OTTAWA, May 16 /CNW Telbec/ - Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory
Agency (PMRA) concluded its re-evaluation of the popular herbicide
2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), finding that the herbicide can be used
safely according to label directions for a variety of lawn, turf and
agricultural applications.
In issuing the decision, the PMRA stated in its Information Note, "Health
Canada also consulted an independent Science Advisory Panel comprised of
government and university experts/researchers in toxicology, epidemiology and
biology. The Panel agreed with Health Canada's assessment that 2,4-D can be
used safely when used according to label directions, with some uses requiring
additional protective measures."
Jim Gray, executive director of the Industry Task Force II on 2,4-D
Research Data, said, "After reviewing an unprecedented depth of scientific
data and expert panel reviews regarding the impact 2,4-D may have on children,
adults, animals and the environment, Health Canada determined the herbicide
meets all of Canada's pesticide health and safety regulations, which are among
the toughest and most stringent in the world."
"These most recent findings by the PMRA are consistent with previous
decisions made by authorities including the World Health Organization,
European Commission, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and recent studies
by the U.S. National Cancer Institute that deem 2,4-D to be a valuable and
useful herbicide that does not pose human health or environmental risks when
used according to label instructions," Gray added.
This conclusion supports the 2005 and 2007 draft assessments issued by
PMRA which found that 2,4-D can be used safely on lawn, turf, agricultural,
forestry and industrial sites, when label directions are followed.
Health Canada's decision and other resources pertaining to 2,4-D may be
found at:
http://www.pmra-arla.gc.ca/english/consum/2,4-D-e.html
For more information about 2,4-D, visit http://www.24d.org or call
1-800-345-5109.
About 2,4-D
2,4-D, one of the most widely used herbicides in North America and
worldwide, is applied to crops such as wheat, corn, rice, soybeans, potatoes,
sugar cane, pome fruits, stone fruits and nuts. It is also a component of
herbicides used to protect turf grass from weeds and environmentally sensitive
areas from invasive species.
A 2006 Assessment of the Economic and Related Benefits to Canada of
Phenoxy Herbicides concluded that loss of 2,4-D in the agricultural sector
would cost producers $321 million and the industrial infrastructure sector
about $17.5 million. Loss of effective weed control for the home and
professional turf goes beyond strict costs, (affecting the value of property
resale by percent); but more importantly reducing the effectiveness of turf to
filter pollutants, prevent soil erosion, improve water infiltration, moderate
temperatures, and reduce noise.
About the Task Force
The Industry Task Force II on 2,4-D Research Data was formed to fund the
new research required by both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the
Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency under their current pesticide
re-registration/re-evaluation programs. The Task Force does not conduct any
research, it simply must fund it. The actual research, under both U.S. and
Canadian law, must be done by GLP qualified laboratories. The companies making
up the Task Force are Dow AgroSciences (U.S.), Nufarm Ltd. (Australia) and
Agro-Gor Corp., a U.S. corporation jointly owned by Atanor, S.A. (Argentina)
and PBI-Gordon Corp. (U.S.).
For further information: Jim Gray, 1-800-345-5109, info@24d.org,
www.24d.org
