EPA SUSPENDS REGISTRATION OF CERTAIN METHOXYCHLOR PRODUCTS

(just because it's not tested and registration suspended.. doesn't mean you can buy it and use it despite any safety concerns)

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Subject:    More "Registered" POISON Suspensions-------
Date:        Wed, 26 Jan 2000 12:04:32 -0500
From:        Stephen Tvedten <steve@getipm.com>
Organization:     Get Set Inc. (www.getipm.com)

To:     Lyndon Hawkins <hawkins@empm.cdpr.ca.gov>
          State of California, Department of Pesticide Regulation
          Integrated Pest Management

Lyndon, I thought you might like to read about some suspensions of your "registered" POISONS:  EPA SUSPENDS REGISTRATION OF CERTAIN METHOXYCHLOR PRODUCTS.

On January 14, 2000, EPA issued a suspension order to Kincaid Enterprises, Inc., to prevent the further manufacture and sale of their methoxychlor products.  This order, which is effective immediately, affects the technical chemical, from which methoxychlor products are formulated by other companies, and three methoxychlor products manufactured by Kincaid.  Methoxychlor products manufactured by other companies are not directly affected by this order, but if the suspension remains in effect, they will no longer be able to obtain methoxychlor for their products.

Methoxychlor is an organochlorine insecticide, originally registered as a replacement for DDT, which is used on fruits and vegetables to control a variety of pests.  It also is used to control certain pests on livestock.

This order was issued because the registrant has failed to submit studies required to support reregistration of the chemical and is based on requirements of a settlement agreement signed September 3, 1998.  If the company is able to generate the required data, the suspension could be lifted.  Existing stocks of the chemical in the hands of retailers and users may continue to be used.  This suspension is based on overdue environmental fate studies.  The Agency has not completed its risk assessment for this compound. Food tolerances remain in effect.

For more information, contact Beth Edwards, Special Review and Reregistration Division, at 703-305-5400 or via email at edwards.beth@epa.gov.

Well Lyndon, will you STILL allow people to LEGALLY use this terrible "registered" organochlorine insecticide (POISON) --- even though we STILL do not KNOW (after MANY years of use/misuse) how DANGEROUS even the active ingredient is?  How can you with a straight face say it is still "illegal" (in your opinion) to use soap and water to safely and effectively control insect pests in California?  How can you even pretend  there is any "risk assessment"!

Respectfully,  Stephen L. Tvedten