EPA Issues Stop Sale Order to DuPont on Sale and Distribution of Imprelis Herbicide (HQ)
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today
issued an order to E.I. DuPont de Nemours (DuPont) directing the
company to immediately halt the sale, use or distribution of
Imprelis, an herbicide marketed to control weeds that has been
reported to be harming a large number of trees, including Norway
spruce and white pine. The order, issued under the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), requires DuPont
to stop the sale and distribution of Imprelis in the U.S. and
outlines specific conditions to ensure that the removal of Imprelis
from the market meets legal requirements.
This action follows EPA’s investigation
into why a large number of evergreens and other trees have been
harmed following the use of the herbicide. In its evaluation, EPA
is investigating whether these incidents are the result of product
misuse, inadequate warnings and use directions on the
product’s label, persistence in soil and plant material,
uptake of the product through the root systems and absorbed into
the plant tissue, environmental factors, potential runoff issues or
other possible causes.
On June 17, 2011, DuPont issued a letter to
professional applicators cautioning against the use of Imprelis
where Norway spruce or white pine trees are present on, or in close
proximity to, the property being treated. On July 27, 2011, DuPont
acknowledged to the EPA that there has been damage to trees
associated with Imprelis use and the company had developed an
internet web page to provide information and updates concerning
Imprelis use.
On August 4, 2011, DuPont voluntarily suspended
sales of Imprelis and announced that it will soon conduct a product
return and refund program.
FIFRA is a federal law that requires the
registration of pesticide products and pesticide-production
facilities, and the proper labeling of pesticides. This requirement
protects public health and the environment by ensuring safe
production, handling, and application of pesticides and by
preventing false or misleading product claims.
Information about today's order:
www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/cases/civil/fifra/dupontimprelis.html
Information about EPA’s investigation into
Imprelis and damage to trees: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/regulating/imprelis.html