Re: Sevin (Dust or Spray). Is it harmful? YES ! Read!!!

[Guest guest]

Thank you Joy for the articles on this horrible poison. It really is something that this toxin is allowed to be sold to any household member without any care or regard to repercussions.It was banned in other countries, and not here in the USA, where we have people uneducated how to apply such a toxin.A few yrs ago, I was appalled that my neighbor was spraying all around his pond some sort of poison who knows what, just because he wanted to keep the blackberries under control, he was trying to sell his land, so he wanted to keep it looking nice. I mean this is horrible, I saw him doing it, where he was spraying was around his large pond too, in which when the rains starts up the water will have residue of poisons, my cats drink from that pond, all the ducks and geese and deer go there, but these people were so unknowing about this, maybe

they knew, or they just did not care. Luckily none of my animals got sick from it. But still who knows how long this stuff they sprayed would take to decompose if ever.They come around my area and spray the road sides like clock work in spring for the blackberry bushes grow on the road sides. You gotta put up a sign saying "no spray, I take care of my own property" in order for them not to spray, and people all over come over here to pick the berries in season not knowing that they are sooo sprayed, its very sad. So many more job could be created for people if they did not use the spraying to keep this under control. we could have people actually cutting them back instead of spraying. But the lobbyists and congress members would not get their kick backs if that was the case. Union carbide is the corporation back in the 80's that had that plant in India blow, and

killed hundreds of people there, do you remember that one???, this is the same corporation with this particular poison that you looked up.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhopal_disasterI have my fill of poisons as I lived with my then boyfriend and now my husband's father who had an exterminating business since the time Greg was a boy. He kept his poisons in his garage and trunk of his car and it was chlordane, DDT and other horrible stuff. So I do know how horrible these poisons are, as I lived with them under my nose for yrs, even had suffered consequences of health issues, vomiting and loosing weight, lose of appetite. We had to move because I was getting so ill and my father in law would not get rid of the stuff either.Once my husband who came home from a termite job early said to me that the can exploded in his face,

and it burned, I came up to smell him to see if he washed it off good enough, I vomited as soon as I smelled it. He could not get the stuff off of him, he took like 6 showers, he was poisoned, not to mention that he was sick after.That was the last of it, this goes back in the early 80's and I told him never, ever do I want you to work doing that again, no matter how much money you are making or no matter how much your dad begs you to do it, that answer is no more.This is why I have an organic garden, and always did. Never would I ever spray my home, or garden. The side effects can be fatal, and it may not show up right away, it may take yrs to come to light.People in general never read instructions, they say read instruction before applying, but how are they to read it if they don't even look at the bottle! They spray their chemicals on a windy day, which is a no

no.I had this happen to me and my kids with a neighbor in NY who sprayed right there where my kids were playing on a windy day, and when I asked him not to he told me "tough crap!" nice guy huh? so I had to take my kids and my cat indoors so he could play tough guy and murder his one or two insects that were bothering his tomatoe plants.So this is why it should be banned, no one should be allowed to spray this stuff any where at any time.Corporations rule the day people, its just so plain in your face, is it not?? So people have to be smarter than corporations and not buy into their so called miracle solution, cause there is no one remedy solution, it just takes a lot of time and effort to manage insects in your garden. There are plenty of alternatives to any sort of problem that arises, one just has to look for it.Problem is with Americans, we are

too big to manage. Everything is large and no one can over see a too big to fail policy. I have a large garden, but it is not too large to manage for one person. I had made sure of it. If we all tried to do this we would not see factory farms pulling products on recalls. OR we would not have failed banks or defaulted loans, or sickness and disease that we could not handle. One reason why I moved out of the city and into a small rural community, I can over see things and manage just fine, and for the locals that grow their own food and milk, and eggs, and meat, this is important for the population to learn.The federal government is too big, that is why they are destined to fail. Corporations like Monsanto are too big that is why they will fail too one day, same with the AMA and Big Pharma. Michele--- On Sun, 8/29/10, Joyce Hudson <bjoyful@...>

wrote:From: Joyce Hudson <bjoyful@...>Subject: [health] Sevin (Dust or Spray). Is it harmful? YES ! Read!!!"Natural Health and Living" <health >Date: Sunday, August 29, 2010, 1:27 PM

You would not believe the difficulty I had finding this article! It took googling "carbaryl toxicity". Man keeps harming the world and himself. There are states now, that have stopped growing certain crops that need pollinating by the Honey Bee. Why? Because they are killing off the Honey Bees and the plants won't produce it's fruit! And, yes, it can be extremely harmful to humans, if not used correctly! It can harm or kill cats (I read an article on this), birds, dogs, honey bees, some shellfish and other beneficial insects. I would add it to your list of toxins. So, if you use it, use it correctly and not around animals. One article said, to use it only in the early morning and late evening, when the beneficial insects are not out. Oh, don't use it on your grass to kill fleas, if animals can get on it.

http://www.safe2use.com/poisons-pesticides/pesticides/misc/sevin-carbaryl-old.htm

SEVIN (Carbaryl): A CONTROVERSIAL INSECTICIDE

by Winand K. Hock Extension Pesticide Specialist Penn State University

If you can believe the headlines which appeared in newspapers from the Delaware Valley and New Jersey last spring, the manufacturers of carbaryl (Sevin) must have developed and released to the public a 'chemical black death' which will make Love Canal, DDT, PCB's, and Kepone in the Chesapeake Bay seem rather insignificant.

