Rosate Green is one of a new generation of glyphosate formulations exhibiting high levels of safetyto humans and animals and to the environment.
Rosate Green has authorization for use in various situations where access by members of thepublic, other personnel and animals may occur either during or shortly after application.Thistechnical bulletin provides further advisory information and guidance on the use of Rosate Green insuch situations.
The active substance in Rosate Green is glyphosate, which is one of the most widely usedherbicides in the world due to its favourable environmental characteristics and low toxicity tohumans and animals. Glyphosate controls weeds by absorption through the green foliage andblocking the synthesis of an enzyme which occurs in most plants at varying levels, but not presentin humans or other wildlife. Once blocked, the enzyme stops the production of certain plantproteins essential for plant growth and development.
Glyphosate active ingredient is not classified by the EU authorities or the World HealthOrganisation on toxicity by either ingestion by mouth or through contact with skin. The surfactantin Rosate Green has been shown in tests not to increase the level of hazard classification of theproduct compared to that of the active ingredient. Rosate Green does not carry any human healthhazard warning symbols but nevertheless should be handled with care like any other PlantProtection Product and by persons suitably qualified under the relevant legislations. In commonwith many other general chemical products (for example even soap or lemon juice), Rosate Greenundiluted product may cause slight transient eye irritation. When diluted for spray application asrecommended, it is unlikely that the low concentration in the spray solution would result in anysignificant eye irritation.
In the situation where spray has been transferred to skin or animal fur or feet, it is highly unlikelyany adverse effects would result. It is advisable not to allow the transfer via contact from thetreated area as damage to susceptible plants or grass (e.g. amenity grassland) can occur. In thesituation that dogs, cats or other animals absorb spray solution from brushing against treatedfoliage or eating treated foliage, no adverse effects are expected. The small amounts ofglyphosate entering the body would largely pass through un-metabolized, in fact the label carries arecommendation that allows treated grassland (after a short interval) to be fed to grazing animals.
The undiluted product is not classified as a skin or eye irritant and the diluted product is alwaysover 95% water content. It is highly unlikely that children or animals entering the treated areabefore the spray has dried would experience any skin or eye irritation. In practice, the spray willusually dry on the leaf within a few hours and children and animals are unlikely to be present.Once the spray has dried on the leaf, transfer of residues does not occur.