HC&S Herbicides

HC&S uses no insecticides on any of its 37,000 acres of sugarcane, only herbicides; however they do fog for mosquitoes in the ditches near the Puunene Mill where the mill water is recycled. If you have any questions regarding any of the chemicals used, there are two environmental affairs specialists on staff. Call Derek Heafey at 877-2958, or you can email him at dheafey@hcsugar.com.

* As of Aug 10, 2001, in deference to our health concerns, HC&S changed their spraying policy. They no longer use 2,4-D or Banvel anywhere near our houses, and they have only hand gangs applying the milder herbicides from knapsacks. Thank you, HC&S!

 Product          Danger                 Health Risks         Product Description    
  Ametryne
 
low
 
mildly irritating to eyes of test animals
 
an s-triazine herbicide also called Evik 80w
 
  Atrazine
 
moderate
 
classed as "slightly toxic" by ingestion, "practically non-toxic" through dermal absorption, and "moderately toxic" by inhalation by rats at the highest attainable concentration for 4 hours; "minimally irritating" to rabbit eyes
 
90% Atrazine; an s-triazine herbicide also called AAtrex Nine-O
 
  Karmex
 
moderate
 
considered a moderate eye irritant; may irritate the nose; slightly toxic orally & dermally; carcinogenic in some animals
 
80% Diuron
 
  Pentagon
 
moderate
 
"moderately irritating to eye & skin" in rabbits; "practically non-toxic by ingestion"; no chronic effects observed
 
60% Pendimethalin
 
  Velpar
 
moderate
 
classed as an eye irritant; overexposure may cause discomfort, tearing, or blurring of vision; ingestion may cause abnormal liver function; non-carcinogenic
 
75% Hexazinone
 
  Roundup Ultra
 
moderate
 
moderately irritating to eyes; slightly irritating to skin; no evidence of effects on nervous system in test animals; non-carcinogenic
 
41% Isopropylamine salt of Glyphosate
 
  Banvel*
 
moderate to high
 
extremely irritating to eyes & may be corrosive; mildly irritating to skin; no known chronic effects; **HC&S has discontinued use of Banvel near the houses
 
48.2% Dimethylamine Salt of Dicamba; substituted benzoic acid
 
  2,4-D*
 
high
 
corrosive to eyes; can be absorbed through the skin; prolonged & repeated exposure may lead to liver or kidney damage, gastrointestinal, or central nervous system symptoms; **HC&S has discontinued use near the houses
 
Amine 4 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid; the most widely used herbicide in the world since 1946