Monsanto Co. announced a setback for its planned release of a new pesticide.
The chemical, called NemaStrike, targets worms that ravage corn, soy and cotton crops.
Monsanto conducted field tests of NemaStrike for three years, and it was analyzed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which eventually approved the chemical. But after conducting another trial involving 400 people, reports surfaced that handling the chemical can cause skin problems.
According to Reuters, several people have complained that NemaStrike caused various levels of skin irritation, including rashes. Monsanto officials said it was unclear if the users had worn proper protection while using NemaStrike.
In a statement, Monsanto said that it is pausing its planned 2018 launch of the chemical “out of an abundance of caution.”
In the past, Monsanto has referred to NemaStrike as a “blockbuster technology” and said it believes the chemical can be safe when used properly.
“We are evaluating these cases, and in those we’ve examined so far, the proper use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) appears to be an important factor,” the company said.
The setback comes as Monsanto continues to squabble with farmers and regulators over another major product: dicamba. Despite regulatory approval, farmers have complained that dicamba can drift between crops and cause widespread damage.
Regulators in Arkansas recently issued a temporary ban of dicamba. Monsanto has continued to defend the safety dicamba and has sued Arkansas regulators for the recently passed restrictions.
