EPA Concludes Pesticides Containing Endosulfan Present Risks that Outweigh Benefits

EMSL Analytical offers pesticide testing solutions for government agencies, industry and the general public to ensure public safety and environmental stewardship.

Cinnaminson, NJ

In June of this year the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released an Endosulfan Action Plan to begin the termination of its use in the United States. Endosulfan is an organochlorine insecticide first developed in the 1950s that can only be applied by, or under supervision of, a trained and certified applicator.

The pesticide has been used in the past on a variety of fruits, vegetables, cotton, vines, trees and shrubs. According to the EPA Action Plan, “EPA is taking action to end all uses of endosulfan in the United States. EPA has concluded that endosulfan poses unacceptable risks to agricultural workers and wildlife, and can persist in the environment. Under the federal pesticide law, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA must consider both endosulfan’s risks and benefits. The Agency has evaluated the human health and ecological risks as well as the benefits of endosulfan uses. While a few crop uses have relatively high benefits for growers, the nationwide benefits to society as a whole are low for all uses of endosulfan and do not exceed the risks. EPA has determined that pesticide products containing endosulfan do not meet the standard for registration under FIFRA.”

EMSL Analytical, one of the nation’s largest testing laboratories, has extensive expertise in testing for pesticides in environmental samples as well as for food safety. “EMSL’s laboratory uses the most advanced instrumentation and methods, including a number of NIOSH methods, to test for pesticides,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Our laboratory has been involved in pesticide testing to ensure food products are safe, to determine if environmental samples are contaminated with pesticides, to protect agricultural workers and to ensure pesticide drift isn’t impacting rural population centers.”

To learn more about pesticide testing services please contact EMSL Analytical at (800) 220-3675, visit www.EMSL.com and www.ConsumerProductsTesting.com or email info@EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental and industrial hygiene services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President, Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

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