2,4-D not a risk to human health, says PMRA

Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) has concluded that “the use of 2,4-D and its end-use products to treat lawns and turf does not entail an unacceptable risk of harm to human health or the environment.” After examining the combined risk from exposure through food and residential uses, the PMRA also determined the potential exposure for children and adults contacting treated residential lawns and golf courses was within acceptable standards.

These findings in the draft health and environmental risk assessments for the herbicide 2,4-D were released by the PMRA February 21 for public comment.

“The PMRA’s assessment of scientific data reinforces a growing number of regulatory decisions and expert reviews that conclude the use of 2,4-D, while protecting food production and the environment, does not present a risk to human health,” stated Larry Hammond, technical chair of the Industry Task Force II on 2,4-D Research Data. “The PMRA’s findings bolster the earlier decisions of authorities such as the World Health Organization, European Commission, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and recent studies by the U.S. National Cancer Institute.”

The PMRA also released key elements of a report by an independent expert Science Advisory Panel. Comprised of five well-regarded experts, the Science Advisory Panel concurred with the general thrust of the PMRA evaluation.

The publication of the Proposed Ac­ceptability for Continuing Registration document begins the public comment stage of the PMRA’s re-evaluation program of 2,4-D. Copies of the re-evaluation document and notice of the public comment period are available at www.pmra-arla.gc.ca/english/pubs/pacr-e.html.