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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Balancing economics and sustainability: What would a future without glyphosate weedkiller look like?
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Viewpoint: Should there be a ban on glyphosate and other pesticides in US parks? Here’s why environmentalists and the Park Service say that would be a disaster
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Viewpoint: After neonicotinoid insecticide ban, sugar beet farming in Europe likely to remain crippled for years
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How CRISPR can protect berry crops from disease-carrying fruit flies — without pesticides
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Viewpoint: Using selective chemistry — Burdensome EU regulations prevent introduction of lower-impact agricultural pest control products
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The enemy of my enemy is my friend: How plants recruit predators to control pests
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Video: Do pest-resistant GM crops harm workers? Kenyan farmers say no, tout benefits of Bt cotton grown harvested in semi-arid region
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Viewpoint: Is US agriculture a toxic soup of factory farming, corporate greed and gene-altered crops? Debunking 10 myths that shape the narrative around modern agriculture
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Viewpoint: Mexico claims glyphosate and GM corn bans will increase ‘food sovereignty’. Here are the facts
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Viewpoint: IARC’s aspartame report echoes globally-rejected glyphosate cancer determination
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Ramazzini — The backstory of the ‘independent’ Italian organization that partners with IARC, the multi-billion dollar ‘toxic predatort’ industry, and anti-chemical environmental groups
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Following Europe’s lead, New York State is poised to ban most uses of neonicotinoid pesticides. Here’s why that will hurt consumers, farmers — and the environment
The state of New York is on the brink of a banning a pesticide that is critical for many farmers ...
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Viewpoint: How the EPA deprives farmers of safe and effective pesticides by capitulating to environmental activist agendas
During his long-overdue testimony before the House Committee on Agriculture in April, EPA Administrator Michael Regan complained about anti-pesticide groups tying up ...
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U.S. issues formal complaint over Mexico’s GM corn and herbicide ban as Mexico concludes ‘science’ reviews alleging human health and safety risks
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Viewpoint: How Canadian activists are exploiting tort law to try to ban one of the safest herbicides available to farmers
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France sugar beet production hits 14-year low, analysts blame neonicotinoid pesticide ban
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Viewpoint: This guide should replace the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen list of ‘chemical-soaked’ produce
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