Monday, July 15, 2013

Sunshine Coast council sprays dunes with 'Agent Orange' mix to control weeds

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sunshine-coast-council-sprays-dunes-with-8216agent-orange8217-mix-to-control-weeds/story-e6frg6n6-1226678653244
COMMUNITY safety fears have been raised after it was revealed a Sunshine Coast council mixed up its own chemical brew from an ingredient used in Agent Orange and sprayed it at popular beaches to kill sand dune weeds.
The council is under fire for using the herbicide 2,4-D _ one half of the toxic defoliant blend Agent Orange from the Vietnam War that is under review by federal authorities.
For the past three years, the council has been experimenting with an off-label "tank mix" of 2,4-D and another herbicide, metsulfuron methyl, to rid sand dunes of the invasive glory lily (gloriosa superba) weed.
Fears have been raised over the safety of the brew dubbed Gloricide as federal agencies undertake a review of 2,4-D over concerns it can harm the environment and humans.
The federal environment department has recommended a ban on all "high volatile" 2,4-D products which can vapourish and travel kilometres, landing on other plants and aquatic organisms.
Human trials and real-life environmental tests are also under way on the "low volatile" 2,4-D products, with results expected at the end of the year.
In the United States, there is a push to have 2,4-D banned
READ MORE: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sunshine-coast-council-sprays-dunes-with-8216agent-orange8217-mix-to-control-weeds/story-e6frg6n6-1226678653244

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