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Chlorpyrifos review history and regulatory outcomes
Nomination for review
In December 1996 the APVMA (formerly the NRA) began a review of chlorpyrifos as part of the former Existing Chemical Review Program. Chlorpyrifos was nominated for review because of concerns over its human toxicity; acute toxicity to birds; water pollution potential and US restrictions imposed to reduce hazards to fish, birds and other wildlife; demonstrated potential for adverse effects in users; and high potential chronic and moderate potential acute toxicity risk.
Draft Review Report
In January 2000 the NRA released the Draft Chlorpyrifos Review Report*. The assessment in the draft report indicated that some home and garden formulations of chlorpyrifos could pose an unacceptable health and safety risk and that there were potential environmental concerns, particularly to birds and fish.
The APVMA also found that there were inadequate data for several uses of chlorpyrifos. Additional residues data were required to establish and maintain residue standards. Assessment of these data led to the preparation of a further report, the Chlorpyrifos Interim Review Report.
Interim Review Report
In September 2000 the APVMA released the Chlorpyrifos Interim Review Report. The APVMA found that the use of home and garden chlorpyrifos products with concentrations of greater than 50 g/L could no longer be supported because of acute toxicity concerns. The APVMA also found that there were inadequate residues data for the use of chlorpyrifos in some commodities.
In the report the APVMA proposed:
- restricting liquid formulations sold for domestic use to a concentration of no greater than 50 g/L
- removing approval for the use of chlorpyrifos in indoor broadcast applications involving spraying surface areas such as floors and walls
- strengthening label instructions concerning the times and conditions governing worker re-entry and re-occupation of treated areas
- amending product labels to include clear warnings on use practices that would avoid the potential for environmental harm.
The review findings and decisions will be considered as interim until further data has been collected on residue levels in commodities to provide the basis for the re-establishment of permanent Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for individual crops.
The APVMA will finalise the report when the assessment of all available data is completed.
For more information please contact the Chemical Review Program on (02) 6210 4749 or by email to chemrev@apvma.gov.au
* Contact the APVMA for copies of this document.