BANGOR DAILY NEWS • August 6, 2023
Exposure to chlorpyrifos has been linked to many harmful effects, including attention difficulties, autism, intelligence declines, problems with working memory, and increased odds of tumor growth. This acutely toxic pesticide was used nationally for decades and applied to some Maine crops. A bill I sponsored to ban it passed in 2021. About a week ago, an Aroostook County resident was concerned that a farm was illegally spraying a chemical on crops destined for dinner tables. A Board of Pesticide Control environmental specialist gathered samples. Sure enough, chlorpyrifos was found on broccoli that was already loaded on refrigerated trucks and ready for shipment. The crop was deemed unsafe for human consumption and destroyed. Thankfully, our government responded swiftly, taking significant steps to restrict the use of this hazardous chemical. ~ Rep. Vicki Doudera