Banned insecticide has been linked to autism, other problems

http://www.pjstar.com/business/x1602636098/Banned-insecticide-has-been-linked-to-autism-other-problems

By CLARE HOWARD (choward@pjstar.com)
Journal Star
Posted Jun 14, 2010 @ 11:00 PM

PEORIA —

A local environmental advocate applauded the decision last week by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to ban endosulfan but said details remain unclear.

Endosulfan, an insecticide used in central Illinois, is volatile, has the potential to migrate long distances and persists in the environment. It was already banned in more than 60 countries because of its extreme toxicity before the EPA took action to terminate use of the chemical.

Endosulfan has been linked to autism, birth defects and delayed puberty in humans.

Terra Brockman, founder of The Land Connection, said EPA chemical bans are often phased in and even at the cutoff date, "critical use" exemptions might be allowed.

Brockman cited the EPA ban of methyl bromide, which was announced in 1993 and not phased in completely until 2005, but the chemical can still be used in "critical use" cases such as commercial strawberry production.

Determining precisely how much endosulfan is used in central Illinois is difficult, she said, because the chemical may not be sold under an endosulfan label. Even examining a list of ingredients on a brand name formulation may not be an indicator because rather than listing endosulfan by name, the chemical composition might be indicated.

"Unless you're a chemist, you won't know," Brockman said, indicating many farmers may be unaware they are using it.

----- (skipping)

..