Gazette APVMA 12, 7 December 2004 page 76

NOTICE Draft Outcomes of the Review of Approvals and Registrations Related to Atrazine

Atrazine is a selective systemic herbicide that can be used both pre- and post-emergence for the control of grass and broadleaf weeds.

The active constituent atrazine, products containing atrazine, and their product labels were placed under review due to concerns over:

· human and animal carcinogen claims;
· moderate potential chronic toxicity risk;
· potential to contaminate ground and surface water;
· absence of maximum residue limits (MRLs) for major commodities; and
· reported breakdown in efficacy.

New conditions for use of atrazine were implemented following release of the interim report in 1997, in order to reduce chemical handling by workers, and reduce drift and runoff into water bodies. The interim report concluded that there were no major toxicological concerns relating to the use of atrazine and moreover, that atrazine poses no undue hazard to most users. The 1997 interim report also required additional studies and information in order to finalise the remaining environmental and human health concerns. Assessment of these additional data led to release of the draft final review report for public comment in April 2002, at which time new information of concern regarding potential endocrine disruption was published. The review was not finalised, pending assessment of these new data.

The assessment of all available toxicological, environmental and residues data for atrazine has been completed and the second draft final report has now been released for public comment. These assessments have not altered the conclusions of the April 2002 draft final report. The key finding of the second draft final review report is that use of products containing atrazine may, in some situations, pose undue risks to the environment. However, these risks can be eliminated by changes to instructions on labels.

The APVMA’s detailed findings can be found in the APVMA second draft final review document, available on the APVMA website - .

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 07 February 2005, by email to chemrev@apvma.gov.au or by mail to:

Evaluator Atrazine 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