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No Health Hazard

This letter is in reply to concerns about water safety expressed by Philip Stull of Killingworth in an Aug. 3 letter to the editor [“Protecting our Water”]. He was concerned about the safety of chemicals sprayed along the roads to control vegetation. Our first selectman, Cathy Iino, brought similar concerns from several residents to the July meeting of the town’s Public Health Agency.

A licensed subcontractor applied Aquaneat Aquatic Herbicide, which contains Glyphosate IPA salt, earlier this year. The spray is applied in areas, such as under guardrails, where town crews can’t mow. One of our members, a retired environmental scientist, noted the product safety data sheet indicates no health hazard and very low toxicity. The herbicide binds strongly with soil particles and does not leach into groundwater (well water). As with all chemicals, it should be used with restraint.

We recommended the following measures: 1) notify people of the approximate dates of spraying; 2) note that it is done once a year; and 3) include any precautions for people or pets about contact with the spray or sprayed vegetation. We will continue to review the safety data.

Our committee has a far greater concern about the health effects of uranium in well water. We recommend that residents have their well water tested every five years. Additional information, including a link to state-approved testing laboratories, can be found on the Killingworth Health Department webpage www.townofkillingworth.com/offices/health.html. We encourage residents with concerns about health and safety issues to contact our health director, Paul Hutcheon, MPH,RS, our first selectman, or members of the agency.

Sue Nesci, Secretary

Killingworth Public Health Agency