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Fenamiphos
Fenamiphos [(ethyl 3-methyl-4-(methylthio) phenyl (1-methylethyl) phosphoramidate)] is an organophosphorus (OP) insecticide and nematicide used in agriculture to control pests, particularly nematodes and sucking insects.
Fenamiphos review
Status: review in progress
The National Drugs and Poisons Scheduling Committee (NDPSC) and the Pesticide and Agricultural Chemicals Committee (PACC) have independently considered the toxicology and Maximum Reside Limits (MRLs) of fenamiphos on a number of occasions from 1971 to 1991. In 1988 the NDPSC recommended that home garden products containing fenamiphos be reviewed because of concerns about the availability of a compound with high toxicity for domestic uses.
In 1994 fenamiphos was nominated for review following reports of possible bird and fish poisonings involving the use of products containing fenamiphos. Additional reports of adverse experiences involved the potential for environmental contamination of groundwater and waterways, particularly due to leaching from the site of application.
In May 2002 the US EPA released an Interim Re-registration Eligibility Decision (IRED) document setting out the concerns arising from their review of fenamiphos. These concerns related to the possibility of fenamiphos leaching into drinking water sources from shallow water tables and vulnerable soils, to the safety of workers who mix, load and/or apply fenamiphos and to the risks associated with exposure of terrestrial, aquatic and endangered species to fenamiphos.
To date there have only been limited occupational health and safety assessments conducted for fenamiphos products in Australia. Outcomes of the US EPA reassessment have raised concerns as to whether personal protective equipment (PPE) and re-entry period instructions that currently appear on product labels are adequate.
In April 2003 the APVMA (formerly the NRA) began a review of fenamiphos because of concerns relating to public health, occupational health and safety, the environment, and residues in food. The review will provide the APVMA with information to enable it to determine whether the existing use of fenamiphos should continue in Australia.
The APVMA released the Fenamiphos Scope Document (April 2003) which outlined the information needed to conduct a scientific assessment of fenamiphos. The scope document included a call for public submissions. The period for public comments on the scope of the review and the submission of information for the review closed on 24 June 2003.
Following the assessment of fenamiphos the APVMA will release a preliminary review findings (PRF) report outlining the proposed regulatory arrangements for the future use of fenamiphos. There will be an additional public consultation period, providing all members of the community with an opportunity to comment on this report before it is finalised.
The APVMA will issue a final report once 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
Review report |
Date |
Fenamiphos Review Scope Document ( PDF - 52KB) |
Apr 2003 |
Product search
Search the PUBCRIS database for registered products that contain fenamiphos.
Note: In the Active Constituent 1 field enter fenamiphos.
APVMA fenamiphos archive
Title |
Date |
| Gazette Notice: reconsideration of approvals and registrations for fenamiphos | Apr 2003 |