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PA TRAINING REQUIRED FOR PURCHASERS OF METAM SODIUM PESTICIDE

Release Date: 2/9/96
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PA TRAINING REQUIRED FOR PURCHASERS OF METAM SODIUM PESTICIDE

FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1996

TRAINING REQUIRED FOR PURCHASERS OF
METAM SODIUM SEWER PESTICIDES

After March l, only certified pesticide applicators may purchase metam sodium sewer products, a move to make the product safer. Metam sodium sewer products are used to control tree roots in sewer lines. Airrigation Engineering Co., Inc. of Pleasanton, Calif., one of the primary registrants of metam sodium sewer products, recently agreed with EPA to restrict use of their products to certified applicators. EPA has received reports that people have become ill when metam sodium products inadvertently entered their homes through treated sewer pipes. The sewer-cleaning pesticide is applied as a foam. Exposure to metam sodium may result in irritation to the skin and lungs and has been shown in test animals to pose reproductive and carcinogenic hazards. The agreement resolves a cancellation action that EPA initiated against Airrigation's metam sodium sewer products in l994 after the company refused to agree to a restricted use classification. Registrants of other metam sodium sewer products previously agreed to a restricted use classification. Federal regulations restrict the sale of certain high risk pesticides except to certified applicators and require that all applications be made by the certified applicator or under supervision of the certified applicator. Pesticide applicators can be certified by completing special training programs in each state on the proper use and handling of certain hazardous pesticide products. After March l, only certified applicators may purchase the metam sodium sewer products and all applications must be made by a certified applicator or under their supervision. An instruction manual on sewer-use metam sodium products was distributed to the states in l995 for use in state certification and training programs. Stocks of unrestricted metam sodium sewer products purchased before March l may be used until the products are gone. Metam sodium is also used as a pre-plant pesticide to control weeds, nematodes, fungi, bacteria and insects in the soil. The primary uses include agriculture, lawn grasses and nursery stock.

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