An End To Endosulfan

Q: What’s sprayed on Christmas trees, related to DDT, and builds up in the Arctic?
A: Endosulfan, a pesticide sent packing today by the EPA.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that it will ban all uses of the pesticide endosulfan. In doing so, it is responding to farmworkers, indigenous people, and thousands of Americans who have demanded an end to the use of this long-lasting chemical that builds up in people and breastmilk.

The U.S. now follows the European Union and 60 other countries that had already banned the pesticide. In its decision, EPA cited harm to farmworkers and wildlife as the driving forces requiring the ban.

Like DDT, endosulfan is an organochlorine pesticide, so it’s no surprise it has problems, including a tendency to stick around where it’s not wanted. The pesticide is classified as a persistent bioaccumulative toxin (PBT), a class of chemicals that last in the environment and build up in our bodies. WTC and other groups have made PBTs a top priority as we seek to strengthen and pass the national Safe Chemicals Act.

Besides harming wildlife, endosulfan can disrupt hormonal systems and exposure has been linked to reproductive problems and birth defects. In Washington, the pesticide can be used on dozens of crops, including tree fruit, many vegetables, Christmas trees, and even as ear tags on cattle. Monitoring by state agencies has consistently found endosulfan in surface waters used by salmon, often at levels believed to cause harm.

Kudos and heartfelt thanks to the incredible organizations including PANNA, Alaska Community Action on Toxics, Beyond Pesticides, Earthjustice, NRDC, UFW, Farmworker Justice, and the many indigenous organizations that worked together to achieve this victory.

Read the press release from our friends at Panna.

Photo courtesy www.panna.org.