Old weed killer - still useable?

[Philthy]

I have some ICI Pathclear (sachets of weed killer for mixing with water and applying with a watering can with rose).
Thing is it's been in the shed for quite some time; judging by the box I'd say 12+ years?
It's inherited rather than something I bought. I have no idea of the shelf life of things like this.
Can I still use it / will it still be effective (even if not 100%), so long as it's thoroughly mixed?

Naturally I'd rather save a few quid if I can by not buying new stuff.
But if I have to, what is best? I'm looking for something fast acting that leaves no long term, harmful residue in the ground.

I want to treat earth rather than paving or gravel.
Normally I try to steer clear of chemicals but right now I need quick results.

Thanks.

Forgot to add, the sachet contents are not solidified or anything - whatever's inside moves freely when shaken.

[teakdesk]

There is a huge bell ringing in my head that is telling me that the original Pathclear was banned as containing a harmful chemical.

I think they re-issued it later with the same name and a different colour powder.

I know I haven't used it for years!

[teakdesk]

from the RHS website:

Withdrawn weedkillers, mosskillers and plant growth regulators

Products have been grouped according to their use and then alphabetically by active ingredient.

Active ingredient Atrazine
Brand name(s) Scotts Pathclear (Pathclear Gun! is not affected as it does not contain artrazine - the replacement product Pathclear Ultra is based on approved active ingredients), Doff Total Path Weedkiller (the replacement product Doff Improved Total Path Weedkiller is based on approved active ingredients)
Main use Weeds
Last date for use 10.9.05



Active ingredient Simazine
Brand name(s) Scotts Pathclear (Pathclear Gun! is not affected as it does not contain simazine. The replacement product Pathclear Ultra is based on approved active ingredients), Doff Total Path Weedkiller (The replacement product Knockdown Path Weedkiller is based on approved active ingredients)
Main use Weeds
Last date for use 10.9.05



I don't know if your ICI stuff is the same as this stuff though!

[teakdesk]

From a web forum:


Pathclear has an interesting history.

Pathclear was developed (by the old ICI, I think) as a product specifically for keeping paths clear. The active chemical was called simazine. Simazine acts in a similar manner to glyphosate. It inhibits photosynthesis. But unlike glyphosate, simozene remains active in the soil.

Simazine can also contaminate ground water, and in 2004, simozene was banned. So the manufacturers had to try to find something else that might be used. The current product is called Pathclear 3. They're still trying to find something else that works as well as the original and is legal.

[Philthy]

Hi teakdesk,

Yes, the blurb on the packet states:

"Contains 4 weedkillers - amitrole, diquat (as dibromide), paraquat (as dichloride), and simazine.
Kills all green tissue where applied and prevents seed germination."

It cautions against exceeding the stated dosage.
And promises to remain effective for a whole season... (and maybe longer?)

Best dispose of that then. Worth a try.

Thanks

[Aberdeenplotter]

I think diquat,(banned 2007) paraquat(also banned 2007) and simazine(banned in non agricultural situations since August 1993) are now all banned and it is probably be an offence just to be in possession of them. The banning of simazine in particular was a big disappointment to me as I used it in my raspberry bed raspberries being immune to it