One Canadian environmental organization in a letter addressed to local citizens cites some of the 'documented' effects of carbaryl.

It causes birth defects in mammals, especially dogs.

It worsens the condition of people with hypertension and people on anti-depressant drugs.

It impairs the function of the pituitary gland, the thyroid gland, and the reproductive system.

It causes hyperactivity and learning disabilities in mammals.

It could increase the chance of heart attack in people with weak hearts.

The main break-down product, nitrosocarbaryl, which is easily created in the human gut, is a potent cancer-causing agent.

It causes irreversible chromosomal damage to human DNA (the genes in our cells).

These are indeed very serious accusations against a pesticide that presumably has had a good safety record for over 20 years.

How did such a situation develop? Was it media sensationalism or was it simply a lack of understanding that promoted the outcry against the use of Sevin for control of gypsy moth in New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania last spring? It all started in Cape May County, New Jersey, where several young women gave birth to babies with defects...specifically four cases of Spina bifida, a crippling birth defect where the spinal cord protrudes from the body, and three cases of hydrocephalus, which is an accumulation of fluid in the brain.

As a result of the accusations leveled against Sevin that the chemical causes birth defects, the New Jersey Department of Health conducted a rather extensive case study in which they investigated the occurrence of birth defects in three New Jersey counties where gypsy moth spraying with Sevin had occurred.

Carbaryl is an insecticide and like any other insecticide, it must be toxic to insects to be effective. And, like all pesticides, carbaryl is also toxic to certain nontarget organisms, including humans. But, with proper use and handling, carbaryl is rarely a problem to the applicator, the general public, and to the environment.

Sevin is the registered trademark for carbaryl insecticide. Carbaryl is the common name for the active ingredient, 1-napthyl methylcarbamate. Union Carbide discovered carbaryl, a synthetic organic carbamate pesticide, and is the sole domestic producer and major world manufacturer of the chemical.

Sevin insecticide was introduced commercially in 1958 and now ranks third in domestic sales among all insecticides. It occupies a leading position in commercial agriculture, forest and rangeland protection, and in home and garden pest control products.

During recent years the economic benefits derived by users of Sevin for agricultural pest control ranged from an estimated 3 to 24 dollars per dollar invested. Sevin is a key product in certain pest management programs. It also represents at least 22 percent of the insecticide usage by homeowners and grounds maintenance professionals.

Carbaryl breaks down readily and experience shows it readily de- composes on plants, and in soil and water to less toxic byproducts. Accumulation in animal tissues and biomagnification of residues in food chains with carbaryl and its metabolites does not occur.

Sevin is a mild to moderate cholinesterase inhibitor: cholinesterase is the enzyme that regulates the flow of nerve impulses in humans. Recovery in cases of accidental exposure is usually quite rapid. Atropine is the only antidote recommended and then only in more severe poisoning cases such as the accidental ingestion of carbaryl by a child. During the almost two decades of extensive carbaryl use in the United States, few cases of overexposure have occurred and no fatalities have been reported. Under most use situations, no special protective clothing is necessary to provide worker safety and no federal or state agencies require adult re-entry restrictions following the application of Sevin.

Toxicology/Toxicity

The toxicology of Sevin carbaryl insecticide has been extensively investigated by many different research groups, including universities, governmental agencies, and private research foundations. Laboratory tests to determine toxicological (tumor producing, birth defects, mutations, etc.) effects have been conducted on at least a dozen species of mammals. In addition, toxicity (how poisonous is the chemical) studies are known for at least 20 species of mammals, 50 species of birds, and 40 species of fish. Even some human exposure studies have been conducted.

We do know that carbaryl is quite toxic to honey bees, certain beneficial insects such as lady beetles, and parasitic wasps and bees, certain species of aquatic insects, and some forms of shellfish such as shrimp and crabs. Care must be taken when using carbaryl in areas where these organisms exist.

Extensive evidence indicates that carbaryl does not cause cancer or genetic changes in animals. Carbaryl has also been extensively tested for its effect on reproduction and the occurrence of birth effects (we call this teratogenic potential).

Experiments have been conducted on various strains of rats and mice, and on hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs, sheep, and monkeys. Adverse effects have occurred only in dogs.

