Just Label It Criticizes EPA’s Decision to Approve Toxic Enlist Duo

Contact: Violet Batcha
(315) 262-5990, violet@justlabelit.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OCTOBER 15, 2014 

Washington, D.C. – The Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to approve the pesticide mixture Enlist Duo for use on corn and soybeans that were genetically engineered to withstand toxic 2,4-D “was a missed opportunity to chart a new course for our farmers that would reduce our reliance on dangerous weed killers,” Just Label It said today.

Enlist Duo is a dangerous mix of glyphosate, the active ingredient in RoundUp, and the even more toxic 2,4-D. Dow AgroSciences developed Enlist Duo in response to the spread of glyphosate-resistant “superweeds.”

“We are disappointed in the EPA’s complete disregard for the health of farmers, rural residents and especially children in its decision to deregulate this dangerous weed killer,” said Gary Hirshberg, chairman of Just Label It. “Staying on this chemical treadmill will only lead us down the path toward even more toxic chemicals.”

2,4-D has been linked to a wide range of health concerns, including Parkinson’s disease and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Children are especially vulnerable to the health risks associated with 2,4-D because they absorb more of the pesticide relative to body weight than do adults.

Dow plans to market Enlist Duo as a quick and easy solution for farmers who are battling herbicide-resistant “superweeds.” The company claimed in a press release issued earlier this year that it will “solve the tremendous weed control challenges that growers are facing.”

Just Label It opposes the use of Enlist Duo as a primary method of controlling “superweeds.” The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s own Environmental Impact Statement on 2,4-D-resistant corn and soybeans noted that there are seven distinct varieties of glyphosate-resistant “superweeds” across 27 states, and that five states have 2,4-D-resistant weeds.

“Relying on the overuse of chemicals to control weeds won’t work in the long run,” added Hirshberg. “Mother Nature has adapted once, and she’ll do it again.”

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