Children's Health at Risk? EPA Approves Toxic "Forever" Pesticide

Public health organizations have initiated a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning the approval of a new "forever chemical" insecticide named isocycloseram. Internal industry research indicated that this pesticide may lead to reduced testicle size, lower sperm counts, and liver damage in rats. Critics assert that the EPA failed to adequately consider the potential adverse health effects on children and developing fetuses when making its safety assessment. This legal action escalates the controversy surrounding "forever chemicals" in pesticides. The EPA maintains its commitment to addressing PFAS and protecting children's health, though it declined to comment on the ongoing litigation. The pesticide is applied to a variety of food crops, including fruits and vegetables, as well as lawns and golf courses, raising concerns about widespread exposure. Concerns have also been raised that at least 60% of active pesticide ingredients approved federally over the past decade fall under the definition of PFAS. While isocycloseram persists for hundreds of years, it degrades into other persistent PFAS chemicals. The EPA's risk assessment process is being criticized for potential flaws and reliance on industry-funded science, with allegations that child safety mandates were not fully followed. Furthermore, the agency does not appear to consider the cumulative effects of exposure to multiple harmful substances.