EPA considers approving fruit pesticide despite risks to children, records show

Internal emails show pressure from industry lobbyists and politicians led Trump-era agency to change position on aldicarb

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering approving a pesticide for use on Florida oranges and grapefruits despite the fact that agency scientists have repeatedly found the chemical does not meet safety standards designed to protect children's health, internal agency records show.

EPA emails indicate how for years, agency scientists have wanted to deny new uses of aldicarb, but appear to have not done so because of persistent pressure from chemical industry lobbyists, politicians and political appointees.

This story is co-published with the New Lede, a journalism project of the Environmental Working Group