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Pyrethroids up for review by EPA

Several ag groups say the EPA’s ecological risk assessments of Pyrethroids do not use sound science.

Pyrethroids are used in 120 different crops to control insects as well as in common household and garden products. EPA’s preliminary assessment says the insecticides used for agricultural purposes exceed acute and chronic levels of concern for aquatic animals, especially aquatic insects.

Michigan Farm Bureau Agricultural Ecology Director Laura Campbell says the risk assessment uses outdated testing methods.  “They make a lot of assumptions that are not correct in their review of these chemistries and what that does is sets us up for potential overly strict and overly burdensome restrictions on use.”

She says the EPA grouped together 27 different chemistries into the assessment without taking into consideration real world usage.  “EPA is misinterpreting the potential risk and overestimating it to the point where we’re concerned they’re going to change the label directions and make these chemistries impossible for farmers to use effectively.”

Public comments can be made on EPA’s website until March 31^st and Campbell says farmers need to share why those chemistries are important to their farm, how they use them and what precautions they take when applying.

AUDIO: Interview with Laura Campbell