New York AG calls to ban Dursban

Chlorpyrifos the active ingredient in more than 800 pest control products including Dursban Pro has been tied to more than 139 cases of acute pesticide poisoning in New York since 1991, according to the state Department of Health.

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[ MEMORIAL TO VICTIM of PESTICIDE POISONING ]

Subject:   Another call to Ban Dursban--------
Date:       Fri, 25 Feb 2000 18:02:44 -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

Dear Lyndon, I thought you might like to read an article sent to me by RedHen entitled: State AG calls on EPA to ban pesticide used widely in New York - By Associated Press, 2/23/2000 05:54.

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) After a preliminary review by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer is trying to have banned a pesticide widely used in New York.

Chlorpyrifos the active ingredient in more than 800 pest control products including Dursban Pro has been tied to more than 139 cases of acute pesticide poisoning in New York since 1991, according to the state Department of Health.

The pesticide kills by disrupting an insect's nervous system. It is found in sprays used on citrus trees and crops, home bug sprays and pet flea collars.

In humans, who absorb it through the skin, inhale it, or ingest it from foods chlorpyrifos can cause nausea, blurred vision, vomiting and developmental problems.

The EPA report on the risk of chlorpyrifos was released in October. It was part of a review of all pesticides registered in the country prior to 1984. A decision on whether or not the sale or use of chlorpyrifos will be restricted in the United States is due this spring.

In 1997 3.5 million pounds and 665,000 gallons of Dursban Pro were applied across the state. (How much of this "registered" POISON do you use/misuse in your state?)

Well Lyndon, I remember when the state of New York sued EPA for not banning Chlordane - I sat next to the State's Assistant Attorney General - when she announced the lawsuit. She left an NCAMP meeting on Friday night after speaking to me and worked all week-end drawing up the proper paperwork for the Monday Press Conference. Way to go New York!

When will it be "legal" (in your opinion) to use any safe and effective alternatives to your dangerous "registered" POISONS to actually control pest problems in California?

Respectfully, Stephen L. Tvedten

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