Deadly Poison Kills Frogs, Threatens Human Health
Caroline Kennedy
The northern leopard frog may be smaller than a cup of tea, but this tiny amphibian is in big trouble. Once prevalent throughout North America, threatened northern leopard frogs are put at an even greater risk by endosulfan -- a deadly pesticide that’s been banned in at least sixty countries, but not in the U.S.
The EPA is only accepting comments on a proposed endosulfan ban until this Monday (June 29th), so please take action today.
Endosulfan is a neurotoxic organochlorine pesticide -- similar to DDT and other insecticides that have been banned in the U.S. for decades. It has a wide range of environmental and health risks to birds and other wildlife, but threatened northern leopard frogs are especially vulnerable to its effects.
In one recent scientific study, a low dose of endosulfan was enough to kill 84% of leopard frog tadpoles that came in contact with it. According to the study’s lead author, Rick Relyea, “Endosulfan appears to be about 1,000-times more lethal to amphibians than other pesticides that we have examined.” [1]
Endosulfan is banned across the European Union and in many other countries. However, the companies that make this deadly poison have managed to keep their dangerous product on American shelves.
Frogs aren’t the only ones threatened by endosulfan’s continued use. This deadly poison also poses human health risks -- particularly for the farm workers who apply the poison to tomatoes, tobacco, apples and other crops.
Endosulfan can cause many adverse health effects. At low doses, endosulfan exposure has been linked to hormone system disruption, autism, Parkinson’s disease and other birth defects. At higher levels, endosulfan can cause headaches, vomiting, convulsions and -- in extreme cases -- unconsciousness and even death.
Thanks in advance for making a difference on this vital issue. With your help, we can send a loud, strong message to the EPA that our frogs, our health and our environment are worth protecting.
Sincerely,
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Caroline KennedySenior Director of Field Conservation
Defenders of Wildlife |
P.S. We only have a few days to make our voices heard on this issue. Please take action right now to protect our frogs and our health by getting this deadly poison off the shelves.
Note
[1] http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/pesticides-frogs-47111403
Help Save Frogs from
a Deadly Poison
Endosulfan is lethal to threatened northern leopard frogs and also dangerous for farm workers and others who are exposed to it.
Endosulfan’s Deadly Impact
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