This is the first time I am hearing about this toxin, but I feel it warrants a lot of attention.

A few years back, the NRDC petitioned the EPA and asked them to place a ban on Carbaryl, a pesticide used in everything from flea collars to apple orchards. It is also seen as a major factor in the depletion of our bees. The EPA, after being forced by a lawsuit, finally responded with an adamant “nope”.

You can find the entire article on the NRDC blog, HERE.

Some information about Carbaryl:

Carbaryl, trade name ‘Sevin’, is a broad-spectrum insecticide used on pets, lawns, and gardens as well as agriculture crops that include apples, pecans, grapes, alfalfa, oranges, and corn. About 3.9 million pounds of carbaryl are used annually in the U.S., with about half for agriculture and half for non-agriculture uses.

Carbaryl is classified by EPA as a likely carcinogen, and according to EPA’s own fact sheets, “carbaryl can cause cholinesterase inhibition in humans; that is, it can overstimulate the nervous system causing nausea, dizziness, confusion, and at high exposures, respiratory paralysis, and death.”

From my experience in studying chemicals, etc., is that when an organization like the NRDC says something is bad, it is usually bad. I would look at all your pet and garden products and remove them from your home. I would also make a special effort to buy organic produce, so you can avoid the poisoning from pesticides.