USA bans Endosulfan

The National Toxics Network (NTN) is today calling on the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) to ban the toxic insecticide Endosulfan after the United States Environment Protection Agency announced it will ban all uses of Endosulfan because of unmanageable threats to the environment, wildlife and farmer health*

“The USA now joins a growing list of over 64 other countries, including New Zealand, that have banned Endosulfan because it’s too toxic and cannot be risk managed,” says Jo Immig, Coordinator of the National Toxics Network.

“The APVMA is now isolated in its baffling and continued support for Endosulfan, a pesticide still used on a wide range of crops in Australia, including macadamia nuts, fruits and vegetables,” Immig says.

“An international scientific panel recently concluded Endosulfan is a global persistent pollutant that bioaccumulates (like DDT) and requires global action to prevent further harm to human health and the environment.”

“The US EPA decision was based on sound science and confirms international scientific opinion that the risks from Endosulfan cannot be managed,” Immig said.

“Endosulfan contaminates wildlife, human breast milk, women’s placentas and even newborns. It contaminates the broader environment where it moves steadily into colder regions, contaminating the Arctic”.

“India is the world’s largest remaining manufacturer of Endosulfan. A recent joint venture between Australian pesticide company NUFARM and India’s Excel Cropcare will continue to manufacture Endosulfan for the Australian market,” Immig concluded.

USA bans Endosulfan