Commercialization of hormonal herbicides and proposal for a risk analysis of their use in municipalities in the Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil

Analysis of the trade of hormonal herbicides in cities in Rio Grande do Sul provides important guidance for regulatory and educational actions. The aim of this study was to carry out a diagnositic of commercialization in municipalities in the Campanha Gaúcha region and to propose a Risk Matrix for the use of hormonal pesticides. Data was extracted from the Integrated Agrotoxics Management System (SIGA-SEAPI RS) using the COGNOS system. The data was collected for the cities of Bagé, Candiota, Caçapava do Sul, Dom Pedrito, Hulha Negra and Lavras do Sul. Data regarding the quantities of products marketed, active ingredients, cities of purchase, and compliance with current legislation was extracted. A Risk Matrix for the use of hormonal herbicides was proposed. A total of 1,098 hormonal pesticides were purchased across the cities analyzed, with 2.4-D the most widely marketed active ingredient. Most of the sales took place in Dom Pedrito. Considering sales, 60 % were not in accordance with legislation. The elaboration of a Risk Matrix concerning the legislation on hormonal pesticides for the development of education and inspection actions resulted in the identification of 36 high-risk producers/rural establishments.