Turf and Nursery - 2,4-D at Risk

2,4-D has been an extremely useful and cost effective broad leaf herbicide for decades. It was one of the first herbicides developed and is important for the horticulture industry. There is a possibility of losing 2,4-D. The following is more information and how you can get involved.

EPA is seeking public comments on a petition to revoke all tolerances and cancel all registrations for the pesticide 2,4-D. The petition was submitted by the environmental group Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). The NRDC claims in their petition that EPA cannot make a finding that there is a reasonable certainty of no harm from dietary residues of 2,4-D. The petition also states that EPA also did not consider the full spectrum of potential human health effects associated with the pesticide. The public comment process allows anyone with an opinion of the value of 2,4-D in the horticulture industry to provide input, which should then be considered in the EPA’s decision-making process. Public comments must be submitted by February 23, 2009. Information on submitting comments is available at: http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2008/December/Day-24/p30527.htm. The docket information is available at: http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocketDetail&d=EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0877