Chemical Controversies
Pesticides are substances that prevent, destroy, repel, or reduce the severity of pests. Pests are living things that occur where they are not wanted or that cause damage to humans, crops, or animals. Pests can be insects, rodents, unwanted plants, bacteria, viruses, or different types of fungus. Pesticides can vary in how toxic they are to humans and the environment. Some are persistent in the environment, animals, and birds, lasting for years; others break down soon after they are released. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grants licenses, or registrations, to pesticides that it has found do not pose unreasonable risks to human health and the environment; it has registered at least 865 pesticides, which are used in thousands of pesticide products.
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Kenya loses 60% of corn crop to stem borer pests annually. Insect-resistant Bt GMO corn could raise yields and cut pesticide use
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Viewpoint: Deception and dirty politics are behind targeting of PFAS
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Glyphosate will be re-authorized for 15 years as safe by the European Commission, according to leaked documents
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Viewpoint: Using selective chemistry — Burdensome EU regulations prevent introduction of lower-impact agricultural pest control products
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Viewpoint: Mexico claims glyphosate and GM corn bans will increase ‘food sovereignty’. Here are the facts
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