Azinphos-methyl
Azinphos-methyl is an organophosphate (OP) insecticide registered for use on selected fruit and nut crops, including apples, apricots, blueberries, cherries, citrus, grapes, kiwifruit, lychees, macadamias, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums and quinces.
Azinphos-methyl review
Status: review in progress
In 1994 azinphos-methyl was nominated for review as part of the Existing Chemicals Review Program (ECRP). Azinphos-methyl was nominated due to concerns about its toxicity, and hence potential risks to the public and occupational health and safety, and the environment. There were related concerns about residues and possible impacts on Australian trade.
In 2006 the APVMA released the Azinphos-methyl Preliminary Review Findings (PRF) Report (PDF, 499kb). The APVMA’s key preliminary findings were that azinphos-methyl residues in apricots and kiwi fruit may pose a potential risk to consumers; that the use of azinphos-methyl products in some situations may pose a potential risk to the environment; and the mixing and loading of some products may pose a potential risk to users of the products.
To reduce any risks from the use of azinphos-methyl, the APVMA proposed deleting its uses on some crops, modifying product containers, and including new warnings and safety directions on product labels.
During the period of public consultation, several submissions were received regarding the deletion of the use of azinphos-methyl to apricots, the need for a 100 metre buffer zone and the proposed limitation to two sprays per season. In response, revised assessments were conducted by the APVMA and the use of azinphos-methyl on apricots was not found to adversely affect human health. The revised findings concluded that the continued use of azinphos-methyl in apricots was supported, however its use on kiwifruit and citrus was not supported. In addition, restraint statements were revised to further minimize potential aquatic, environmental and bee exposure to azinphos-methyl. These changes have been outlined in the Azinphos-methyl Review Findings Report (released July 2011). The key findings from this report are as follows:
- ongoing approval of azinphos-methyl active is supported;
- amendments to label particulars are proposed;
- ongoing registration of products containing azinphos-methyl is supported at this time, pending further consideration with regard to the APVMAs spray drift operating principles.
Registrants have voluntarily amended product labels in line with the current review findings and in response to information provided by the APVMA. The APVMA has decided to accept the registrants voluntary label amendments as they address the concerns that were identified as being the reasons to review azinphos-methyl registration and approvals.
In accepting the voluntary label changes the APVMA recognizes that the label statements relating to spray drift were derived from methodology developed prior to 2006, and do not reflect the current spray drift operating principles. Products containing azinphos-methyl will therefore be listed as a priority for spray drift review.
Given regulatory action for azinphos-methyl in overseas countries, the APVMA will examine overseas regulatory reports for any additional information or studies that might be relevant for the continued registration and approval of azinphos-methyl in Australia. This will require further advice from the Department of Health and Ageing and the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. It is anticipated that this work will be completed by September 2012.
| Review Report | Date |
|---|---|
Azinphos-methyl Review Findings Report (PDF, 947kb) | (RTF, 1.05Mb) |
Jul 2011 |
Supplementary OHS Assessment Report (PDF, 739kb) | (RTF, 1.15Mb) |
Jul 2011 |
Azinphos-methyl Preliminary Review Findings (PRF) Report: |
Oct 2006 |
| APVMA azinphos-methyl archive | Date |
|---|---|
| Azinphos-methyl Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Jul 2011 |
| Gazette Notice: Reconsideration of Azinphos-methyl | Oct 2006 |
| Standard for azinphos-methyl | Aug 2004 |
Product Search
Search the PUBCRIS database for registered products that contain azinphos-methyl.
Note: In the Active Constituent 1 field enter azinphos-methyl.
Contact
For more information contact: