EPA wants insecticide phased out by 2010

Citing health risks to farmworkers and the environment, the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to phase out by 2010 one of the most widely used insecticides in the state's fruit orchards.

The insecticide is azinphos-methyl, a nerve poison that has been used in the orchards for decades to control coddling moths and other pests. The most extensive use is in apple orchards, where one survey found that it was sprayed on more than 70 percent of the acreage.

The EPA-proposed phaseout was spurred by a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Seattle by farmworker and environmental groups. It is expected to hasten a transition already under way to a new generation of alternative chemicals and other tactics to control orchard pests.

"They are all more expensive on a per-acre basis," said Jay Brunner, director of the Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center in Wenatchee. "But they are all less toxic to humans."

Azinphos-methyl belongs to a class of chemicals known as organophosphates, which are used to control pests.

These chemicals also can affect humans by temporarily lowering blood levels of a critical enzyme that helps to regulate the nervous system. Researchers also have raised concerns about the possible neurological effects of long-term, low-level exposure, particularly on unborn children and infants.

Studies also have shown that the chemicals harm aquatic life. The agency is proposing larger no-spray zones near waterways during the phaseout.

Because of health and environmental concerns, the EPA in 2000 ordered retailers to phase out sales for home and garden use of two other widely used organophosphates — chlorpyrifos and diazinon.

The EPA also phased out the use of some organophosphates on some crops and set new rules limiting the exposure of farmworkers to orchards sprayed with azinphos-methyl.

Despite those restrictions and the use of protective gear, the EPA in 2001 still found that the insecticide posed unacceptable risks to farmworkers.

That finding prompted farmworkers groups to join with environmental groups to sue the EPA for failing to curb the chemical's use. That lawsuit was settled earlier this year, with the EPA agreeing to make a decision about the chemical by August, according to Patti Goldman, an attorney for Earthjustice, which represented the plaintiffs.

The plaintiffs said they were glad the EPA wants to end the use of azinphos-methyl. But they questioned the length of the phaseout.

"It's a step in the right direction but is deeply disappointing," said Erik Nicholson, who represents the United Farmworkers of America. "If this is an unacceptable risk, how is it ethical — much less moral — to allow workers to continue working with this chemical? This is just wrong."

The EPA, in its decision, said the transition can be managed in a way that "minimizes the potential risks to farmworkers."

The EPA said the chemical is important to growers but notes that many new chemicals have been registered for use since the agency did a 2001 risk analysis. These chemicals require more precise applications, so it will take time for growers to adapt to them.

Mike Willett of the Northwest Horticultural Council, which represents fruit growers, said, "We're still reviewing this announcement and trying to sort out what it means. I don't think anybody would deny that it's played a major role for an awfully long time."

Hal Bernton: 206-464-2581 or hbernton@seattletimes.com