New Jersey Department of Health Study

The purpose of this investigation was to explore whether there is any correlation between spraying for gypsy moth with carbaryl and the occurrence of birth defects. The study was designed to answer two questions:

1.Is there an increased rate of birth defects in municipalities where carbaryl is used in aerial spraying for gypsy moth?

2.Is there a relationship in time between the occurrence of birth defects and this spraying?

The counties of , Monmouth, and Cape May were chose for this study based on the level of spraying conducted in the three counties and the common suburban/rural characteristics of each county. The time frame for the study includes all births from January 1, 1977 through March 31, 1980. Birth records from all 10 hospitals in the three counties with maternity services were reviewed by personnel of the New Jersey Department of Health. The study population consisted of 34,355 live births; only the occurrence of birth defects in live born infants was included in the analysis.

New Jersey Superior Court Judge Philip A. Gruccio, who last May rejected an appeal to stop further use of the insecticide, reached the same conclusion that Sevin is safe as currently used in the gypsy moth program.

Now I would like you to consider some additional facts when analyzing the Sevin/gypsy moth spray program.

1.The highest human exposure measured during gypsy moth spraying is 740,000 times less than that encountered hourly during a 40-hour work week by carbaryl manufacturing plant workers. Some workers have been exposed to carbaryl for more than 10 years with no clinically significant adverse effects.

2.Human volunteers have orally ingested carbaryl at 2 mg/kg of body weight with no observed effects. Exposure during gypsy moth spray programs is about 20,000 times less than the human volunteers ingested.

3.The exposure during gypsy moth spray programs is 100 times lower than the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for humans established by the World Health Organization.

4.Exposure during gypsy moth spray programs is 5,000,000 times lower than the dose fed to rats during pregnancy and 200,000 times lower than the dose fed to pregnant monkeys. Even more important than these safety margins, birth defects did not occur in rhesus monkeys fed carbaryl throughout the gestation period. The monkey anatomy and physiology are, of course, quite similar to those of humans.

EPA Reaction

What does EPA say about the use of carbaryl and the accusations of teratogenicity or birth defects associated with the use of the chemical? In a letter addressed to the Secretary, New Jersey Department of Agriculture, EPA states...and I quote...

'The Agency has reviewed all available information on the teratogenic potential of carbaryl and concludes that the weight of evidence suggests that this potential effect from carbaryl in humans is low. There is more data on carbaryl in this area than for most chemicals. The scientific data available does not pose an imminent hazard...'

EPA also points out, and rightfully so, that ' one must never conclude the risks from exposure to any chemical are zero... and that women of child-bearing age should avoid any unnecessary exposures to carbaryl and other chemicals as well.' This is certainly sound advice, no pesticide is absolutely safe to all persons at all times.

In conclusion, EPA does not plan to initiate any regulatory action against carbaryl at this time. The final chapter of this saga came in December 1980, when EPA returned carbaryl to the regular registration process, thus completing the review.

[Guest guest]



Just goes to show the ignorance and arrogance of people, Honey! I've tried to explain to Dad, but he says, the bugs are eating up my cabbage!!! I said, and it's probably why you developed dermatomyositis, too! He didn't reply. Most people don't think about the long run. They only see the immediate future. So sad.

[health] Sevin (Dust or Spray). Is it harmful? YES ! Read!!!"Natural Health and Living" <health >Date: Sunday, August 29, 2010, 1:27 PM

You would not believe the difficulty I had finding this article! It took googling "carbaryl toxicity". Man keeps harming the world and himself. There are states now, that have stopped growing certain crops that need pollinating by the Honey Bee. Why? Because they are killing off the Honey Bees and the plants won't produce it's fruit! And, yes, it can be extremely harmful to humans, if not used correctly! It can harm or kill cats (I read an article on this), birds, dogs, honey bees, some shellfish and other beneficial insects. I would add it to your list of toxins. So, if you use it, use it correctly and not around animals. One article said, to use it only in the early morning and late evening, when the beneficial insects are not out. Oh, don't use it on your grass to kill fleas, if animals can get on it.

http://www.safe2use.com/poisons-pesticides/pesticides/misc/sevin-carbaryl-old.htm

SEVIN (Carbaryl): A CONTROVERSIAL INSECTICIDE

by Winand K. Hock Extension Pesticide Specialist Penn State University

If you can believe the headlines which appeared in newspapers from the Delaware Valley and New Jersey last spring, the manufacturers of carbaryl (Sevin) must have developed and released to the public a 'chemical black death' which will make Love Canal, DDT, PCB's, and Kepone in the Chesapeake Bay seem rather insignificant.

One Canadian environmental organization in a letter addressed to local citizens cites some of the 'documented' effects of carbaryl.

It causes birth defects in mammals, especially dogs.

It worsens the condition of people with hypertension and people on anti-depressant drugs.

It impairs the function of the pituitary gland, the thyroid gland, and the reproductive system.

It causes hyperactivity and learning disabilities in mammals.

It could increase the chance of heart attack in people with weak hearts.

