Common Pesticide May be Linked to Brain Damage in Children

November 23, 2020

A common pesticide, Chlorpyrifos, continues to be used by farmers, despite being banned in several countries and many states within the United States. Chlorpyrifos has even been linked to brain damage in children. The pesticide has been used as the active ingredient in brand-name pesticides that allow farmers to rid their fields of crop-threatening insects.

How Does the Dangerous Chemical Show up in the Food Supply?

The pesticide is used on food crops for human consumption and for livestock. Crops that are farmed using Chlorpyrifos include apples, oranges, berries, wheat, and corn. Besides these fruits and grains, other affected crops, such as soybeans, are used extensively in food products.

Additionally, many golf courses and other properties are maintained using Chlorpyrifos. The runoff from these lands can cause damage to the surrounding community.

What is Known About Exposure to Chlorpyrifos?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has come out in opposition to the use of Chlorpyrifos, stating that it threatens the health of infants, children, pregnant women, and unborn babies. According to the AAP, exposure to Chlorpyrifos in the womb can cause low birth weight, and affect a child’s lifelong capacity for attention, memory, and IQ. Some of the other illnesses and health outcomes that have been linked to Chlorpyrifos include autism, childhood tremors, Parkinson’s disease, and lung cancer.

How is the Exposure Particularly Dangerous to Pregnant Women and Babies?

A 2017 article in the Journal of Neurochemistry stated that prenatal Chlorpyrifos exposure is linked to cognitive deficits. Scientists around the world have conducted studies to support a consensus that the chemical is considered a developmental neurotoxin. Scientists came to this conclusion using many methods. One study that was performed in 2011 involved measuring the presence of Chlorpyrifos in a mother’s umbilical cord. Following a group of 265 children, the researchers found that those whose umbilical cord blood plasma contained high levels of Chlorpyrifos showed decreased memory and IQ seven years later.

What Should I Do After I am Exposed to Chlorpyrifos?

If a person has been harmed by exposure to an environmental toxin, they may have a case to collect damages for their injury or illness. Industrial misuse of harmful chemicals is against the law. Those who have suffered as a result of industrial negligence may be owed compensation for the damage that was caused by the exposure. To determine if a victim is eligible for compensation, they should speak to a lawyer about their case.

Delaware Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Clients Harmed by Dangerous Pesticides

If you believe you have been harmed by Chlorpyrifos, one of our Delaware environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can help you. We can represent you in a lawsuit against a business responsible for the damaging contamination that caused harm to you or your family. For a free consultation, complete our online form or call us at 302-656-5445. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.