This caution only appears on the actually seed pack itself...it does NOT appear in the catalog listing for this item (I would NOT have ordered it otherwise), nor does it appears in the online catalog. Totally Tomatoes did NOT respond to my e-mail, and they kept me on hold for half an hour on the phone; all the while assuring me that 'I was next in the queue.' I finally gave up.
I intended to use these for food, NOT 'any other purpose'. WTF, TT...is this stuff dangerous, or not? Does anyone know?
Thiram
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/thiram
“Thiram is used as a fungicide to prevent crop damage in the field and to prevent crops from deterioration in storage or transport. Thiram is also used as a seed, nut, fruit, and mushroom disinfectant from a variety of fungal diseases. In addition, it is used as an animal repellent to protect fruit trees and ornamentals from damage by rabbits, rodents, and deer. Thiram has been used in the treatment of human scabies, as a sun screen, and as a bactericide applied directly to the skin or incorporated into soap. Thiram is used as a rubber accelerator and vulcanizer and as a bacteriostat for edible oils and fats. It is also used as a rodent repellent, wood preservative, and may be used in the blending of lubricant oils. Registered for use in EU countries[115]. Registered for use in the U.S.”
Human
“Since the acute toxicity of thiram is relatively low as is with most dithiocarbamates, acute intoxication in humans is unlikely to occur unless large amounts are ingested. Thiram can be absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, through the skin and by inhalation of dust and fine spray mist. Inhalation can irritate the nose and throat causing coughing and wheezing. High exposure can lead to headache, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Contact with thiram can irritate and burn the skin and eyes. Thiram has been given a toxicity rating of 4 and the probably lethal dose for humans is 50ā500 mg kgā1. Alcohol, regardless of the route of exposure to thiram, can increase thiram toxicity and contributes to most systemic poisonings.”
Thiram is a fungicide. In trials this seed variety may have more easily succumbed to ‘Damping Off’ which happens when soil is kept too wet while the seeds are germinating.
I worked for Jung’s for 10+ years - they own ‘Totally Tomatoes.’ I’m SO SORRY that no one was able to answer your question in person! :(
The ‘do not eat’ on the package is ‘Lawyer Driven.’ You’d be amazed at what some people put in their mouths...and then sue about it later! ;)
That fungicide is NOTHING to worry about. It’s a microscopic dose and won’t show up in the fruit (peppers) once it’s grown out.
Also - seed houses (Jung’s included!) buy seed from all over the world. It may just be that that variety of pepper is grown out for seed in a tropical setting and they use the Thiram for shipping purposes as it’s exceedingly ‘damp’ where the seeds are grown and processed, which would also effect germination.
Hope that eases your fears! I would imagine if it’s still bothering you, you could just soak them overnight to get the Thiram off, then plant the seeds as you normally would.
“Alcohol, regardless of the route of exposure to thiram, can increase thiram toxicity and contributes to most systemic poisonings.ā
Danggit! It’s Friday Night and I’m allowed my ONE Dirty Martini. No seed starting for me, tonight. ;)
P.S. Peppers are up. Tomatoes are still sleeping. I had to move everything IN from the greenhouse as temps have plummeted prior to our ‘Snowmaggedon’ which ended up being TWO INCHES. You don’t even have to shovel THAT! You can walk around safely in your Manolo Blahnik heels in two inches of snow and never get your feet wet. ;)
However - places within mere miles of us got 6-8-10” of the stuff! Very hit and miss - I’m glad they closed the schools today out here in Der Hinterlands. Safety First!
“NOT use for food, feed, or oil purposes.”
Does that mean you can’t grown them for food or not eat the seeds?