Toxic Herbicide Spray 2,4,D Amine 4

Reader Contribution by Bruce Mcelmurray

One summer day  three years ago we were driving down our road with the windows down enjoying the fresh air and we observed a man on the other side of our dirt road bent over.  Thinking something was wrong with him we slowed down just in time to get wind drifted herbicide spray full in the face.  It felt like someone stuck hot pokers in my eyes and with chronic asthma I went into an immediate attack.  I almost used up my rescue inhaler before we got home which was only a few minutes from the incident.   

I got myself breathing again, and following several eye washes my vision cleared almost to normal.  Since we live in a HOA community – actually a landowners community – I then e-mailed the association to advise me what I had been sprayed with.  One sentence, one simple question or so I thought.  I had seen someone spraying previously but had not given a thought to  the activity. Now I was very interested.   They would not tell me what was being used.  I threatened them with a report to the EPA, and was told I could go ahead and report them.  I did, and at least found out what was being applied to the edge of the dirt roads and the common area’s that we all use.  It was 2-4-D Amine 4.  

That started a saga that went on for nearly three years.  During the process I learned a lot about toxic herbicides, Colorado law and how to deal with unruly and belligerent people.  Perhaps if I share the experience with readers they may be better equipped to deal with similar situations and at the same time avoid my mistakes. The two mistakes were trying to reason with unreasonable people, and assuming they would mend their ways.

I had no idea what 2-4-D Amine 4 was so went to work on the Internet to find out.  The more I read the more alarmed I became.  It is a known carcinogen, highly toxic to the eyes, children and pets.  It adheres to the foilage for about two weeks and can be absorbed via the skin, be inhaled, or ingested.  I researched the product and received reports from the EPA, USDA,  several environmental groups and Colorado Department of Agriculture.  The more I learned, the worse it became.  I asked the association leadership to at least post notice  where it had been applied so we could avoid it.  I received a very belligerent and demeaning refusal to do that.  It turned out the association had an alleged toxicologist that had assured them it was safe.  The president of the association claimed they had sprayed it themselves and their dogs got in it with no visible harm – at the same time complaining that their dogs were losing their teeth and they couldn’t understand why.  

The EPA advised me that while the association was inappropriately applying it they did not have enforcement power and referred me to the Colorado Department of Agriculture who did have that power.  I then reported it to them as it was clear the association was geared for a battle and would not listen to any of my requests.  The DOA said they lacked manpower to do anything.  I sent a letter to our Governor.  No response.  The second letter, which was a little stronger, was sent and suddenly the DOA became extremely interested.  

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