EPA takes action to terminate use of endosulfan

U.S. EPA is taking action to end all uses of endosulfan in the U.S. Endosulfan is an organochlorine insecticide that can be used on a wide variety of ornamental plants, vegetables, fruits and cotton. It has no residential uses. Endosulfan is registered as Thiodan Insecticidal Smoke for the control of aphids and whiteflies on ornamental plants.

EPA has concluded that endosulfan poses unacceptable risks to agricultural workers and wildlife, and can persist in the environment. In completing revised assessments, EPA has concluded that endosulfan’s significant risks to wildlife and agricultural workers outweigh its limited benefits to growers and consumers nationwide.

New data generated in response to the agency’s 2002 decision have shown that risks faced by workers are greater than previously known. EPA also finds that there are risks above the agency’s level of concern to aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, as well as to birds and mammals that consume aquatic prey which have ingested endosulfan.

The endosulfan manufacturer is in discussions with EPA to voluntarily cancel endosulfan uses. EPA is working out the details to terminate all uses while considering growers' needs to timely move to lower-risk pest control practices.