The American Bird Conservancy (ABC) hailed EPA’s decision to end all U.S. uses of the insecticide endosulfan (trade name: Thiodan prior to 2002 and later called Thionex) which has been found to pose reproductive and neurological risks to birds, other wildlife and humans, according to a press release issued by ABC.

The manufacturer of endosulfan, Makteshim Agan of North America is now in discussions with EPA planning the voluntary cancellation of all uses of the pesticide, according to ABC.

EPA cited new data gathered since 2002 showing endosulfan poses high risks to farm workers, who can be exposed through inhalation and skin contact. Birds and aquatic and terrestrial wildlife are also at risk when consuming insects that have been exposed to endosulfan. The pesticide has already been banned in 60 countries. Worldwide calls to ban endosulfan arose from the deaths of 135 people in Kerala, India, following use of the pesticide in cashew orchards, according to ABC.