Time Out: Protect Your Family Against Dianizon's Risks!
Written: Dec 17 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Effective pest killer whose time is up; Used to be effective but is found to be dangerous to kids; EPA and pesticide industry agree on risks to children and others
Cons: Danger, risks, can cause health problems, nausea, headaches etc.
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| charles's Full Review: Spectracide Diazinon Concentrate |
What's the relationship between Diazinon and the infamous nerve gas sarin developed during WWI? Read on. If you have ever used any products with the brand-names such as Real Kill, Ortho, and Spectracide on your lawn, rose gardens, vegetable patch, or farm then you have exposed yourself, your loved ones and neighbors' children to the risks posed by this pesticide. Well, that's what the Environmental Protection Agency and the pesticide industry have finally agreed on. They realize that the risks to consumers are too great not to take action and phase out its use. For indoors use, as early as March 1, 2001, the manufacturers will stop producing any products containing Diazinon. And for outdoors use, the deadline will be June 30, 2003.
How long have we been exposed to this pesticide?
As long as I can remember, my family has been using this pesticide to kill insects in lawns, roses, vegetables, and trees. My parents were doing some light farming on the side and used Diazinon Concentrate on the Orange, mango, and grapefruit trees. The worst thing is that despite this recent agreement to end the production of this pesticide, many farmers and inhabitants in third world countries will continue to use it way beyond its phase-out deadline. And this will occur despite the information superhighway. Nobody will doubt the quick and effective impact of Diazinon on these creepy little critters. I can remember seeing my mother using it in her shrubs. Also, I worked at a nursery when I was in high school. It was common to use it there too. In fact, the company claims that it can kill more than 105 different insect species such as grubs, chich bugs, sod webworms, aphids, beetles and whiteflies. Without any doubt, it can penetrate the soil to do its job.
The reasoning behind EPA and pesticide industry's decision
Strengthened by the 1996 Food Quality and Protection Act, The EPA has been looking into some older chemicals such as Diazinon. As an organophosphate, Diazinon comes from the same family of chemicals known as neurotoxins and developed during the WWI. This is why it is related to Sarin. Armed with this information, you can understand why continued exposure to this pesticide can cause serious health problems. Maybe this new information will end up making us appreciate more the sacrifices consented by farmers and field workers to bring food to our tables. Their own life and that of their offspring have been directly impacted by these chemicals they use under current laws to combat insects so they can have a good harvest
Research conducted by the EPA and the industry has shown that some of the health problems can be general weakness, diarrhea, unexplained headaches, vomiting, nausea and others. Do you think that Diazinon is the only older chemical currently in use in our homes, lawns, gardens, and farms? Think again.
What to do now that you've been warned...
You can use an alternative chemical with less health side effects. You can spread the news to your friends and loved ones. Last week-end, I visited my family friend and told him about the measures by EPA and the pesticide industry. I don't think I was able to convince him to refrain from using Diazinon-based product. At least, I did my job. There will always be those who don't listen to your advice and recommendations despite your goodwill. It's up to them. My farmer friend told me that it has been working for him all these years. Why now? Does he have a point? I am not the one to answer this question.
Let's protect ourselves and our environment.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
charles
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Location: CA, USA
Reviews written: 1079
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