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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently gave preliminary approval to over twenty organophosphate and carbamate pesticides, against the objections of the Agency's own scientists and public health professionals across the nation. More than 9,000 scientists sent a letter to EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson expressing concern that EPA's obligation to accurate science and health protection is being undermined and compromised by industry and political interests. Organophosphates are neurotoxins linked to developmental problems in children, long-term neurological problems associated with occupational exposure in adults, and some have been linked to cancer.

Take action today. Tell EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson and your senators to follow the Food Quality Protection Act -- there is ample evidence that these pesticides are too toxic to be used safely.

Your comments must reach EPA by October 2nd for their public comment period on this organophosphate rule.

Background

In 1996, the U.S. Congress gave EPA ten years to reassess the health impacts of hundreds of pesticides that are still sold for use in homes, gardens and agriculture. The most acutely hazardous neurotoxic pesticides -- organophosphates and carbamates -- were the first to be reviewed. August 3, 2006 marked the end of that ten-year period, yet more than 20 organophosphates and carbamate pesticides, including chlorpyrifos, methyl parathion, and diazinon, have not been adequately assessed.

Organophosphates and carbamates are highly toxic classes of pesticides, used to kill insects. These chemicals are linked to cancer, neurological problems (including Parkinson's Disease), respiratory illness and developmental problems. Not only are farmers and farmworkers harmed; research shows that children and families living near agricultural areas suffer serious short- and long-term health problems from exposure to these pesticides.

Mandate to Protect Human Health and the Environment Threatened

Support thousands of EPA scientists who put their jobs on the line by going public saying that administrators appear to be colluding with pesticide manufacturers, protecting corporate profit despite risks to the health of workers, farmers, children and consumers. EPA must not buckle under corporate and political pressure. These hazardous pesticides must be removed from the market.

For More information:

Read more on organophosphates, EPA scientists' statements, and the law at PANNA's OP's Campaign Page.

• http://panna.org/campaigns/ops.html