August 2006
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Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), the federal
body responsible for the regulation of pesticides in Canada, is implementing
interim measures in advance of reaching a final decision regarding the uses
of 2,4-D.
The PMRA has reviewed the comments and information received in response to
the proposed regulatory decision for lawn and turf uses of 2,4-D. Based on
the available scientific information, 2,4-D is acceptable for use on lawns
and turf with specific label directions for use and handling. Additional data that were submitted by registrants, but
not reviewed at the time of publication of the Proposed Acceptability for Continuing
Registration document PACR2005-01, Re-evaluation
of the Lawn and Turf Uses of (2,4-Dichlorophenoxy)acetic Acid, have also
been reviewed.
The following changes were made as a result of the PMRA’s review of
the comments and information received from stakeholders:
- Statements indicating the most effective timing of application are now
required on product labels.
- Environmental precaution statements have been modified to increase
their relevancy to all products.
- The proposed buffer zones for commercial products have been altered.
- Data on microcontaminants present at extremely low levels must be submitted
to the PMRA.
The interim measures described in Re-evaluation Note REV2006-11, Lawn
and Turf Uses of (2,4-Dichlorophenoxy)acetic Acid [2,4-D]: Interim Measures, are
consistent with those proposed in PACR2005-01.
Also, the PMRA has determined that registered products containing the diethanolamine
(DEA) form of 2,4-D must be discontinued because adequate data to evaluate
the potential health effects of the DEA form have not been provided.
The PMRA understands that the public may have concerns regarding domestic
uses of pesticides. The PMRA rigorously assesses pesticides using modern scientific
assessment methods and carefully reviews all available information. This process
ensures that only pesticides that pose no unacceptable health or environmental
risks and that have value are registered under the Pest Control Products
Act,
permitting them to be sold and used in Canada. It is important that label
directions be followed carefully.
To ensure consistency with the new Pest Control Products Act that came into
force on June 28, 2006, the PMRA will make a final decision regarding the
continued acceptability of lawn and turf uses of 2,4-D when a final decision
on all this product’s uses, including agricultural uses, is made.
About dioxins and 2,4-D
Dioxins make up a large family of over 200 chemicals. Certain types of dioxins
are considered much more toxic than others and are classified as “dioxins
of concern.” In the early 1980s, the methods used to manufacture 2,4-D
were carefully examined in light of the emerging knowledge and concerns regarding
these dioxins. Changes were made to reduce the levels of contamination of
2,4-D with all dioxins. In 1983, Agriculture Canada’s Pesticides Division
established a production limit of “not detectable at 1 ppb” for
2,3,7,8–TCDD, the most toxic dioxin, in 2,4-D.
Since the 1980s, more sensitive analytical methodologies have been developed.
It is now possible to detect much lower levels of dioxins in 2,4-D than before.
The PMRA is requesting additional data on dioxin levels generated using the
most up-to-date analytical methods available.
Health Canada’s It’s
Your Health: Dioxins and Furans publication
gives some additional information on dioxins, and lists the greatest sources
for the presence of dioxins in the environment, including: the incineration
of medical and municipal waste; the burning of fuel and wood; electrical power
generation; and tobacco smoke.
Need More Information?
Visit the following links on the PMRA’s website to read more about
the topics discussed in this document.
2,4-D Re-evaluation Documents
Risk Assessment Process
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