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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