Common arsenical pesticide under scrutiny

摘要

Golfers can thank monosodium methanearsonate (MSMA) for flawless, weed-free fairways, but experts are questioning whether the arsenic-containing pesticide is safe for the environment and human health. New research reveals that, despite industry claims, MSMA applied to golf courses with certain types of soil degrades to toxic inorganic arsenic, which leaches into groundwater. A separate study has documented that MSMA can move through wildlife food chains. The news comes as Canada and the United States are re-evaluating registrations for MSMA. According to the U.S. EPA, MSMA "can reasonably be anticipated to cause cancer in humans" and is converted in the environment to inorganic arsenic, a known human carcinogen. About 4 million pounds of MSMA is applied every year to golf courses and cotton fields in the United States to control weeds. The pesticide has been banned in India and Indonesia.