Re-evaluation Decision for 2,4-D

On May 16, 2008, Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) concluded its re-evaluation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), determining that the herbicide can be used safely according to label directions for a variety of lawn, turf, industrial, forestry and agricultural applications.

After a thorough re-evaluation of the herbicide (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid [2,4-D], Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), under the authority of the Pest Control Products Act and Regulations, has decided to allow continued registration for the sale and use in Canada of certain products containing 2,4-D.

Products containing 2,4-D do not pose unacceptable risks to human health or the environment. They also have value for lawn and turf, agriculture, forestry and industrial uses when used according to the label directions proposed in previous consultation documents. As a condition of the continued registration of these 2,4-D products, new risk-reduction measures must be included on product labels. In addition, registrants must submit additional confirmatory scientific information, identified in this document.

Some products and uses of 2,4-D are being phased out because the risks exceed current health and environmental standards or there was a lack of adequate data for assessment. This includes all products containing the diethanolamine (DEA) form of 2,4-D and products for aquatic uses.

The regulatory approach for the re-evaluation of 2,4-D was proposed in two consultation documents.1

Proposed Acceptability for Continuing Registration PACR2005-01, Re-evaluation of the Lawn and Turf Uses of (2,4-Dichlorophenoxy)acetic Acid[2,4-D]

Proposed Acceptability for Continuing Registration PACR2007-06, Re-evaluation of the Agricultural, Forestry, Aquatic and Industrial Site Uses of (2,4-Dichlorophenoxy)acetic Acid [2,4-D].

A summary of the comments received in response to the consultation on lawn and turf uses, and PMRA’s responses to those comments is presented in Re-evaluation Note REV2006-11, Lawn and Turf Uses of (2,4-Dichlorophenoxy)acetic Acid [2,4-D]: Interim Measures.

This Re-evaluation Decision document2 describes this final stage of the PMRA’s re-evaluation of 2,4-D and summarizes the Agency’s decision and the reasons for it. Appendix I includes a summary of comments received during the consultation process for non-turf uses, and the PMRA’s response to these comments. This decision is consistent with the proposed re-evaluation decisions stated in Proposed Acceptability for Continuing Registration documents PACR2005-01 and PACR2007-06 and Re-evaluation Note REV2006-11. To comply with this decision, registrants of products containing 2,4-D will be informed of the specific requirements affecting their product registrations and of the regulatory options available to them.

Link:  http://24d.org/govtrev/pmra2008.pdf