[Vision2020] chlorophenoxy herbicides

[Jim]

I am sorry the school bond failed and probably chlorphenoxy herbicide 
fear had nothing to do with it but I still feel the need to address the 
issue even at this late date.

As someone with a degree in crop science, who was a licensed pesticide 
applicator, an agricultural fieldman/farm chemical manager,  a 
technician for an agrichemical company doing test plots, a technician in 
a pharmacology/toxicology lab and as a technician doing organic chemical 
analysis on agricultural products, I have a little bit of background on 
the subject of herbicides.

I'd just like to point out a few things:

1. You probably get more exposure to volatile herbicides when you visit 
your local retailer who has indoor storage of weed and feed chemicals, 
than a student would at a rural school.

2. The people with the most exposure and danger from agrichemicals are 
the applicators and farmers who have long-term occupational exposure.

3. Avoidance of overspray is a long considered part of chemical 
application. Consideration of factors such as droplet size, 
sticker/spreader chemicals, wind speed/direction, chemical used, timing, 
and location are all a part of professional herbicide application.  

4. Chlorphenoxy herbicides like 2,4-D and MCPA were used on spring grain 
crops 20 years ago. Even then, pre and early emergent herbicides were 
increasing yields. Those of you who are concerned, do you really know 
that these chemicals are currently used on anything but spot treatments?

5. From a toxicology point of view, you should know that not all 
chemicals are bad (unless in excess). You can kill yourself with water, 
for instance. Not all chemicals are toxic in the amounts in which they 
are ingested or  inhaled. Some toxins, for instance aflatoxins, are 
naturally occurring and have considerably more carcinogenic potential 
than a properly used agrichemical. Properly used agrichemicals might 
even be protective against the formation of aflatoxins. Aflatoxins are 
"natural" and "organic" but they are not very good for us or our animals.

Let's take care not to give too much credence to people who make loud 
pronouncements based on emotional faith in oversimplified partial truths 
or downright falsehoods.

Jim Meyer