The main break-down product, nitrosocarbaryl, which is easily created in the human gut, is a potent cancer-causing agent.

It causes irreversible chromosomal damage to human DNA (the genes in our cells).

These are indeed very serious accusations against a pesticide that presumably has had a good safety record for over 20 years.

How did such a situation develop? Was it media sensationalism or was it simply a lack of understanding that promoted the outcry against the use of Sevin for control of gypsy moth in New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania last spring? It all started in Cape May County, New Jersey, where several young women gave birth to babies with defects...specifically four cases of Spina bifida, a crippling birth defect where the spinal cord protrudes from the body, and three cases of hydrocephalus, which is an accumulation of fluid in the brain.

As a result of the accusations leveled against Sevin that the chemical causes birth defects, the New Jersey Department of Health conducted a rather extensive case study in which they investigated the occurrence of birth defects in three New Jersey counties where gypsy moth spraying with Sevin had occurred.

Carbaryl is an insecticide and like any other insecticide, it must be toxic to insects to be effective. And, like all pesticides, carbaryl is also toxic to certain nontarget organisms, including humans. But, with proper use and handling, carbaryl is rarely a problem to the applicator, the general public, and to the environment.

Sevin is the registered trademark for carbaryl insecticide. Carbaryl is the common name for the active ingredient, 1-napthyl methylcarbamate. Union Carbide discovered carbaryl, a synthetic organic carbamate pesticide, and is the sole domestic producer and major world manufacturer of the chemical.

Sevin insecticide was introduced commercially in 1958 and now ranks third in domestic sales among all insecticides. It occupies a leading position in commercial agriculture, forest and rangeland protection, and in home and garden pest control products.

During recent years the economic benefits derived by users of Sevin for agricultural pest control ranged from an estimated 3 to 24 dollars per dollar invested. Sevin is a key product in certain pest management programs. It also represents at least 22 percent of the insecticide usage by homeowners and grounds maintenance professionals.

Carbaryl breaks down readily and experience shows it readily de- composes on plants, and in soil and water to less toxic byproducts. Accumulation in animal tissues and biomagnification of residues in food chains with carbaryl and its metabolites does not occur.

Sevin is a mild to moderate cholinesterase inhibitor: cholinesterase is the enzyme that regulates the flow of nerve impulses in humans. Recovery in cases of accidental exposure is usually quite rapid. Atropine is the only antidote recommended and then only in more severe poisoning cases such as the accidental ingestion of carbaryl by a child. During the almost two decades of extensive carbaryl use in the United States, few cases of overexposure have occurred and no fatalities have been reported. Under most use situations, no special protective clothing is necessary to provide worker safety and no federal or state agencies require adult re-entry restrictions following the application of Sevin.

Toxicology/Toxicity

The toxicology of Sevin carbaryl insecticide has been extensively investigated by many different research groups, including universities, governmental agencies, and private research foundations. Laboratory tests to determine toxicological (tumor producing, birth defects, mutations, etc.) effects have been conducted on at least a dozen species of mammals. In addition, toxicity (how poisonous is the chemical) studies are known for at least 20 species of mammals, 50 species of birds, and 40 species of fish. Even some human exposure studies have been conducted.

We do know that carbaryl is quite toxic to honey bees, certain beneficial insects such as lady beetles, and parasitic wasps and bees, certain species of aquatic insects, and some forms of shellfish such as shrimp and crabs. Care must be taken when using carbaryl in areas where these organisms exist.

Extensive evidence indicates that carbaryl does not cause cancer or genetic changes in animals. Carbaryl has also been extensively tested for its effect on reproduction and the occurrence of birth effects (we call this teratogenic potential).

Experiments have been conducted on various strains of rats and mice, and on hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs, sheep, and monkeys. Adverse effects have occurred only in dogs.

New Jersey Department of Health Study

The purpose of this investigation was to explore whether there is any correlation between spraying for gypsy moth with carbaryl and the occurrence of birth defects. The study was designed to answer two questions:

1.Is there an increased rate of birth defects in municipalities where carbaryl is used in aerial spraying for gypsy moth?

2.Is there a relationship in time between the occurrence of birth defects and this spraying?

The counties of , Monmouth, and Cape May were chose for this study based on the level of spraying conducted in the three counties and the common suburban/rural characteristics of each county. The time frame for the study includes all births from January 1, 1977 through March 31, 1980. Birth records from all 10 hospitals in the three counties with maternity services were reviewed by personnel of the New Jersey Department of Health. The study population consisted of 34,355 live births; only the occurrence of birth defects in live born infants was included in the analysis.

New Jersey Superior Court Judge Philip A. Gruccio, who last May rejected an appeal to stop further use of the insecticide, reached the same conclusion that Sevin is safe as currently used in the gypsy moth program.

Now I would like you to consider some additional facts when analyzing the Sevin/gypsy moth spray program.

