Tom Jaszewski wrote:

On Sat, 19 Apr 2003 03:16:14 GMT, Pam wrote:



Tom Jaszewski wrote:

On Sat, 19 Apr 2003 02:19:22 GMT, Pam wrote:

it is a general use
pesticide that is readily available to homeowners for residential use.

gosh Pam how many quarts of Diazinon hundreds of r nurseries sell
under the same guise?

Gosh, Tom, do you think there is any difference between the two products? Come on, let's use some common
sense. There is just a tad bit of difference between an organophosphate neurotoxin and a seed
germination inhibitor.

Endocrine-disrupting effects
Trifluralin is an endocrine-disrupting chemical, according to both the
UK Environment Agency and the World Wide Fund for Nature(25). These
chemicals have adverse, ‘gender-bender’ effects by interfering with
the body’s hormones, or chemical messengers, and are active at even
miniscule levels (see PAN UK briefing No.2 Mixed messages: pesticides
that confuse hormones).

Suggest you do some further reading (and include some scientific studies rather than simply relying solely on
environmental organizations with their own agenda) - trifluralin is "suspected" of being an endocrine
disruptor, however the endocrine disrupting potential of chemical pesticides is considered to be negligible
compared to those ED sources found in waste treatment plants, animal manure and dietary supplements - heck,
soybeans, apples, wheat and peas are KNOWN endocrine disruptors!

While it is certainly appropriate to be concerned about the use of any chemical pesticide (and even so-called
"organic" products) and the effects they may have on long term environmental and health issues, it is equally
important to understand and develop the knowledge base to put the issue into proper perspective. This is an
issue where even the scientists involved in the research have differing opinions as to its significance. The
science is still being developed and the EPA is fully aware of the concern and has mandated additional
testing under new methods of analysis and evaluation as they become available.

Knowledge is the key when using any type of pesticide, however it is counterproductive to even those
proponents of pesticide reform (and that includes me!) to involve unfounded hypotheses and scare tactics
rather than relying on scientific testing and documented evidence. I sure don't hear any hue and cry about
using animal manures in one's garden, but they pose a much larger threat to endocrine disruption than do the
appropriate and labeled use of suspected chemical pesticides. And are you going to think twice before eating
your next apple?

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

pam - gardengal