The toxic insecticide acephate has been linked to hyperactivity and lower IQs in kids. Tell the EPA: Don't relax restrictions on toxic acephate.

John,

The toxic insecticide acephate has been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, including hyperactivity and lower IQs in children.1

But the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing easing restrictions on acephate that would allow 10 times more of the chemical to be used on food than is acceptable under the current limits.2

There are safer ways to grow our food. Tell the EPA: Don't relax restrictions on toxic acephate.

Celery, tomatoes, cranberries, Brussels sprouts and other fruits and vegetables are all commonly grown with acephate. When kids eat their fruits and vegetables, they shouldn't be put at risk of consuming a dangerous chemical.3

But as much as 12 million pounds of acephate were used on soybeans, Brussels sprouts and other crops in 2019.4

Acephate interferes with signals sent between nerve cells. Maybe that's okay when dealing with pesky insects, but it definitely is not what we want to happen to kids.5

The risks of acephate are not hypothetical.

The European Union banned the pesticide more than 20 years ago. And the EPA has had restrictions on it for years due to scientific consensus that children are particularly vulnerable to the harms of pesticides.6

We are working to convince the EPA to maintain strong restrictions on acephate. Add your name.

Thank you,

Faye Park
President,


1. Sharon Lerner, "10 Times as Much of This Toxic Pesticide Could End Up on Your Tomatoes and Celery Under a New EPA Proposal," ProPublica, April 24, 2024.
2. Sharon Lerner, "10 Times as Much of This Toxic Pesticide Could End Up on Your Tomatoes and Celery Under a New EPA Proposal," ProPublica, April 24, 2024.
3. Sharon Lerner, "10 Times as Much of This Toxic Pesticide Could End Up on Your Tomatoes and Celery Under a New EPA Proposal," ProPublica, April 24, 2024.
4. Sharon Lerner, "10 Times as Much of This Toxic Pesticide Could End Up on Your Tomatoes and Celery Under a New EPA Proposal," ProPublica, April 24, 2024.
5. Sharon Lerner, "10 Times as Much of This Toxic Pesticide Could End Up on Your Tomatoes and Celery Under a New EPA Proposal," ProPublica, April 24, 2024.
6. Sharon Lerner, "10 Times as Much of This Toxic Pesticide Could End Up on Your Tomatoes and Celery Under a New EPA Proposal," ProPublica, April 24, 2024.


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