Action Alert for Health and the Environment

Tell EPA to eliminate use of harmful pesticide endosulfan

Endosulfan is a persistent and toxic pesticide that is now found in the Arctic!

EPA is asking for public input on its review of the chemical endosulfan, an antiquated and dangerous insecticide. Now is the time to go on record to protect children, farmworkers and rural communities from this harmful nerve toxin. Join PAN and people around the world in an effort to phase out endosulfan.

Used in the U.S. on tomatoes, cotton and other crops, endosulfan harms the hormone system, and low levels of exposure in the womb have been linked to autism, male reproductive harm and other birth defects. Acute poisoning can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, and in extreme cases, unconsciousness and even death.

Take action! Sign the petition and join thousands of people asking EPA to do what countries around the world are doing – eliminate this highly toxic and persistent pesticide.

EPA’s own analysis shows that endosulfan endangers workers who handle it directly and those who work in endosulfan-treated fields. Endosulfan travels great distances, accumulates up the food chain, and poses grave risks to aquatic ecosystems.

The European Union and several other countries have already banned endosulfan, and alternatives are available. It’s time the U.S. does its part to protect communities and the environment at home and around the world from this persistent organic pollutant.

Sign the petition today! Go on record to demand an end to endosulfan by adding your name to the petition no later than Feb. 15.

Follow the following link to sign the petition letter. Alaska Community Action on Toxics and Pesticide Action Network North America are joining together in this important effort.

http://action.panna.org/t/5185/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=906

Thank you!

ACAT is a statewide organization established in 1997 and dedicated to achieving environmental health and justice. Our mission is: to assure justice by advocating for environmental and community health. We believe that everyone has the right to clean air, clean water, and toxic-free food. We work to eliminate the production and release of harmful chemicals by industry and military sources; ensure community right-to-know; achieve policies based on the precautionary principle; and support the rights and sovereignty of Indigenous peoples. ACAT has four program areas: Military Toxics and Health; Northern Contaminants and Health; Pesticide Right-to-Know; and Water Quality Protection.

Mission:

To assure justice by advocating for environmental and community health. We believe everyone has the right to clean air, clean water, and toxic-free food.

Core Values:

• Community right-to-know

• Environmental justice

• Precautionary principle

• Elimination of the production and release of toxics

• Rights and sovereignty of Indigenous peoples

• Culture of caring and wellness

Program Areas:

Environmental Health and Justice Policy Campaign integrates four ongoing programs:

• Northern Contaminants and Health

• Water Quality Protection

• Military Toxics and Health

• Pesticide-Right-to-Know

Strategies:

Focus on issues that have an opportunity to catalyze larger policy change. Three interdependent strategies interact to result in sustainable change at the community and policy levels:

• Conduct scientific investigations

• Educate and activate concerned individuals and organizations

• Advocate for communities

Six Major Goals:

1. Prompt Policy Changes that Assure Environmental Health and Justice

2. Hold Military Accountable to Affected Communities

3. Foster Scientific and Community Partnerships

4. Tell the Personal Story of Environmental Justice and Why it Matters

5. Secure Economic Independence for ACAT Through Community Support

6. Sustain a Healthy Internal ACAT Structure