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
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
moderate
considered a moderate eye irritant; may irritate the nose; slightly toxic orally & dermally; carcinogenic in some animals
80% Diuron
moderate
"moderately irritating to eye & skin" in rabbits; "practically non-toxic by ingestion"; no chronic effects observed
60% Pendimethalin
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
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
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
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