Although EPA is closing the Special Review of lindane for kidney effects, the findings from a comprehensive examination of this group of chemicals could lead to further regulatory action on lindane. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that it has reached an agreement with DuPont Agricultural Products of Wilmington, Delaware, to phase out over the next four years the production of the pesticide cyanazine for use in the United States. DuPont is the sole manufacturer and principal registrant of the technical ingredient cyanazine in the United States. EPA has classified cyanazine as a possible human carcinogen. The review is based on the Agency's concern that long term exposure to these pesticides in food and drinking water may pose a risk of cancer.
Studies indicate that cyanazine causes cancer in laboratory animals.
In addition, persons exposed through mixing, loading and applying this pesticide may also be at risk of cancer. Numerous ground water and surface water studies have shown the presence of the triazines in drinking water, especially during the spring and summer in Midwest agricultural areas. The Special Review of atrazine and simazine will continue. Cyanazine is a herbicide used on corn, cotton and sorghum to control broadleaf weeds and grasses. It is among the most widely used pesticides in the United States.