The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has filed suit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hoping to stop sales of nanopesticides until further health and safety concerns are mitigated. While not alleging that this is a defective product, the suit affects farmers/gardeners from Pennsylvania to California. The specific product, a "nanosilver-based" pesticide has been used for several years in the market after being granted "conditional registration" by the EPA.
The federal lawsuit, filed in California, claims that EPA requirements for further testing on AGS-20 (as it's called) are insufficient to ensure protection of humans, animals or the environment. The NRDC steadfastly believes more extensive, detailed testing is necessary to prove that living things are not "guinea pigs" for this unproven pesticide product.
Nano (super small) particles are changing the properties of many contemporary products. Successfully used to produce better batteries, lighter bike frames, cutting edge medical instruments, and, even, medicines, nanotechnology is appearing in other diverse products, such as sunscreens, stain-repellent plants and algae-resistant paint for boats.
The NRDC and other concerned organizations believe the intense scrutiny of pesticides, and their effects on people, animals and our environment, must remain diligent. Numerous advocacy groups have questions regarding nanosilver, along with many academics who are exploring the implications of this material and its growing popularity.
Although the agricultural industry is becoming impatient with criticism from environmentalists and consumer advocates, the EPA continues to move cautiously on this issue. The agency must balance the many concerns for safety with the needs of agriculture to grow and deliver food to our tables. Although this may be a no-win situation, the EPA will continue to exercise its authority according to government-endorsed policies and procedures.
Source: New Haven Independent, "NRDC Sues EPA To Stop Nanopesticide," Gwyneth K. Shaw, Jan. 26, 2012