APVMA releases preliminary findings of Diuron review

Media release 05/04

7 July 2005

The national regulator of pesticides and veterinary medicines, the APVMA, has today released its preliminary findings of its review of the herbicide diuron.

Diuron is a broad-spectrum residual herbicide whose uses include control of both broadleaf and grass weeds in broad acre and horticultural situations.

APVMA Principal Scientist, Dr David Loschke, said that the review of diuron was undertaken mainly in response to concerns of potential environmental contamination of waterways as a result of diuron run-off from agricultural areas, particularly into marine environments.

‘There is a potential risk to the environment caused by diuron in water and soil run off from use in sugar cane, citrus, horticultural crops and in irrigation channels and drainage ditches. This risk can be reduced by decreasing the amount of the chemical used.’

‘The details of possible actions to address this risk are being developed in consultation with registrants, expert agencies, states and the sugar industry,’ Dr Loschke said.

The preliminary review findings are now open to public comment and the APVMA welcomes submissions from interested parties on any matter relevant to the review.

All submissions will be considered prior to finalising the review and implementation of the final recommendations.

A copy of the Preliminary Review Findings report can be found on the APVMA website

Comments need to be received by 30 September 2005.

Media Contact:

Simon Cubit - Manager Public Affairs
Ph: (02) 6272 3797