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Dimethoate

Dimethoate review

Status: review in progress

Update:

  • 7 March 2013—the Exposure and Risk Assessment component (PDF, 1.7MB) | (DOC, 1.2MB) of the Human Health Risk Assessment of Dimethoate has been completed and published. This assessment, including the occupational health and safety risks associated with the use of dimethoate, has been prepared by the Office of Chemical Safety (OCS).

    This release follows the publication of the Human Health Risk Assessment of Dimethoate—Toxicology component in January 2011 and the Dimethoate Residues and Dietary Risk Assessment Report in August 2011.

    The APVMA plans to publish Preliminary Review Findings for dimethoate and then seek comments and information that may be used to refine the toxicology, OHS and residues assessments prior to finalising the review. This may include any available studies, and descriptions of work practices such as application rates per hectare and hectares treated per day. The APVMA will also consider any proposals to amend label directions to address any identified concerns.
  • 25 September 2012—suspension of most dimethoate products continued to 5 October 2013.

On 6 October 2011 the APVMA suspended the use of dimethoate on a number of food crops due to potential dietary risks. The suspension period has now been extended to 5 October 2013. Associated permits will be extended to 5 October 2013. The suspension prohibits:

  • use of dimethoate on certain horticultural crops
  • use on all food producing plants in the home garden
  • supply and possession of dimethoate products unless they carry the new instructions for use.

The suspension follows the release of the 2011 Dimethoate Residues and Dietary Risk Assessment Report (August) which found that its use on many crops could exceed the recommended public health standard (the Acute Reference Dose).

More information

Dimethoate review documents Date
Human Health Risk Assessment of Dimethoate - Exposure and Risk Assessment of Dimethoate (OHS component) (PDF, 1.7MB) | (DOC, 1.2MB) Mar 2013
Gazette Notice: Continued Suspension of Products Containing Dimethoate and Associated Label Approvals (PDF, 858kb) | (RTF, 1.37Mb) Sep 2012
Gazette Notice: Suspension of Products Containing Dimethoate and Associated Label Approvals (PDF, 229kb) | (RTF, 213kb) Oct 2011

Dimethoate Residues and Dietary Risk Assessment Report (five parts):

 Aug 2011
Human Health Risk Assessment of Dimethoate - Toxicology component (PDF, 1.07Mb) | (RTF, 8.38Mb)

Jan 2011
Dimethoate and Omethoate Review – Scope Document (PDF, 324kb) Apr 2004
Gazette Notice: reconsideration of approvals and registrations related to dimethoate and omethoate Apr 2004

Contact

For more information contact:

Chemical Review

Phone: +61 2 6210 4749

Fax: +61 2 6210 4874

Email: chemicalreview@apvma.gov.au

Product Search

Search the PUBCRIS database for registered products that contain dimethoate.
Note: In the Active Constituent 1 field enter dimethoate.

Last updated on 18 March, 2013