In the U.S., Metam is highly regulated by federal and state governments that enforce application requirements that are the result of extensive review by government agencies. The U.S. EPA ensures that metam fumigants continue to meet strict regulatory standards of safety to protect human and environmental health. Over the years, these standards have become higher as the ability to evaluate potential effects of pesticides has advanced.
EPA is required by law to evaluate and register all pesticides and update standards as needed. The most recent EPA registration review of Metam fumigants is currently in process. The successful re-registration of metam fumigants is expected.
The EPA review process allows for regulators to set strict directions on how metam fumigants should be applied to minimize human and environmental exposure. The directives include creating buffer zones (areas around a field where the fumigants will not be applied), requirements for posting notices on fields, fumigant management plans, good agricultural practices, worker protections, stewardship and training programs, and emergency preparedness and response measures. Additionally, weather conditions and time of day are considered to minimize risk of off-target landing of the fumigant. These directives are part of the “label” for metam products. The label provides a thorough set of directions to ensure that users are advised of all instructions for safe application of metam fumigants.
In 2017, the government of Canada concluded the following on metam fumigants:
“….when used according to the label directions, metam sodium and metam potassium are not expected to pose risks of concern to the environment.”
“….metam sodium and metam potassium are unlikely to affect human health when used according to label directions.”