US Exports Harmful Chemicals to Native Tribes

By: Eris Lowdermilk

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) is regulated by the EPA, the Environmental Protection Agency; which allows chemical corporations in the United States to export to mainly less-developed countries. 

These chemicals are not approved in the US, therefore they send it to countries who are still growing. Specifically in the Yaqui Tribe, they are spread throughout Arizona where they are protected from these chemicals, yet the eight tribes in México are exposed to these awful chemicals. 

These chemicals contaminate their drinking water, sacred waters, and in the air from spraying large amounts of crops at once. 

As a result, these chemicals impact soon-to-be mothers before giving birth to children, such as the communities face an unbalanced high rate of stillbirths, infant mortality, birth defects, developmental issues, etc. 

Despite multiple communications with U.S. legislation about the FIRFA policy, the U.S. continues to export these chemicals. 

Lopez-Carmen, Victor Anthony. (2020, October 12). Native Tribes Are Being Poisoned By Pesticides Made By U.S. Companies. MSN. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/opinion/native-tribes-are-being-poisoned-by-pesticides-made-by-us-companies/ar-BB19WmU3