Yeah baby! All those comments we sent to the EPA must’ve done some good because the EPA just announced a full ban on carbofuran pesticide, sold around the world as Furadan. The granular form has been banned in the U.S. for a few years because it kills birds in massive amounts, but this new rule bans carbofuran on ALL food sold in the U.S., even food purchased outside the U.S.
Here’s part of the news release found on the Stop Wildlife Poisoning blog on Wildlife Direct:
EPA Bans Deadly Pesticide Responsible for Millions of Bird Deaths(Washington, D.C. – May 11, 2009) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced its final decision to revoke all food tolerances for the highly toxic pesticide carbofuran, which is sold under the name “Furadan” by FMC Corporation. The agency’s announcement confirms a proposed action first announced in July 2008. FMC Corp. will have the opportunity to challenge the decision within 90 days with a petition to stay the rule. When the rule becomes final, EPA will proceed with the cancellation of registration for all uses of the pesticide.
Lion poisoned by carbofuran after eating poisoned hippo
“Carbofuran causes neurological damage in humans, and one of the most deadly pesticides to birds left on the market. It is responsible for the deaths of millions of wild birds since its introduction in 1967, including Bald and Golden Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, and migratory songbirds,” said Dr. George Fenwick, President of American Bird Conservancy. “This EPA decision marks a huge victory for wildlife and the environment.”
This rule becomes effective December 31, 2009 to allow for commodities in storage to be used. Most uses of carbofuran on food crops were voluntarily canceled in March 2009, effective immediately, so that most uses of the pesticide have been canceled for the 2009 growing season. Today’s announcement is available at http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/30118530d0b774d7852575b30059aa8c?OpenDocument.
Filed under: animal rights, conservation Tagged: | carbofuran, epa bans carbofuran, furadan poisoning
