Corporate farm lobby moves to block pesticide safety restrictions
Birth Defects
The powerful industrial agricultural industry lobby is pushing changes to federal law that would prevent local and state leaders from placing safety restrictions on herbicide and pesticide products.
Concerned that the changes could endanger Americans, officials from more than 30 states sent a letter to members of the Senate and House Agriculture committees, urging them to reject it.
The agriculture industry’s proposal would prevent local and state authorities from imposing pesticide limits that exceed those of the federal government, according to the letter, which notes that there are situations demanding that state or local restrictions exceed federal limits.
About the Proposed Legislation
Dubbed the Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act, the proposed legislation would ban states from passing and enforcing additional requirements for warnings related to pesticide use. If enacted, it could also jeopardize local laws that restrict pesticide use near schools, parks and playgrounds, as well as laws that protect drinking water and wildlife. The proposed measure would be implemented as a potential amendment to the pending Farm Bill.
The letter sent to members of Congress emphasizes that the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act gives state and local governments the authority to enact additional pesticide measures, providing them with a substantial oversight role.
Why are Restrictions on Pesticide Use Important?
Many pesticides contain ingredients linked to cancer, as well as birth defects and developmental and reproductive problems. While governmental regulation and oversight may seem toothless at times, jurors serving in trials across the country have held manufacturers like Bayer and its Monsanto subsidiary accountable.
The agriculture lobby crafted the proposed legislation to protect chemical manufacturers and limit their accountability when they fail to warn consumers about the dangerous chemicals in their products.
Glyphosate linked to cancer, birth defects
Glyphosate, the main active ingredient in the pesticide Roundup, is widely used in weedkillers worldwide. Glyphosate has also been tied to cancer, reproductive issues and birth defects:
- In a paper published in an academic journal of endocrinology, scientists cite evidence showing that low-dose exposure to glyphosate can impact the female reproductive system, with consequences for fertility.
- Researchers from Iowa State University found that chronic low-level exposure to glyphosate among mice altered ovarian proteins, potentially impacting ovarian function.
- University of Georgia researchers noted in a paper that glyphosate-based herbicides appeared to have a “wide range of effects on both the male and female reproductive systems.” The researchers had studied livestock that ate grain with glyphosate residue.
How We Help Victims of Pesticides
The attorneys of our birth defects victims’ alliance understand the pain that families face when coping with life-altering birth defects—and the frustration of knowing they could have been prevented. Our team has over 40 years of combined experience in birth defects litigation in cases involving semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, pesticides, and energy production. We have the resources and experience to fight on behalf of our clients against corporations who put them in danger. Contact us to see how we can help you and your family receive justice for birth defects.