Florida citrus

Before the storm, citrus production was already forecast to drop by a third compared with the year before. Estimated losses could run as much as $304.2 million.

One environmentalist called aldicarb “one of the most dangerous pesticides in history on Florida oranges and grapefruit.”

Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said the pesticide, used to combat citrus greening disease, poses health and environmental risks.

Aldicarb can cause weakness, blurred vision, headache, nausea, tearing, sweating, and tremors, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And high doses can cause death by paralyzing the respiratory system.

The neurotoxin aldicarb is banned in about 100 countries, and is only one of 36 pesticides that the World Health Organization has called "extremely hazardous." It’s now allowed to be used on Florida oranges and grapefruits.

The increased demand is attributed to people working from home, and the thought a compound found in oranges can fend off coronavirus.

A company wants federal permission to use a pesticide linked to brain damage in young children and infants on citrus trees in Florida and Texas.

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