Expert: Mike Smith Date: 5/8/2008 Subject: vikane-effects on plants & vegetables
Question We are having our house tented with vikane and we have a vegetable garden with tomato and corn plants about 4 feet away from the house. There are immature tomatoes on the plants but no corn yet. Will it be safe to eat the vegetables? Will the vikane penetrate the soil and be absorbed by the plants?
Thank You
Answer Hi Judy,
The only information I have on the topic is;
"Effects on Food- Many Storke gardeners are unsure about the quality of the food they are growing after it has been exposed to Vikane. “Data addressing the fate of Sulfuryl Fluoride in soil and biota is unavailable”. (CDPR) Although, it is proven that the “food exposed to Sulfuryl Fluoride have been shown to retain Fluoride residue”, and “foods with high fat content, such as corn oil- have demonstrated significant sorption of Sulfuryl Fluoride.” (CDPR)"
I would probably just get rid of the food for this year. Their is simply not enough information about the substance for me to take the risk. Thats probably not what you wanted to hear but I have to call it as I see it.
Good Luck
Mike
