The federal government bases its rules, on how much of the chemicals may be safely consumed, on adults. Government officials are re-evaluating many chemicals for their impact on children. He said he regrets that his employees didn't post Gangnier's property that day, but adds that he believes the family wasn't in any danger from the chemicals. Following the federally approved safety instructions on the bottles is the key. Once you go outside the labeled use, that's a serious concern.
All bets are off.
One, sold under the brand name Sonar, killed almost all plant life in most lakes where it was applied at the dose suggested on the label. For several years, the DEQ has been allowing much smaller amounts of the chemical to be used on a few lakes. The governor's Environmental Science Advisory Board is reviewing the results and is expected to give the agency some guidance on Sonar's continued use in Michigan by the end of the year. A 1996 DEQ study found that the herbicide can migrate from lakes into nearby drinking water wells in amounts far exceeding federal health requirements. This summer, a DEQ regulator is analyzing samples from wells of homes adjacent to lakes where 2,4-D was applied.