Thursday, November 05, 2009
EPA proceeds with ban on carbofuran
The Environmental Protection Agency announced last week that it will begin implementing a rule banning use of the pesticide carbofuran.
In May 2009, EPA revoked carbofuran tolerances after performing a risk assessment and determining the chemical posed unacceptable risks to farm workers near treated fields. Exposure can cause headache, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, chest pains, blurred vision, anxiety and muscle weakness.
Three grower associations and FMC Corp., which manufactures carbofuran, objected to the rule, but EPA determined the standard for an evidentiary hearing had not been met. The agency currently is taking steps to cancel carbofuran registrations. Under the rule, the pesticide may not be applied to any food crops after Dec. 31 of this year.