Polihexanide

Polihexanide is an antibacterial and algaecide. It is used in swimming pools and spas to control algae, as a disinfectant in veterinary products, and as a sanitiser for milk handling equipment.

Polihexanide review

Status: review in progress

In July 2005 the APVMA began a review of polihexanide because of human health concerns. This action was based on advice from the Office of Chemical Safety (OCS) which identified polihexanide as a potential carcinogen. The review will provide the APVMA with information to enable it to determine whether the registered use of procymidone should continue in Australia.

The review is expected to take several years to complete. During this time, the APVMA will carry out a comprehensive assessment of all available scientific information. Interim measures may be put in place if the APVMA determines that the identified risks are not being effectively managed in a way that protects users, workers and the consumers. At this time, the APVMA does not consider that exposure to polihexanide as a pool sanitiser is a risk to human health.

Following the assessment the APVMA will release a draft review report outlining any proposed regulatory arrangements for the future use of polihexanide. There will be a 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
No report available

Product search

Search the PUBCRIS database for registered products that contain polihexanide.
Note: In the Active Constituent 1 field enter polihexanide.

APVMA polihexanide archive

Title	Date
Review Scope Document ( PDF - 437KB)	Jul 2005
Polihexanide FAQ
Gazette Notice: reconsideration of polihexanide	Aug 2005