Environment Magazine

THE US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a proposed decision that residues of carbofuran, a toxic pesticide that is used on a variety of crops, will no longer be allowed on food.

This effectively means that carbofuran will have to be removed from the US market, benefiting consumers and farm workers, as well as birds, which are frequently poisoned by the deadly chemical. Carbofuran has been banned in the UK since 1985.
This is a huge victory for the environment. EPA is to be congratulated for taking such decisive action to eliminate the dangers posed by carbofuran,” said Dr Michael Fry, American Bird Conservancy's director of Conservation Advocacy. This decision is based on overwhelming scientific evidence and sends a clear signal to manufacturers that it doesn't pay to fight the cancellation of products proven to be harmful.”

The move by EPA is the latest in a long battle to halt all uses of carbofuran (sold under the trade name Furadan). In August of 2006, EPA announced its intention to cancel carbofuran registration due to hazards to birds, other wildlife, and people. However, carbofuran manufacturer FMC Corp is pursuing a court battle so that it can keep selling the pesticide. This is the first time in 20 years that a pesticide manufacturer has fought cancellation of a pesticide. Carbofuran is one of the most deadly pesticides to birds left on the market.

It is responsible for the deaths of millions of wild birds since its introduction in 1967, including Bald and Golden Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, and migratory songbirds. In its 2005 ecological risk assessment on carbofuran, EPA stated that all legal uses of the pesticide were likely to kill wild birds.