Gazette APVMA 6, 7 June 2005 page 22

NOTICE

 

Carbon Dioxide

[in the product: Rentokil Radar Rodenticide]

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has before it an application from Rentokil Initial Pty Ltd for registration of a new product containing the active constituent Carbon Dioxide. The product is Rentokil Radar Rodenticide. The product is intended for the purposes of controlling mice (as an asphyxiant) when used in the Radar mouse trap device.

In accordance with sections 12 and 13 of the Agvet Code, the APVMA invites any person to submit a relevant written submission as to whether the application for registration should be granted. Submissions should state the grounds on which they are based. Such grounds should relate only to matters outlined below that the APVMA is required to take into account in deciding whether to grant the application. Comments must be received by the APVMA within 28 days of this Notice.

Particulars of Application

Proposed product name: Rentokil Radar Rodenticide
Applicant company: Rentokil Initial Pty Ltd
Name of active constituent: Carbon Dioxide
Poisons scheduling: Exempt
Statement of claims: For use in the Radar mouse trap device for the control of mice
Pack sizes: 2.7g
Withholding period: Not required when used as directed.

Summary of the APVMA’s evaluation of RENTOKIL RADAR RODENTICIDE in accordance with Section 14(3)(e) and (f) of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code (the ‘Agvet Code’), scheduled to the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994

The APVMA has evaluated the application and in its assessment in relation to human and environmental safety under section 14(3)(e) of the Agvet Code, it proposes to determine that:

(i) The APVMA is satisfied that the proposed use of Rentokil Radar Rodenticide would not be an undue hazard to the safety of people exposed to it during its handling and use.

Carbon dioxide is a naturally occurring gas ubiquitous in the atmosphere and a byproduct of animal metabolism/respiration. Its best known use is for the carbonation of beverages. The propose use of the product which involves the supply of carbon dioxide in a 2.7g pack size is not expected to increase environmental levels of the gas or the exposure of people to it.

The Office of Chemical Safety (OCS) has advised that no personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for the safe use of RENTOKIL RADAR RODENTICIDE.

The APVMA has considered and accepted the advice of the OCS on this criterion.

(ii) The APVMA is satisfied that the proposed use of RENTOKIL RADAR RODENTICIDE will not be an undue hazard to the safety of people using anything containing its residues. The product will not be applied to crops or food producing animals.

(iii) The APVMA is satisfied that the proposed use of RENTOKIL RADAR RODENTICIDE is not likely to be harmful to human beings if used according to the product label directions.

The active constituent Carbon Dioxide has been evaluated and exempted from Poisons Scheduling. The propose use of the product is not expected to increase environmental levels of the gas, or the exposure of people to it. The OCS have advised that no safety directions are required for the safe use of the product.

The APVMA has considered and accepted the advice of the OCS on this criterion.

(iv) The APVMA is satisfied that the proposed use of RENTOKIL RADAR RODENTICIDE in the Radar mouse trap device for the purposes of controlling mice (as an asphyxiant) is not likely to have an unintended effect that is harmful to animals, plants or the environment.

The Department of the Environment and Heritage (DEH) has commented on the proposed product and advised that its use according to label instructions is not expected to pose an undue hazard to the environment. The DEH have indicated that, given the intended use situations (indoors only), the risks to non-target animals are expected to be minimal.

The APVMA has considered and accepted the advice of the DEH on this criterion.

(v) The APVMA is satisfied that the proposed use of RENTOKIL RADAR RODENTICIDE would not unduly prejudice trade between Australia and places outside Australia as the product is not for use on food commodities.

In relation to its assessment of efficacy under section 14(3)(f), the APVMA proposes to determine that:

(i) The APVMA is satisfied that the data from trials supporting the efficacy of RENTOKIL RADAR RODENTICIDE adequately demonstrate that this product is effective when used in accordance with label directions.

Submissions

Written submissions on the APVMA’s proposal to grant the application for registration should be addressed in writing to:

Dr John Paul
Pesticides Program
Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority
PO Box E240
KINGSTON ACT 2604

Phone: (02) 6272 3688
Fax: (02) 6272 3218