> Temik was always safe for the operators. Came in bags and was simply
> scattered around the ground.

> Only certified applicators are allowed use of the pesticide

Like most pesticides there are no people checking application. Plenty of
temik was applied in Florida by Hispanic farm workers which used no
protection at all. When rules are followed organophosphates  and most
chemicals can be applied safely.

In my opinion many organophosphates should not be sold at Wal-Mart an garden
centers.

> Always stand up-wind from hopper when loading.

*if* the applicator has the appropriate protective gear why would the above
matter?

One reason I blasted Bayer over using temik on oranges was the use of the
hopper method of application.
Bayer should (or the EPA) have at least had on the label to only use a set
amount of temik per tree.  PLACED  within the tree line of each tree.

Broadcast method is loved by the growers but is not the way *in my opinion*
a dangerous systemic pesticide should be applied!

INSTEAD hoppers were filled and the slide opened and temik was released
through the orchard. Some trees might get less than required and others two
to three times the label dose.

 When I was asked to figure out why bees were dying in orange groves my
conclusion was temik application by broadcast was partly to blame allowing
improper dosage per tree.


*If* Bayer & growers had followed the above less bee kills would have
occurred and *perhaps* ALDICARB (one of the most acutely TOXIC pesticides
registered to QUOTE what Peter posted)  would not have been found in
oranges, orange juice and ground water.

I know Paul would wish I would go work bees instead of posting. Temik is
hard to defend even by Paul which defends most pesticides.

Peter you need to understand when applied by a certified applicator with
proper equipment there is little danger to the applicator.  Please do not
try and twist the *phase out* to be about applicator safety. The phase out
is about aldicarb in ground water and food!

*in my opinion* aldicarb should never been registered to be broadcast
through orchards but little was known about SYSTEMIC pesticides 40 years
ago.


Aldicarb use is widespread in countries which ship food into the U.S.
(especially Mexico). I was told by a USDA official EVERY banned chemical in
the U.S. is being used in Mexico and *in his opinion* what is left of temik
in the Bayer warehouses will be sold to countries like Mexico.

bob

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