Australia bans endosulfan

Insecticdes containing endosulfan have been deregistered by the Australian regulator, cancelling three current approvals for proposed products containing the organochlorine compound and setting a two-year period for the phase-out of five existing products.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) said its decision was based on new information from the national Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPC) and follows the recent nomination of endosulfan to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. DSEWPC concluded that endosulfan is a persistent, bioaccumulative chemical that, through its potential for spray drift and run-off, is likely to cause significant adverse chronic and sub-chronic environmental effects on the basis of continued and prolonged use.

“DSEWPC advised that these risks cannot be mitigated through restrictions on use of products that contain it by variations to label instructions for these products,” the APVMA said.

It also said risks to human health were not a factor in its decision.

“While recent and emerging toxicological data was assessed by the Office of Chemical Safety and Environmental Health, it has been determined that the current regulatory regime has been effective in managing these risks,” it said.

The decision brings Australia into line with most other countries. It imposes an immediate ban on sales of endosulfan products and allows holders of products distributed by Nufarm, Bayer, Farmoz, Kenso and Farmalinx a maximum of two years to cease using them. The products are used mainly in the horticulture, cotton and macadamia industries.

WWF Australia criticised the APVMA for not banning all use of endosulfan immediately, saying it poses threats to human health.

“The US Environment Protection Agency recently concluded that endosulfan can cause neurological damage and reproductive complications in farm workers,” WWF said.