Endosulfan

Health concerns
Many fruits and vegetables retain endosulfan and other pesticide residues even after washing and cooking. Endosulfan can contaminate drinking water and can also be inhaled by people working in, living near or passing by recently sprayed fields. Young children are particularly vulnerable to endosulfan and other pesticides because their bodies and brains are still developing, and chemicals that interfere with the nervous system during development may cause long-term or permanent damage. Exposure to low doses of endosulfan in the womb is linked to male reproductive harm, autism and birth defects. High-dose exposures result in headaches, nausea, vomiting, seizures and, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and death.

Environmental concerns
Endosulfan is a persistent organic pollutant. Once it enters the atmosphere, it breaks down very slowly, traveling great distances before doing so. Endosulfan accumulates in the bodies of animals and people in the Arctic, thousands of miles from its point of application.

Where it is found
Crops that are sprayed with the most endosulfan are cotton, cantaloupe, tomatoes, potatoes and apples.

Stay safe
Buy organic fruits and vegetables, especially kids’ favorites. Berries, stone fruits and leafy greens tend to carry the most pesticide residue.

Wash all produce thoroughly before you eat it.

Avoid using endosulfan in your garden.

The big picture
Endosulfan’s harmful environmental and health effects have been well documented. It has already been banned in more than 50 countries including the entire European Union, and international bodies are considering a global ban. However, endosulfan is still widely used in the United States, India and China. NRDC and other groups have petitioned the EPA to revoke approval for this hazardous pesticide. Despite the evidence, the EPA has still not moved to protect the American public from this dangerous chemical.