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This article appeared in the September 2002 web issue of Horticulture Update,
edited by Dr. Douglas F. Welsh, and produced by Extension Horticulture,
Texas Cooperative Extension, The Texas A&M University System, College Station, Texas.


Phase-Out of Diazinon and Dursban

By Bart M. Drees, Extension Entomologist

Diazinon:
The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), through an agreement with diazinon manufacturers (Syngenta and Makhteshim Agan), stopped making diazinon products for indoor use in March 2001, and retailers will have until December 31, 2002 to sell their stocks. Outdoor use on home lawns and gardens will be phased out over four years with all use and sale ending by December 31, 2004 (R.L. Loftis, Dallas Morning News, Dec. 6, 2000.)

Should I rid my house and garage of diazinon products?:
The EPA phase-out will happen slowly over the next four years. It is legal to buy and use diazinon products. Retailers, manufacturers and some gardening experts say diazinon is not a health risk if used according to label directions. EPA officials state: "Use of these products according to label directions does not pose an imminent hazard."

Dursban (R) (chloryprifos):
On June 8, 2000, the EPA announced an agreement with pesticide manufacturers that will eliminate many uses of chlorpyrifos, including virtually all home (residential) uses, both for indoor and outdoor pest control, as of December 31, 2001. It is important to note that most chlorpyrifos products labeled for agricultural uses are not affected by the retail stop-sale date except that they have become Restricted Use Products (EPA notice, Dec. 19, 2001).

Should I rid my house and garage of Dursban (R) (chlorpyrifos) products?:
According to the EPA, use of chlorpyrifos products according to label directions does not pose an imminent hazard. It is legal for consumers to use chlorpyrifos products as directed on the product label after December 31, 2001.

Use of existing stocks of diazinon and Dursban (R) (chlorpyrifos) products as directed on the product label is the best way to cause these chemicals to rapidly degrade in the environment. Bulk disposal can be costly, results in no benefit from the purchase of these pest control products, and also may pose longer-term environmental risks.

Proper Pesticide Disposal Methods:
Consumers who have opened containers should be informed that the pesticide is potentially harmful to the environment and it is illegal to dispose of any pesticides in sinks, toilets, storm drains, or any body of water. If you want to get rid of any pesticides, call a local solid waste agency for disposal information.


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