EPA Moves To Ban Pesticide That Leaves Fluoride Behind

[SpartanDem]

After years of pressure from environmental groups, the Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to ban sulfuryl fluoride by 2014.

Sulfuryl fluoride is used to fumigate places where food is stored, and the stuff gets sprayed on grains, dried fruit, coffee, cocoa beans and nuts.


The problem with sulfuryl fluoride is that it leaves fluoride behind as it degrades. A little fluoride is good for teeth, but too much causes staining and pitting.

Although EPA says the pesticide is responsible for less than 3 percent of fluoride exposure, the government's been on a bit of a tear lately to reduce kids' exposure. It recently proposed reducing fluoride in drinking water

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2011/01/11/132834956/epa-moves-to-ban-pesticide-that-leaves-fluoride-behind