EPA proposes that a widely-used insecticide be phased out by 2010

By Holly Fleming

Published on June 15, 2006

Azinphos-methyl is a nerve poison that has been used for decades for pest control, particularly in apple orchards.

The EPA phaseout was instigated after a lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Seattle, Wash. by environmental and farm worker groups. The suit is expected to help speed the transition to a new group of alternative chemicals and tactics to control insects.

Azinphos-methyl and other pesticides can affect humans by temporarily decreasing an enzyme that helps regulate the nervous system. Concerns have also been raised about potential neurological problems from long-term, low-grade exposure, especially in infants and pregnant women.

Studies also show that azinphos-methyl and other pesticides harm aquatic life.

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit say they are happy the EPA wants to ban the use of azinphos-methyl, but they question the timeline of the phaseout.

The EPA stated that azinphos-methyl has been important to growers, but noted that many new pesticides have been registered for usage since the EPA did a 2001 risk analysis. The new chemicals require more exacting applications, so it will take time for growers to transition to using them.

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