Toxic Pesticide Restricted

In August 1999, the Environmental Protection Agency announced a partial ban on the use of the broad-spectrum insecticide methyl parathion, targeting foods commonly eaten by children, including all fruits, carrots, fresh peas and beans, and tomatoes. Methyl parathion, a widely used organophosphate pesticide (OP), is neurotoxic to humans and kills birds, aquatic life, and honey bees.

The action was the Agency's first major step under the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996, under which 10,000 pesticide uses must be reviewed for their impacts on children's health. Consumers Union responded by criticizing EPA for failing to take any action on most of the 125 riskiest pesticides used on food. Methyl parathion will continue to be allowed on corn, oats, rice, soybeans, sugar beets, wheat, potatoes, and other foods.

[EPA Fact Sheet, 8/2/99; The Washington Post, 8/3/99]