Workers sue EPA to ban chlorpyrifos: Farmworker advocacy groups sued EPA last week to ban the organophosphate pesticide chlorpyrifos, commonly known as Lorsban (Dow trade name). The neurotoxic chemical is already banned by EPA for residential use, due to its especially high risk to children. Chlorpyrifos has been linked to developmental delays in children, is suspected of triggering asthma, and inhibits an enzyme (cholinesterase) essential for normal nervous system function. Last month, while preparations for the lawsuit were well underway, California reported three chlorpyrifos-related incidents. On July 2, a tanker truck crashed on California's highway 99, spewing burning chlorpyrifos over a large area --nearby residents complained of painful fumes. On July 10 and 21, chlorpyrifos contaminations sickened agricultural workers in separate events. United Farmworkers of America is also calling on California state authorities to take action. The coalition bringing suit includes: EarthJustice, Farmworker Justice, Natural Resources Defense Council and California Rural Legal Assistance, on behalf of United Farm Workers, Teamsters Local 890 in California, Sea Mar Community Health Centers, Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste, Frente Indigena de Organizaciones Binacionales, Farm Labor Organizing Committee, Beyond Pesticides and PAN North America; and Martha Rodriguez and Silvina Canez, farmworkers in California. Dow says the lawsuit is "without merit." PANUPS is a weekly email news service providing resource guides and reporting on pesticide issues that don't always get coverage by the mainstream media. It's produced by Pesticide Action Network North America, a non-profit and non-governmental organization working to advance sustainable alternatives to pesticides worldwide. We gladly accept donations for our work and all contributions are tax deductible in the United States. Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA) 49 Powell St., Suite 500, San Francisco, CA 94102 USA Phone: (415) 981-1771 Fax: (415) 981-1991 Email: panna@panna.org Web: http://www.panna.org August 2007 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.