OTTAWA - Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), has conducted its re-evaluation of 2,4-D, a herbicide commonly used to control weeds on lawn and turf. The PMRA has determined, based on the available scientific information, that 2,4-D is acceptable for use on lawns and turf when label directions are followed.

The PMRA understands that the public may have concerns over domestic uses of pesticides and would like to convey that all registered pesticides undergo a thorough science-based risk assessment and must meet strict health and environmental standards before being approved for use in Canada.

In order to make the determination that 2,4-D can be acceptable for use on lawns and turf, the PMRA reviewed the available scientific data and other scientific related information on 2,4-D, and conducted stringent health and environmental risk assessments which included special consideration of children and pregnant women. In addition, the PMRA took into consideration the unique physiology, behaviours and play-habits of children, such as hand-to-mouth contact while playing on treated grass.

The PMRA reviewed 2,4-D as part of the re-evaluation program currently underway. The purpose of this re-evaluation is to determine if the pesticides currently on the market, that were registered before January 1, 1995 meet modern health and environmental standards.

The proposed decision on 2,4-D is consistent with those of other countries. The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s re-evaluation, released in January 2005, is the most recent reassessment of 2,4-D. It also found 2,4-D to be acceptable for use on lawn and turf.

Before finalizing its decision, as part of its normal process, the Agency is seeking any additional information that may be relevant from the scientific community and all other interested parties before the approval of the product is final. The PMRA invites interested individuals to consult the Proposed Acceptability for Continuing Registration (PACR2005-01) Re-evaluation of Lawn and Turf Uses of the Herbicide 2,4-D document and supporting background materials on its website at: www.pmra-arla.gc.ca. All comments and any additional information will be considered by PMRA prior to finalizing the decision. The comment period ends on Monday, April 22, 2005.

The PMRA is the federal regulatory body responsible for the regulation of pesticides in Canada. The regulation of pesticides in Canada is governed by the federal Pest Control Products Act.

• 2,4-D Lawn and Turf Uses
  
  
• Information Note: The PMRA Determines that 2,4-D is acceptable for use on Lawns and Turf
  
  
• Re-evaluation of the Lawn and Turf Uses of 2,4-D acetic Acid
  (PACR2005-01) February 21, 2005 - 555Kb

For further information:
Health Canada
PMRA Media Relations
(613) 736-3500

Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991

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