The Benomyl Saga

919 (Welch/"@mr.rtpnc.epa.gov)
Fri, 08 Mar 1996 16:09:31 -0500 (EST)

THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL EPA DOCUMENT!

There's a series of popular articles about Benlate at:

http://www.tampatrib.com/reports/benlate

Here are a few high points:

-One batch of Benlate 50 DF was found to be contaminated with the herbicide,
atrazine, in 1989 and crop damage occurs. Product is recalled.

-DuPont alters the Benlate 50 DF formulation to include a second fungicide,
flusilazole, which is not approved for use in the United States. The EPA is
not advised of the formulation change. Benlate 50 DF is again recalled.

-Crop damage occurs again.

-DuPont changes its Benomyl labelling to delete suggested use on ornamental
plants.

-Lots of accusations, lawsuits, investigations, denials, stalling, political
pressure. Anyone who came within 100 meters of Benomyl begins to consider it
as a potential cause of personal medical problems.

-DuPont settles some crop damage claims out of court. However, the case is
dismissed for lack of evidence and the remaining plaintiffs get nothing.

-Circumstancial evidence suggesting Benlate 50 DF is related to birth defects
(specifically lack of eyes), fungal infections, and cancer.

-EPA regulates undiluted Benomyl as hazardous waste due to cancer risk. No
evidence found that flusilazole presents any health hazard at level in Benlate
50 DF. Currently, it is being reevaluated especially with regards to the
chemical mixture in Benlate 50 DF.

My suggestion, if you happen to have a bottle of Benlate 50 DF, is get rid of
it, but not in the trash can. You might be able to call DuPont for a refund.
If its not that specific brand, just be very careful to avoid exposure as you
should with any chemical.

Jeff