EPA bans use of pesticide carbofuran

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- U.S. growers who treat crops with the pesticide carbofuran after Dec. 31 face punishment from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, officials said.

"The evidence is clear that carbofuran does not meet today's rigorous food-safety standards," said Steve Owens, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances.

The EPA announced its decision Friday after six months of study and public comment.

"It is now important to move forward with the needed public health protections, especially for children," Owens said.

Short-term health effects from carbofuran, made by FMC Corp., include headaches, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, chest pains, blurred vision, anxiety and muscle weakness, the EPA said.

Growers should switch to safer pesticides or more environmentally friendly pest-control strategies before the Dec. 31 deadline, Owens said.