§ The Countess of Marasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the biocide contained in the product Rainstay.
Lord LucasThe biocide is a combination of 3 per cent. Formaldehyde and 2.5 per cent. of a mixture of Chloromethylisothasalone and Methylisothasalone.
§ The Countess of Marasked Her Majesty's Government:
What chemical reaction they would expect from a combination of glyphosate weed killer, Rainstay and snowcal left in a cast iron or galvanised steel tank for a period of several weeks.
Lord LucasGlyphosate is an approved herbicide. Glyphosate products generally carry manufacturers' advice not to mix, store or apply them in galvanised or unlined mild steel containers or spray tanks. I understand that this is due to the possibility of corrosion occurring in such containers or tanks.
Without knowing the precise details of a mixture of glyphosate, Rainstay and snowcal (e.g., concentration, temperature etc.), I am unable to advise on any chemical reaction that might be expected.
Any incident where the use of a pesticide may have affected the health of the user or someone nearby should be reported to the Health and Safety Executive. I am 53WA placing in the Library of the House a leaflet which gives further advice on the reporting of incidents involving the use of pesticides and veterinary medicines.