1.The highest human exposure measured during gypsy moth spraying is 740,000 times less than that encountered hourly during a 40-hour work week by carbaryl manufacturing plant workers. Some workers have been exposed to carbaryl for more than 10 years with no clinically significant adverse effects.

2.Human volunteers have orally ingested carbaryl at 2 mg/kg of body weight with no observed effects. Exposure during gypsy moth spray programs is about 20,000 times less than the human volunteers ingested.

3.The exposure during gypsy moth spray programs is 100 times lower than the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for humans established by the World Health Organization.

4.Exposure during gypsy moth spray programs is 5,000,000 times lower than the dose fed to rats during pregnancy and 200,000 times lower than the dose fed to pregnant monkeys. Even more important than these safety margins, birth defects did not occur in rhesus monkeys fed carbaryl throughout the gestation period. The monkey anatomy and physiology are, of course, quite similar to those of humans.

EPA Reaction

What does EPA say about the use of carbaryl and the accusations of teratogenicity or birth defects associated with the use of the chemical? In a letter addressed to the Secretary, New Jersey Department of Agriculture, EPA states...and I quote...

'The Agency has reviewed all available information on the teratogenic potential of carbaryl and concludes that the weight of evidence suggests that this potential effect from carbaryl in humans is low. There is more data on carbaryl in this area than for most chemicals. The scientific data available does not pose an imminent hazard...'

EPA also points out, and rightfully so, that ' one must never conclude the risks from exposure to any chemical are zero... and that women of child-bearing age should avoid any unnecessary exposures to carbaryl and other chemicals as well.' This is certainly sound advice, no pesticide is absolutely safe to all persons at all times.

In conclusion, EPA does not plan to initiate any regulatory action against carbaryl at this time. The final chapter of this saga came in December 1980, when EPA returned carbaryl to the regular registration process, thus completing the review.

[Guest guest]

good reply to your dad, Joy! If he does not get it now, the seed you sowed was planted in his mind, it will echo in his heart. Perhaps next planting season you can purchase alternative treatments for aphids, or beetles.http://www.gardensalive.com/category.asp?c=13I have used these products from this company. If you get the catalog you can see that they have listed what ever your plants have trouble with they have an alternative solution.I do believe there is a alternate solution for everything there is on the planet, without using harmful chemicals, toxins and poisons.

From: Joyce Hudson <bjoyful@...>Subject: [health] Sevin (Dust or Spray). Is it harmful? YES ! Read!!!"Natural Health and Living" <health >Date: Sunday, August 29, 2010, 1:27 PM

You would not believe the difficulty I had finding this article! It took googling "carbaryl toxicity". Man keeps harming the world and himself. There are states now, that have stopped growing certain crops that need pollinating by the Honey Bee. Why? Because they are killing off the Honey Bees and the plants won't produce it's fruit! And, yes, it can be extremely harmful to humans, if not used correctly! It can harm or kill cats (I read an article on this), birds, dogs, honey bees, some shellfish and other beneficial insects. I would add it to your list of toxins. So, if you use it, use it correctly and not around animals. One article said, to use it only in the early morning and late evening, when the beneficial insects are not out. Oh, don't use it on your grass to kill fleas, if animals can get on it.

http://www.safe2use.com/poisons-pesticides/pesticides/misc/sevin-carbaryl-old.htm

SEVIN (Carbaryl): A CONTROVERSIAL INSECTICIDE

by Winand K. Hock Extension Pesticide Specialist Penn State University

If you can believe the headlines which appeared in newspapers from the Delaware Valley and New Jersey last spring, the manufacturers of carbaryl (Sevin) must have developed and released to the public a 'chemical black death' which will make Love Canal, DDT, PCB's, and Kepone in the Chesapeake Bay seem rather insignificant.

One Canadian environmental organization in a letter addressed to local citizens cites some of the 'documented' effects of carbaryl.

It causes birth defects in mammals, especially dogs.

It worsens the condition of people with hypertension and people on anti-depressant drugs.

It impairs the function of the pituitary gland, the thyroid gland, and the reproductive system.

It causes hyperactivity and learning disabilities in mammals.

It could increase the chance of heart attack in people with weak hearts.

The main break-down product, nitrosocarbaryl, which is easily created in the human gut, is a potent cancer-causing agent.

It causes irreversible chromosomal damage to human DNA (the genes in our cells).

These are indeed very serious accusations against a pesticide that presumably has had a good safety record for over 20 years.

How did such a situation develop? Was it media sensationalism or was it simply a lack of understanding that promoted the outcry against the use of Sevin for control of gypsy moth in New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania last spring? It all started in Cape May County, New Jersey, where several young women gave birth to babies with defects...specifically four cases of Spina bifida, a crippling birth defect where the spinal cord protrudes from the body, and three cases of hydrocephalus, which is an accumulation of fluid in the brain.

As a result of the accusations leveled against Sevin that the chemical causes birth defects, the New Jersey Department of Health conducted a rather extensive case study in which they investigated the occurrence of birth defects in three New Jersey counties where gypsy moth spraying with Sevin had occurred.

