pesticide Chlorpyrifos (1)

California, the nation’s largest and most-productive agricultural state, announced plans May 8 to ban the widely used pesticide chlorpyrifos.

The neurotoxic insecticide is used on crops statewide ranging from citrus and nuts to wheat and other grains. Several recent studies have linked use of the chemical to brain development problems in children.

“California’s action to cancel the registration of chlorpyrifos is needed to prevent the significant harm this pesticide causes children, farm workers and vulnerable communities,” said Jared Blumenfeld, secretary of California’s Environmental Protection Agency.

California will join Hawaii, which became the first state to ban the pesticide starting ...