The Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Household Hazardous Waste Program has provided the following information to increase awareness among residents and small businesses of the action taken by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The USEPA is prohibiting the retail sales of chlorpyrifos, which is commonly used in products known as Dursban, and enforcing the phase-out of products containing Diazinon. Proper disposal is necessary for unwanted products containing these insecticides. For proper disposal, please contact the Household Hazardous Waste Program at (408) 299-7300.

What is Dursban and Diazinon?

Dursban and Diazinon are organophosphates, related to nerve-gas. These products are highly toxic and are typically used to kill insect pests, including ants, fleas, cockroaches, aphids, spiders, and wasps.

About Dursban (Chlorpyrifos)

Dursban and other types of chlorpyrifos are widely used pesticides and are found in a broad-spectrum of lawn care and pest control products. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has found this product to cause serious health risks, especially among children and women. This product is no longer manufactured, effective December 1, 2001.

Why is Dursban Dangerous?

Dursban is a widely used pesticide. The active ingredient, chlorpyrifos, is also found in a product called Lorsban. Dursban and chlorpyrifos products have been measured in significant amounts in our environment and have serious implications with its excessive use.

The public should be aware that there are concerns with this product based on findings from studies conducted by the EPA and environmental groups. One study of 993 adults found eight in 10 had ‘measurable concentrations’ of the chemical in their urine. Another study of 89 children found nine of every 10 with similar results.

Chemical companies that manufacture chlorpyrifos and Dursban have voluntarily withdrawn retail products for home use from the market. Dursban and chlorpyrifos products will no longer be available for retail sale, effective December 31, 2001.

Where is Dursban Found?

Dursban is now banned from commercial uses. However, it is still found in common household and garden pesticides used by the average consumer. It is typically an ingredient of pesticide products for homes, gardens, and even pet collars. Dursban contains the insecticide, chlorpyrifos, which is marketed for many household and commercial uses. These products are still sold in local nurseries, hardware stores, and commercial retail stores. Retail sales to consumers will be prohibited effective December 31, 2001.

Who is Affected?

Anyone applying Dursban or other chlorpyrifos products must take precaution in proper use and disposal of this product. Contamination has also been found in aquatic species. Dursban is highly toxic and improper use is a serious hazard to public health, the environment, and particularly children, who may be developmentally affected by excessive exposure.

Additional Information:

CNN Article on Dursban

Environmental Protection Agency Assessment of Chlorpyrifos

CNN Article on Dursban Alternatives

About Diazinon

A common insecticide used to control pests such as flies, cockroaches, and fleas. This synthetic chemical is sold under common trade names including Alfatox, Basudin, AG500, Gardentox, Knoxout, and Spectracide.

Why is Diazinon Being Phased-Out?

There are serious health risks associated with exposure to excessive amounts. Diazinon is the sixth leading cause of accidental poisoning by death and pesticide-related hospitalizations.

Where is Diazinon found?

Diazinon is a common product for household and agricultural use. Household uses include lawn maintenance and pest control. It is typically used in insecticides and insect baits.

Who is Affected by Diazinon

Anyone using Diazinon must take precaution in proper application and disposal of this product. Diazinon is a major urban pollution problem, with residues measured for up to 42 days. Diazinon has been detected in air, rain, and fog. The highest concentrations are found near major cities. Diazinon contributes to fish development problems in California streams and rivers. There are also potentially negative impacts on urban creeks from runoffs (caused by use around homes through irrigation or storm water). Most people affected by this product are those who use the chemical at home to spray fruits and vegetables or to control insects at home.

Additional Information:

EPA View on Diazinon

ECO-USA Facts on Diazinon

EWG Facts on Diazinon

How Can You Help?

Here are three suggestions on how you can help protect our community:

1) Prevent these hazardous chemicals from entering our landfills and other waste streams. To dispose of products containing these insecticides, please contact the Santa Clara County Household Hazardous Waste program at (408) 299-7300.

2) Be cautious of application methods when using products that contain Dursban (chlorpyrifos) and Diazinon. If you have unwanted products with that contain these insecticides, please contact the Santa Clara County Household Hazardous Waste Program at (408) 299-7300.

3) Educate yourself, friends, and family of the harmful effects of pesticides. Learn about safe alternatives to pesticides. For more information please visit the following web sites:

University of California Integrated Pest Management (UCIPM)

Environmental Working Group (EWG)

United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Office of Pesticides Program