Carbaryl is an insecticide and like any other insecticide, it must be toxic to insects to be effective. And, like all pesticides, carbaryl is also toxic to certain nontarget organisms, including humans. But, with proper use and handling, carbaryl is rarely a problem to the applicator, the general public, and to the environment.

Sevin is the registered trademark for carbaryl insecticide. Carbaryl is the common name for the active ingredient, 1-napthyl methylcarbamate. Union Carbide discovered carbaryl, a synthetic organic carbamate pesticide, and is the sole domestic producer and major world manufacturer of the chemical.

Sevin insecticide was introduced commercially in 1958 and now ranks third in domestic sales among all insecticides. It occupies a leading position in commercial agriculture, forest and rangeland protection, and in home and garden pest control products.

During recent years the economic benefits derived by users of Sevin for agricultural pest control ranged from an estimated 3 to 24 dollars per dollar invested. Sevin is a key product in certain pest management programs. It also represents at least 22 percent of the insecticide usage by homeowners and grounds maintenance professionals.

Carbaryl breaks down readily and experience shows it readily de- composes on plants, and in soil and water to less toxic byproducts. Accumulation in animal tissues and biomagnification of residues in food chains with carbaryl and its metabolites does not occur.

Sevin is a mild to moderate cholinesterase inhibitor: cholinesterase is the enzyme that regulates the flow of nerve impulses in humans. Recovery in cases of accidental exposure is usually quite rapid. Atropine is the only antidote recommended and then only in more severe poisoning cases such as the accidental ingestion of carbaryl by a child. During the almost two decades of extensive carbaryl use in the United States, few cases of overexposure have occurred and no fatalities have been reported. Under most use situations, no special protective clothing is necessary to provide worker safety and no federal or state agencies require adult re-entry restrictions following the application of Sevin.

Toxicology/Toxicity

The toxicology of Sevin carbaryl insecticide has been extensively investigated by many different research groups, including universities, governmental agencies, and private research foundations. Laboratory tests to determine toxicological (tumor producing, birth defects, mutations, etc.) effects have been conducted on at least a dozen species of mammals. In addition, toxicity (how poisonous is the chemical) studies are known for at least 20 species of mammals, 50 species of birds, and 40 species of fish. Even some human exposure studies have been conducted.

We do know that carbaryl is quite toxic to honey bees, certain beneficial insects such as lady beetles, and parasitic wasps and bees, certain species of aquatic insects, and some forms of shellfish such as shrimp and crabs. Care must be taken when using carbaryl in areas where these organisms exist.

Extensive evidence indicates that carbaryl does not cause cancer or genetic changes in animals. Carbaryl has also been extensively tested for its effect on reproduction and the occurrence of birth effects (we call this teratogenic potential).

Experiments have been conducted on various strains of rats and mice, and on hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs, sheep, and monkeys. Adverse effects have occurred only in dogs.

New Jersey Department of Health Study

The purpose of this investigation was to explore whether there is any correlation between spraying for gypsy moth with carbaryl and the occurrence of birth defects. The study was designed to answer two questions:

1.Is there an increased rate of birth defects in municipalities where carbaryl is used in aerial spraying for gypsy moth?

2.Is there a relationship in time between the occurrence of birth defects and this spraying?

The counties of , Monmouth, and Cape May were chose for this study based on the level of spraying conducted in the three counties and the common suburban/rural characteristics of each county. The time frame for the study includes all births from January 1, 1977 through March 31, 1980. Birth records from all 10 hospitals in the three counties with maternity services were reviewed by personnel of the New Jersey Department of Health. The study population consisted of 34,355 live births; only the occurrence of birth defects in live born infants was included in the analysis.

New Jersey Superior Court Judge Philip A. Gruccio, who last May rejected an appeal to stop further use of the insecticide, reached the same conclusion that Sevin is safe as currently used in the gypsy moth program.

Now I would like you to consider some additional facts when analyzing the Sevin/gypsy moth spray program.

1.The highest human exposure measured during gypsy moth spraying is 740,000 times less than that encountered hourly during a 40-hour work week by carbaryl manufacturing plant workers. Some workers have been exposed to carbaryl for more than 10 years with no clinically significant adverse effects.

2.Human volunteers have orally ingested carbaryl at 2 mg/kg of body weight with no observed effects. Exposure during gypsy moth spray programs is about 20,000 times less than the human volunteers ingested.

3.The exposure during gypsy moth spray programs is 100 times lower than the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for humans established by the World Health Organization.

4.Exposure during gypsy moth spray programs is 5,000,000 times lower than the dose fed to rats during pregnancy and 200,000 times lower than the dose fed to pregnant monkeys. Even more important than these safety margins, birth defects did not occur in rhesus monkeys fed carbaryl throughout the gestation period. The monkey anatomy and physiology are, of course, quite similar to those of humans.

