The Agency reached an agreement to halt by December 2000 the manufacture of chlorpyrifos, or Dursban, for nearly all residential uses. Diazinon used in homes, and on lawns and gardens is the latest organophosphate to be phased out. Further, the company will implement a product recovery program in 2004 to complete the phase out of the product. Additionally, as part of the phase out, for all lawn, garden, and turf uses, the agreement ratchets down the manufacturing amounts. Also, the agreement begins the process to cancel around 20 different uses on food crops.
Organophosphates can affect the nervous system.
The effects from diazinon vary depending on the dose, but symptoms from overexposure can include nausea, headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, and general weakness. Today's action also represents an important step for the environment. Diazinon's use on turf poses a risk to birds, and it is one of the most commonly found pesticides in air, rain, and drinking and surface water. It is legal to purchase and use diazinon products according to label directions and precautions. Consumers should take special care to always read and follow the label directions and precautions.