PAN trying to ban chlorypyrifos and endosulfan

Pesticide drift from two insecticides -- chlorpyrifos and endosulfan -- travels by wind and water to cause deadly conditions for Pacific treefrogs and foothill yellow-legged frogs, two species native to mountain meadows in the Sierra Nevada range. New research shows that after the two pesticides are applied in California's Central Valley, they drift on easterly winds, land in the Sierras through rain and snow and are spread by runoff. The research was published in the August 2009 issue of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry.

Pesticide Action Network is working to ban all uses of both insecticides in the United States, especially given the viability of organic and agroecological alternatives. In 2000, U.S. EPA banned chlorpyrifos for home use because of evidence linking the pesticide to neurodevelopmental problems in humans and concern for children’s health. The pesticide, produced by Dow Chemical, is under scrutiny by the Agency again since children and families in agricultural areas continue to face high levels of exposure. The EPA is also considering canceling uses of endosulfan, banned in more than 60 countries. Bayer, a significant producer of endosulfan, agreed last week to end distribution of endosulfan by 2010 due to global protest against its deadly impacts on communities around the world.