EPA wants insecticide phased out by 2010(azinphos-methyl;used in orchards)

[lindisfarne]

By Hal Bernton

Seattle Times staff reporter

Citing health risks to farmworkers and the environment, the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to phase out by 2010 one of the most widely used insecticides in the state's fruit orchards.

The insecticide is azinphos-methyl, a nerve poison that has been used in the orchards for decades to control coddling moths and other pests. The most extensive use is in apple orchards, where one survey found that it was sprayed on more than 70 percent of the acreage.
<snip>
Azinphos-methyl belongs to a class of chemicals known as organophosphates, which are used to control pests. These chemicals also can affect humans by temporarily lowering blood levels of a critical enzyme that helps to regulate the nervous system. Researchers also have raised concerns about the possible neurological effects of long-term, low-level exposure, particularly on unborn children and infants. Studies also have shown that the chemicals harm aquatic life. The agency is proposing larger no-spray zones near waterways during the phaseout. Because of health and environmental concerns, the EPA in 2000 ordered retailers to phase out sales for home and garden use of two other widely used organophosphates — chlorpyrifos and diazinon.

<snip>
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003057715_pesticidephaseout13m.html

[Dead_Parrot]

1. Hang on...

...Bush's environmental protection agency doing something to protect the environment? What's the catch?

Or will the "many new chemicals" just fuck us over from a different direction, that it will take 5 years to work out and another 10 years to get banned?

(cynic? me?)

[lindisfarne]

3. There was a study of WA apple orchards a few years ago which showed

organic production is no more expensive than conventional. One would hope more orchards would go organic.

As for why the EPA made this move: it attests to how overwhelming the evidence against this pesticide is and how dangerous it is, because as you said, the Bush administration resists any anti-industry move. In fact, conventionally grown apples have long been on the top 12 list of produce in terms of exposure to pesticides because of this chemical. I first heard of the dangers well over 10 years ago - and I'm not a specialist - so it took the EPA a while. More and more pesticides are being banned, only because the risks are finally being studied (and not at the expense of the corporations profiting), and also because with a few of the more dangerous chemicals, epidemiological studies can pick up the health effects.

Often, however, health effects are so delayed in time, it is almost impossible to find a link - such as a link between farmers exposed to certain pesticides and risk of Parkinson's disease. finding a link as in the case with the farmers is quite rare = and the failure to find a link is interpreted by the government as evidence the chemical can stay on the market, even when no published studies exist ascertaining that the chemical is safe (and industry isn't required to publish the studies they do, even when they have good reason to suspect the chemical is dangerous). (Of course, there are plenty of incidents where chemicals are known to be extremely dangerous, such as dioxins and PVCs, to both employees at plants, as well as the environment, yet we keep these products on the market due to industry lobbying).
http://www.organicconsumers.org/OFGU/parkinsons060105.cfm; http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/pr/news/archive/park.html).

We know even *less* about how multiple chemicals affect people who are exposed to them - the results can be very different from when someone is exposed to just one or the other chemical (this is the case with the farmers and parkinson's).

Europe has taken a huge step regarding new chemicals coming on to the market (extensive safety testing is now required) but last I heard, the laws aren't retroactive - although Europe is banning at least as many chemicals as the US is.

It's amazing, however, that we don't simply "ban" - we "phase out" - even knowing how dangerous these chemicals are.

[Dead_Parrot]

4. Thanks for the background...

I guess the ag. chem. companies can use the same hair-splitting methods over delayed effects that the tobacco companies perfected...

:(

[lindisfarne]

5. Or perhaps the EPA banned the pesticide to offset their favorable

ruling toward oil companies (liberals can't claim they do *nothing*; oil company lobbying is obviously more powerful in terms of campaign contributions)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2335545

[Dead_Parrot]

6. yeah, throwing us a bone.

Personally, I'm now really impressed with how they're caring for our future.

Edit: crap typist :)

[no_hypocrisy]

2. EPA waited until the day after Delay left before trying this stunt.

You know The Bugman would have none of this. Pesticides is the motivation that propelled him into Congress.

[ramapo]

7. I wonder...

how much of this stuff I've eaten over the years. I love fruit.

[lindisfarne]

8. Try organic fruit. It's much better, esp. if local. Not only because it's

organic (although that's part of the reason) but also because often, the varieties organic farmers grow taste better, aren't developed for shelf life rather than flavor, and usually are picked closer to ripeness (especially if local). In some areas of the country, however, organic is still tough to find.