BUSINESS MEMO: PESTICIDE PHASEOUT

The government and manufacturers agreed Thursday to phase out use of one of the most widely applied pesticides because of concern that it poses health risks to children in homes, schools and parks. Still, the product may remain on store shelves until the end of 2001, prompting complaints from some health advocates.

The Environmental Protection Agency announced it was banning the use of the pesticide chlorphyrifos commonly sold under the trade names Dursban and Lorsban for virtually all nonagricultural uses and curtailing its application on some crops, including apples, frequently eaten by children.

The pesticide can be found in more than 800 products from pet flea collars and lawn care products to a variety of bug sprays.