Facts about the Diazinon Phase Out

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced an agreement that will phase out home and garden uses of diazinon, the active ingredient in several pest control products. The key to the agreement is the fact that it's a phase-out of home and garden use of diazinon through 2004. This transition allows consumers to continue controlling disease-carrying insects while alternative products are being prepared. Learn more about safe, and organic, Diazinon alternatives! The compound was the latest in the chemical family of organophosphates to undergo review by EPA in accordance with the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA), enacted by Congress in 1996 to take a closer look at all previously approved pesticides. Diazinon has been used for more than 40 years to protect crops, gardens, lawns and homes from cockroaches, ants, fire ants, grubs, fleas, mites, aphids, beetles and ticks. Under the agreement, about 75% of diazinon use will be eliminated. Some agricultural uses will continue. EPA documents indicate that there should be no concern about diazinon in drinking water or food supplies. In fact, the EPA states that "the health benefits of a varied diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables outweigh the potential risk of pesticide residues on treated crops." During the phase-out period, products containing diazinon will still be available for use through 2004. According to EPA, consumers may "purchase and use diazinon according to label directions and precautions. Use of these products according to label directions does not pose an imminent hazard."