US joins endosulfan ban

While it could become totally overwhelming to contemplate the countless threats to my personal and family health and safety, I still see great value in making an effort to avoid as much toxic exposure as possible. This is an issue that is exhausting, infuriating and sometimes disgusting. So it is nice to have something better to report.

Endosulfan - another in the long list of agricultural chemicals has been banned by the FDA. I have not found research discussing the longevity of this chemical and its residue. Because it is structurally similar to DDT, I think it probably will be with us in our soil and water for some time to come, but that is pure speculation. Used most heavily on cotton, beans and zucchini, this chlorinated insecticide has been shown to effect kidney, liver, central nervous system and male reproductive organs. 

Banning in the US comes late, given that it has already been banned in 62 other countries. But it is still used in Brazil, Australia and produced and used in India.

Next to stop, the use of malathion. Check out this 10-year old letter by Beyond Pesticides.

After attending a talk on chemicals in our foods at Milwaukee's Urban Ecology Center this week, I am again acutely aware of the importance of doing whatever I can to keep my family from exposure to environmental toxins. Thanks to Steven Levsen, Ph. D for the excellent information. He's a chemist, organic farmer and cancer survivor.