New Zealand EPA proposes to revoke the home garden uses of certain chlorothalonil-based fungicides

The New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) proposes to revoke the home garden uses of certain chlorothalonil-based fungicides for human health reasons. EPA has opened the public comments until December 16, 2016.

 “Safe use of chlorothalonil requires mandatory use of protective equipment and apparel. We believe it is unrealistic to assume that Kiwi home-gardeners would necessarily adopt the same protective measures that those in, say, the horticultural industry would use,” says Fiona Thomson-Carter, General Manager of the EPA’s Hazardous Substances and New Organisms group.

“For that reason, we have initiated our own reassessment of chlorothalonil products specifically marketed for home-garden use and propose revoking our approval of its use across a number of domestic formulations.

“Before we do that, however, we are seeking specific information in relation to its composition, application rates, and other higher-tier data applicable to its use in home-garden settings.

“Consideration of any new information coming forward may result in revision of parts of this risk assessment and the proposed restrictions.”