What is dimethyl disulfide (Paladin)?
Paladin (DMDS) is a soil fumigant registered in 2011 in Florida for pre-plant use on agricultural fields like those in Plant City, Florida. Dimethyl disulfide is approved in Europe and the United States as a food additive that makes a products taste better.
Where, when and how is Paladin applied to a field?
Prior to planting strawberries, DMDS can be injected beneath the surface of the soil with specialized equipment or applied to the surface with drip line irrigation. No matter the method of application, the treated area needs to be covered with a tarp made from totally impermeable film (TIF) to improve its effectiveness and minimize complaints regarding its strong odor. Due to TIF being used, it is thought that retention of dimethyl disulfide is improved, such that the amount of chemical used can be reduced.
Can Paladin (DMDS) get into food crops?
The EPA has concluded that is not impossible for dimethyl disulfide to get into local strawberry crops. Planting should take place a minimum of twenty-one days after the fumigant has been applied to soil to allow the DMDS levels to decrease to safe range.
Can DMDS adversely affect my friends and family?
Under certain conditions, unpleasant odors will occur in and around areas of Paladin application for a period, despite attempts to create buffer zones to protect people from adverse effects. In sensitive individuals, the sulfurous odor of Paladin will result in nausea, headaches, dizziness or drowsiness. It is important for anyone who is experiencing symptoms to report their complaints as soon as possible.
What can I do if Paladin might be making me sick?
If you are experiencing symptoms caused by Paladin exposure, you should contact a medical professional at your earliest convenience. You can also contact our office at 813.254.2637 to discuss the adverse health effects you believe were caused by exposure to DMDS.