State Bans Sale of 11 Chemicals Used in Herbicides and Pesticides

SACRAMENTO —  Eleven chemicals used in 160 products that kill weeds, germs, fungi, fleas and termites and keep animals away from flowers can no longer be sold in California.

The state Department of Pesticide Regulation on Tuesday suspended sales of the active ingredients because their makers have not provided required data on health effects.

The manufacturers can no longer sell the chemicals. However, stores can sell products on their shelves for two years, officials said.

State law requires the makers of chemicals used in pesticides to submit scientific studies on long-term toxicity, including the potential for birth defects or cancer. State scientists then evaluate the studies to determine if the chemicals can be used safely. The chemicals are:

* Allylisothiocyanate, an insect and animal repellent.

* Ammonium sulfamate, a herbicide.

* Denatonium saccharide, an animal repellent.

* Dienochlor, an insecticide and miticide for house plants.

* Dikegulac sodium, a plant growth regulator.

* Disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, an insecticide for cockroaches and fleas, and a fungicide used on utility poles.

* Fenvalerate, an insecticide and termiticide.

* Para-tert-amylphenol, an antimicrobial, bactericide, disinfectant and fungicide for food processing plants, hospitals, nursing homes.

* Para-tert-amylphenol, potassium salt, an antimicrobial, disinfectant, fungicide and nematocide.

* Sodium para-tert-amylphenate, a bactericide, disinfectant and fungicide for food processing plants and hospitals.

* Sodium metaborate, a herbicide for use around buildings, fences, roads and ditches.