Diazinon Review Findings to be Delayed

Media release 06/03 - 26 April 2006

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) today announced that the preliminary review report into the use of diazinon, a chemical used to treat external parasites on sheep, will now be released in the third quarter of 2006 rather than April as previously advised.

“Issues raised in the latest round of consultation have required further expert consideration, prompting the revised release date”, Mr Martin Holmes, Program Manager Veterinary Medicines said today

“Diazinon is a broad-spectrum organophosphate insecticide widely used in Australian wool production and in collars for external parasite control in companion animals. It is also used to a lesser extent on other animals and in agriculture and horticulture for control of insects in crops, ornamentals, lawns, fruit and vegetables and as a pesticide in domestic, agricultural and public buildings”.

“Ongoing concerns about the human health impacts of diazinon-based products used as a sheep dip were confirmed by recent evaluations of research requested by the APVMA, funded by Australian Wool Innovation and evaluated by the Office of Chemical Safety (within the Department of Health and Ageing).

“The research found that in certain use situations, diazinon-based products can splash onto rural workers in the process of treating sheep and be absorbed through the skin and may result in an unacceptable occupational health and safety (OH&S) risk”.

“The APVMA has undertaken extensive consultation with primary producers, the chemical industry and the States and Territories about the continued use of diazinon products”, Mr Holmes said.

Further information about the diazinon review is available on the APVMA website www.apvma.gov.au

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Simon Cubit - Manager Public Affairs
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