EPA Reaction

What does EPA say about the use of carbaryl and the accusations of teratogenicity or birth defects associated with the use of the chemical? In a letter addressed to the Secretary, New Jersey Department of Agriculture, EPA states...and I quote...

'The Agency has reviewed all available information on the teratogenic potential of carbaryl and concludes that the weight of evidence suggests that this potential effect from carbaryl in humans is low. There is more data on carbaryl in this area than for most chemicals. The scientific data available does not pose an imminent hazard...'

EPA also points out, and rightfully so, that ' one must never conclude the risks from exposure to any chemical are zero... and that women of child-bearing age should avoid any unnecessary exposures to carbaryl and other chemicals as well.' This is certainly sound advice, no pesticide is absolutely safe to all persons at all times.

In conclusion, EPA does not plan to initiate any regulatory action against carbaryl at this time. The final chapter of this saga came in December 1980, when EPA returned carbaryl to the regular registration process, thus completing the review.

[Guest guest]



I purchase some organic insecticides from here. Dad doesn't trust them. So, next year, I will put them on the garden. I intend to control more of the garden, next year, what ever he says. This year, I just didn't feel like it. Had too much to catch up on, too. :-) I will keep garden salive in mind. They could be better. :-) Thanks, Honey.

[health] Sevin (Dust or Spray). Is it harmful? YES ! Read!!!"Natural Health and Living" <health >Date: Sunday, August 29, 2010, 1:27 PM

You would not believe the difficulty I had finding this article! It took googling "carbaryl toxicity". Man keeps harming the world and himself. There are states now, that have stopped growing certain crops that need pollinating by the Honey Bee. Why? Because they are killing off the Honey Bees and the plants won't produce it's fruit! And, yes, it can be extremely harmful to humans, if not used correctly! It can harm or kill cats (I read an article on this), birds, dogs, honey bees, some shellfish and other beneficial insects. I would add it to your list of toxins. So, if you use it, use it correctly and not around animals. One article said, to use it only in the early morning and late evening, when the beneficial insects are not out. Oh, don't use it on your grass to kill fleas, if animals can get on it.

http://www.safe2use.com/poisons-pesticides/pesticides/misc/sevin-carbaryl-old.htm

SEVIN (Carbaryl): A CONTROVERSIAL INSECTICIDE

by Winand K. Hock Extension Pesticide Specialist Penn State University

If you can believe the headlines which appeared in newspapers from the Delaware Valley and New Jersey last spring, the manufacturers of carbaryl (Sevin) must have developed and released to the public a 'chemical black death' which will make Love Canal, DDT, PCB's, and Kepone in the Chesapeake Bay seem rather insignificant.

One Canadian environmental organization in a letter addressed to local citizens cites some of the 'documented' effects of carbaryl.

It causes birth defects in mammals, especially dogs.

It worsens the condition of people with hypertension and people on anti-depressant drugs.

It impairs the function of the pituitary gland, the thyroid gland, and the reproductive system.

It causes hyperactivity and learning disabilities in mammals.

It could increase the chance of heart attack in people with weak hearts.

The main break-down product, nitrosocarbaryl, which is easily created in the human gut, is a potent cancer-causing agent.

It causes irreversible chromosomal damage to human DNA (the genes in our cells).

These are indeed very serious accusations against a pesticide that presumably has had a good safety record for over 20 years.

How did such a situation develop? Was it media sensationalism or was it simply a lack of understanding that promoted the outcry against the use of Sevin for control of gypsy moth in New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania last spring? It all started in Cape May County, New Jersey, where several young women gave birth to babies with defects...specifically four cases of Spina bifida, a crippling birth defect where the spinal cord protrudes from the body, and three cases of hydrocephalus, which is an accumulation of fluid in the brain.

As a result of the accusations leveled against Sevin that the chemical causes birth defects, the New Jersey Department of Health conducted a rather extensive case study in which they investigated the occurrence of birth defects in three New Jersey counties where gypsy moth spraying with Sevin had occurred.

Carbaryl is an insecticide and like any other insecticide, it must be toxic to insects to be effective. And, like all pesticides, carbaryl is also toxic to certain nontarget organisms, including humans. But, with proper use and handling, carbaryl is rarely a problem to the applicator, the general public, and to the environment.

Sevin is the registered trademark for carbaryl insecticide. Carbaryl is the common name for the active ingredient, 1-napthyl methylcarbamate. Union Carbide discovered carbaryl, a synthetic organic carbamate pesticide, and is the sole domestic producer and major world manufacturer of the chemical.

Sevin insecticide was introduced commercially in 1958 and now ranks third in domestic sales among all insecticides. It occupies a leading position in commercial agriculture, forest and rangeland protection, and in home and garden pest control products.

