Last Wednesday, following multiple reports that a new Monsanto chemical had caused rashes on people, the company put its launch on hold. The new product had already been approved for use by the EPA (the same EPA that approved Dicamba, another HUGE failure) and was tested for three years in field tests across the U.S., by Monsanto.

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The product, called NemaStrike, is supposed to protect corn, soybeans, and cotton from worms known as nematodes, that reduce its overall yield. This delayed launch is a setback for Monsanto and a win for both the environment and humanity.

According to the U.S. commercial operations lead for Monsanto, “There have been limited cases of skin irritation, including rashes, that appear to be associated with the handling and application of this seed treatment product.” (It has also been claimed that some users who had issues might not have followed instructions to wear protective equipment, like gloves.)

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“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) did extensive evaluations of the product before approving it for use, according to Monsanto, which has described NemaStrike as ‘blockbuster technology.’ The agency could not immediately be reached for comment after hours on Wednesday.

‘The technology is effective and can be used safely when following label instructions,’ Monsanto said.” 1

Where have we heard that before?

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But irritation isn’t the only problem; farmers have also complained that the herbicide evaporates and drifts from where it is applied which causes damage to crops that cannot resist it (and potentially wrecks organic farms).

Again, any time we don’t have to worry about yet another Monsanto product for sale, it’s a huge win.

Sources and References

  1. Reuters, November 1, 2017.