EPA delays move on controversial fumigant - Environment - MSNBC.com - The Diigo Meta page

• 03 Oct 07
  

  Steve Leckie

  chemical farming organic

  • The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday delayed approval of a new toxic fumigant for use by fruit and vegetable farmers, after more than 50 prominent scientists objected that the chemical was too dangerous.

    The agency said previously that a decision would be announced by Friday about methyl iodide, also called iodomethane.
  • The fumigant was developed to replace the highly effective fumigant methyl bromide, which is banned by an international treaty because it depletes the earth's ozone layer. Both fumigants are injected into soil before planting and do not leave a residue on the produce itself. Critics have cited cases where fumigant fumes escaped from soil and harmed farmworkers or nearby residents.

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