Gazette APVMA 9, 7 September 2004 page 70

NOTICE

 

Draft Outcomes of the Review of Registrations Related to Carbon Disulfide

Carbon disulfide is used as a fumigant for the control of insect pests in stored grain as well as in a bait for the control of feral pigs.

The registration of the grain fumigant and associated label approval were suspended on 6 December 2002 as it appeared to the APVMA that continued use of the product in accordance with the instructions on the label might be an undue hazard to the safety of people exposed to it during its handling and use. New instructions for use were issued allowing the APVMA to be satisfied that the risks could be managed during the suspension period.

The APVMA, in accordance with Part 2, Division 4, of the Agvet Code, has reviewed the following aspects of product registrations and label approvals for carbon disulfide:
· Occupational health and safety, including the potential for undue hazards to workers;
· Toxicology, including the potential for acute and chronic effects that might pose undue hazards to human health;
· Residues in food, including acute and chronic dietary exposure estimates; and
· The adequacy of instructions and warnings on product labels, particularly in relation to the explosive risks of carbon disulfide.

The APVMA has found that the major concern with this chemical relates to the potential for the grain fumigant to explode under certain circumstances thus posing risks to workers. The label instructions for both the pig poison and grain fumigant were deemed as inadequate to ensure protection of workers.

However the APVMA is satisfied that the conditions to which the approval of carbon disulfide labels are currently subject can be varied in such a way that the requirements for continued approval will be complied with. The variations include:

· Providing additional information on the importance of environmental factors such as vicinity to potential ignition sources i.e. light globes, electricity and steam pipes, in minimising the potential for explosion;
· Addition of re-entry periods;
· New and revised first aid and safety directions including strengthened protective clothing requirements; and
· Information on what to do in the event of fire, spills or leaks.

In view of these findings, the APVMA review report is proposing to:

· Revoke the suspension of registration and label approval of Ajax Carbon Disulphide Grain Fumigant Ready-To-Use Liquid (41185);
· Vary the conditions of label approval for both carbon disulfide products as noted above; and
· Affirm the registration of all carbon disulfide products.

The APVMA’s detailed findings can be found in the APVMA draft review document, available on the APVMA website at chemical review page.

The APVMA invites persons and organisations to submit their comments and suggestions on this draft review report directly to the APVMA. Your comments will assist the APVMA in preparing the final report. Submissions specifically addressing the areas of concern noted in the review scope document must be in writing and reach the APVMA by 8 October 2004 by email to chemrev@apvma.gov.au or by mail to:

Evaluator Carbon Disulfide Review
Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority
PO Box E240
KINGSTON ACT 2604
For further information please contact (02) 6272 3213 or Fax (02) 6272 3218