The United States is one of the few countries in the world that still permits agricultural uses of the pesticide lindane. More than 50 countries--including all of Europe, Canada, and most recently Mexico--have phased out lindane use in agriculture. Ninety-nine percent of remaining lindane use in the U.S. is for seed treatment of a handful of grain crops.
Lindane, a dangerous neurotoxic pesticide, persists in the environment and builds up in our bodies. A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control found lindane's breakdown product in 62% of people whose blood was sampled in the United States, with the highest levels in women of childbearing age. Lindane is also transported on wind and air currents to the Arctic region, where it is one of the most commonly found chemicals in the environment and a particular threat to indigenous people in the region.
Bayer CropScience recently acquired the company that distributes lindane agricultural products in North America. Canada has already banned seed treatment with lindane, and in early 2005, Bayer announced that it will withdraw registration of lindane seed treatment products in Mexico. Bayer executives need to know that the U.S. public wants to join Canada, Mexico and the rest of the world and stop using this dangerous pesticide!
Act Now: Write to Esmail Zirakparvar, President and CEO of Bayer CropScience's North American offices, urging him to immediately withdraw registration of lindane seed treatment products in the U.S.
More information about lindane.