During recent years the economic benefits derived by users of Sevin for agricultural pest control ranged from an estimated 3 to 24 dollars per dollar invested. Sevin is a key product in certain pest management programs. It also represents at least 22 percent of the insecticide usage by homeowners and grounds maintenance professionals.

Carbaryl breaks down readily and experience shows it readily de- composes on plants, and in soil and water to less toxic byproducts. Accumulation in animal tissues and biomagnification of residues in food chains with carbaryl and its metabolites does not occur.

Sevin is a mild to moderate cholinesterase inhibitor: cholinesterase is the enzyme that regulates the flow of nerve impulses in humans. Recovery in cases of accidental exposure is usually quite rapid. Atropine is the only antidote recommended and then only in more severe poisoning cases such as the accidental ingestion of carbaryl by a child. During the almost two decades of extensive carbaryl use in the United States, few cases of overexposure have occurred and no fatalities have been reported. Under most use situations, no special protective clothing is necessary to provide worker safety and no federal or state agencies require adult re-entry restrictions following the application of Sevin.

Toxicology/Toxicity

The toxicology of Sevin carbaryl insecticide has been extensively investigated by many different research groups, including universities, governmental agencies, and private research foundations. Laboratory tests to determine toxicological (tumor producing, birth defects, mutations, etc.) effects have been conducted on at least a dozen species of mammals. In addition, toxicity (how poisonous is the chemical) studies are known for at least 20 species of mammals, 50 species of birds, and 40 species of fish. Even some human exposure studies have been conducted.

We do know that carbaryl is quite toxic to honey bees, certain beneficial insects such as lady beetles, and parasitic wasps and bees, certain species of aquatic insects, and some forms of shellfish such as shrimp and crabs. Care must be taken when using carbaryl in areas where these organisms exist.

Extensive evidence indicates that carbaryl does not cause cancer or genetic changes in animals. Carbaryl has also been extensively tested for its effect on reproduction and the occurrence of birth effects (we call this teratogenic potential).

Experiments have been conducted on various strains of rats and mice, and on hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs, sheep, and monkeys. Adverse effects have occurred only in dogs.

New Jersey Department of Health Study

The purpose of this investigation was to explore whether there is any correlation between spraying for gypsy moth with carbaryl and the occurrence of birth defects. The study was designed to answer two questions:

1.Is there an increased rate of birth defects in municipalities where carbaryl is used in aerial spraying for gypsy moth?

2.Is there a relationship in time between the occurrence of birth defects and this spraying?

The counties of , Monmouth, and Cape May were chose for this study based on the level of spraying conducted in the three counties and the common suburban/rural characteristics of each county. The time frame for the study includes all births from January 1, 1977 through March 31, 1980. Birth records from all 10 hospitals in the three counties with maternity services were reviewed by personnel of the New Jersey Department of Health. The study population consisted of 34,355 live births; only the occurrence of birth defects in live born infants was included in the analysis.

New Jersey Superior Court Judge Philip A. Gruccio, who last May rejected an appeal to stop further use of the insecticide, reached the same conclusion that Sevin is safe as currently used in the gypsy moth program.

Now I would like you to consider some additional facts when analyzing the Sevin/gypsy moth spray program.

1.The highest human exposure measured during gypsy moth spraying is 740,000 times less than that encountered hourly during a 40-hour work week by carbaryl manufacturing plant workers. Some workers have been exposed to carbaryl for more than 10 years with no clinically significant adverse effects.

2.Human volunteers have orally ingested carbaryl at 2 mg/kg of body weight with no observed effects. Exposure during gypsy moth spray programs is about 20,000 times less than the human volunteers ingested.

3.The exposure during gypsy moth spray programs is 100 times lower than the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for humans established by the World Health Organization.

4.Exposure during gypsy moth spray programs is 5,000,000 times lower than the dose fed to rats during pregnancy and 200,000 times lower than the dose fed to pregnant monkeys. Even more important than these safety margins, birth defects did not occur in rhesus monkeys fed carbaryl throughout the gestation period. The monkey anatomy and physiology are, of course, quite similar to those of humans.

EPA Reaction

What does EPA say about the use of carbaryl and the accusations of teratogenicity or birth defects associated with the use of the chemical? In a letter addressed to the Secretary, New Jersey Department of Agriculture, EPA states...and I quote...

'The Agency has reviewed all available information on the teratogenic potential of carbaryl and concludes that the weight of evidence suggests that this potential effect from carbaryl in humans is low. There is more data on carbaryl in this area than for most chemicals. The scientific data available does not pose an imminent hazard...'

EPA also points out, and rightfully so, that ' one must never conclude the risks from exposure to any chemical are zero... and that women of child-bearing age should avoid any unnecessary exposures to carbaryl and other chemicals as well.' This is certainly sound advice, no pesticide is absolutely safe to all persons at all times.

In conclusion, EPA does not plan to initiate any regulatory action against carbaryl at this time. The final chapter of this saga came in December 1980, when EPA returned carbaryl to the regular registration process, thus completing the review.