FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, April 4, 2025
Pesticide Manufacturers Putting Americans at Risk with Dangerous Immunity Bill
Molecular Toxicologist Advocates Against Pesticide Labeling Bill in Tennessee Legislature
NASHVILLE — On Wednesday, Dr. Alexandra Muñoz testified before the Tennessee House Judiciary Committee regarding HB809. Dr. Muñoz, a molecular toxicologist who specializes in understanding how toxins cause cancer at the cellular level, spoke in opposition to Tennessee’s pest control bill that would shield pesticide manufacturers and sellers from failure-to-warn liability claims related to the labeling of a product.
“First, I want to make clear that the labels on many pesticides do not reflect the published, peer-reviewed scientific data,” said Dr. Alexandra Muñoz. “Bayer/Monsanto has consistently manipulated the system and knowingly submitted data to the EPA that doesn't reflect the actual health harms of their products.”
Robust campaigns in support of similar legislation have cropped up across the country. The coordinated effort to protect pesticide companies against lawsuits compelled Dr. Muñoz to independently research the molecular mechanisms of glyphosate-based herbicides.
“There's emerging evidence…that glyphosate-based herbicides are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that do impact fertility and that are changing the sexual development of girls,” said Dr. Alexandra Muñoz. “That is the risk of these chemicals, and they are aware of the class of chemicals that they're working with.”
Given that HB809 applies to all registered pesticide products that obtain a label approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, Dr. Muñoz was struck by the unintended consequences such legislation may have in the future.
When answering questions from committee members, Dr. Muñoz further explained how pesticides and herbicides have toxic impacts that produce cancer, can be neurotoxins, and can be endocrine disrupting chemicals that alter the hormonal balance and sexual development of males and females. “From a toxicological perspective, it's very clear why they would want immunity,” said Dr. Alexandra Muñoz.
During her testimony, Dr. Muñoz also outlined a chilling hypothetical where a company structures its safety studies in a way that intentionally disguises the adverse effects of a chemical product. “Companies will feel confident putting this product on the market knowing that they can get away with this harm,” explained Dr. Alexandra Muñoz. “And if this company happens to be controlled by a foreign adversary, then it means that by allowing this bill, you would be sanctioning an act of bioterrorism…. I ask you to vote no on this dangerous piece of legislation.”
Next week, the Tennessee House Judiciary Committee is holding two meetings and will hear the remaining testimony on HB809. Tennessee’s pesticide bill has already passed its third and final reading in the senate, leaving the fate of this legislation up to the house.
Dr. Alexandra Muñoz will be present during next week's proceedings and is available for interviews and press inquiries.
House Judiciary Committee Schedule:
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. CST in House Hearing Room I