EPA Issues Stop Sale Order to DuPont on Sale and Distribution of
Imprelis Herbicide

WASHINGTON â?? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today issued
an order to E.I. DuPont de Nemours (DuPont) directing the company to
immediately halt the sale, use or distribution of Imprelis, an herbicide
marketed to control weeds that has been reported to be harming a large
number of trees, including Norway spruce and white pine. The order,
issued under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act
(FIFRA), requires DuPont to stop the sale and distribution of Imprelis
in the U.S. and outlines specific conditions to ensure that the removal
of Imprelis from the market meets legal requirements.

This action follows EPAâ??s investigation into why a large number of
evergreens and other trees have been harmed following the use of the
herbicide. In its evaluation, EPA is investigating whether these
incidents are the result of product misuse, inadequate warnings and use
directions on the productâ??s label, persistence in soil and plant
material, uptake of the product through the root systems and absorbed
into the plant tissue, environmental factors, potential runoff issues or
other possible causes.

On June 17, 2011, DuPont issued a letter to professional applicators
cautioning against the use of Imprelis where Norway spruce or white pine
trees are present on, or in close proximity to, the property being
treated. On July 27, 2011, DuPont acknowledged to the EPA that there has
been damage to trees associated with Imprelis use and the company had
developed an internet web page to provide information and updates
concerning Imprelis use.

On August 4, 2011, DuPont voluntarily suspended sales of Imprelis and
announced that it will soon conduct a product return and refund program.

FIFRA is a federal law that requires the registration of pesticide
products and pesticide-production facilities, and the proper labeling of
pesticides. This requirement protects public health and the environment
by ensuring safe production, handling, and application of pesticides and
by preventing false or misleading product claims.

Information about today’s order:
www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/cases/civil/fifra/dupontimprelis.html

Information about EPAâ??s investigation into Imprelis and damage to trees:
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/regulating/imprelis.html