The EPA is basing its standard for organophosphates on all of these possible exposures. To protect infants and children, the EPA is setting lower pesticide residue tolerances for foods they eat frequently. Because infants and children eat lots of apples, the Food Quality Protection Act may strongly affect how apple growers manage their pests. The EPA has identified eight insecticides and five fungicides used in Wisconsin s apple orchards as high-risk to human health. Many of the organophosphates and fungicides used on apples are reproductive toxins, and some pose thyroid risks.
Organophosphates can disrupt proper neurological function, causing dizziness, nausea, and confusion.
Although these health risks clearly affect farmers and farm workers, it is uncertain whether chemical residues on apples impact consumer health. Many apple growers worry that they will lose money if commonly used pesticides like Guthion, Imidan, Benlate, Captan, and Mancozeb are further restricted in their orchards. The EPA has set tougher standards for worker protection with Guthion, and will strengthen worker protection standards for Imidan in the next year. Although implementing the Food Quality Protection Act will be a long process with an uncertain outcome, Mahr doesn t believe it will cause extreme economic hardship for apple growers. The few decisions made by the EPA so far have had a minimal impact, he said.