Acrolein
Acrolein (2-propenal; acrylaldehyde) is used as a liquid herbicide to control submerged and floating weeds in irrigation canals and ditches. Acrolein is classified as a dangerous poison (Schedule 7) in the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Drugs and Poisons (SUSDP). Acrolein is registered for use in NSW, QLD, VIC and WA only and is declared to be a Restricted Chemical Product (RCP). Acrolein use is limited to irrigation areas and is highly restricted.
Acrolein is toxic to fish and wildlife and therefore is a threat to any water source used by animals close to an application zone. Acrolein is also dangerous to humans through contact with skin, inhalation, ingestion or eye contact, may cause severe side affects. Currently there is only 1 registered product (Magnacide H Herbicide) that contains acrolein as the active constituent.
Magnacide H Herbicide is a restricted chemical product to be applied only by authorised, trained operators using specialised application equipment. People wishing to use acrolein must be authorised by the relevant State or Territory and have completed specific training to meet the control-of-use requirements.
Acrolein Review
Status: Review Completed
Acrolein was nominated for review in 1994 because of its potential to contaminate water supplies and groundwater, its toxicity to fish and other aquatic organisms, and human health concerns.
An assessment of the concerns was undertaken in 1997 which resulted in the voluntary withdrawal of the majority of registered products and restrictions being placed on the label of the remaining product. The label for the remaining product was updated in 1997 and contains the required warning and precaution statements. There is no published report available for acrolein.
Product Search
Search the PUBCRIS database for registered products that contain acrolein.