25 August 2015

Submissions sought on carbaryl, chlorpyrifos and diazinon reassessment

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) welcomes submissions on its reassessment of some organophosphates and carbamates (OPCs). The reassessment will cover substances containing carbaryl, chlorpyrifos and diazinon used as active ingredients in veterinary medicines or in substances used as non-plant protection insecticides (in and around buildings, on hard surfaces, and in industrial situations).

This reassessment follows the EPA’s previous OPC reassessment in June 2013, which considered only OPCs that were used as insecticides for plant protection.

This reassessment application has been prepared by the staff of the EPA on behalf of the Chief Executive. It is being undertaken because of concerns about the safety and well-being of people and the environment resulting from the use of carbaryl, chlorpyrifos and diazinon.

The toxicity of carbaryl, chlorpyrifos and diazinon means that serious human health and/or adverse environmental effects may result from their use. After assessing the risks, the EPA is proposing that approvals for the use of diazinon in veterinary medicines be revoked. This proposal affects flea collars for dogs and cats and a sheep dip/jetting solution that contains diazinon as an active ingredient.

On the basis of a risk, cost and benefit assessment, the EPA is proposing that only the carbaryl containing product used as a veterinary medicine in ear drops for cats and dogs be retained, with provision for an additional control for child resistant packaging and a label warning to keep out of reach of children. The hazard classifications for this substance have also been reviewed and new classifications are proposed.

Some substances included in this reassessment are no longer imported or manufactured. The EPA also proposes to revoke these approvals.

The EPA is seeking information or feedback in key areas, to make sure we have up-to-date and accurate information for the risk assessment.

Submissions are invited on the appropriateness and workability of the EPA’s proposals to amend the current approvals for substances that contain carbaryl, chlorpyrifos and diazinon as active ingredients in veterinary medicines or for non-plant protection insecticide uses.

View application details and information

The public are invited to make submissions on the application to the EPA. The submissions period opens on 25 August 2015 and closes at 5pm on 6 October 2015.

Submissions are an opportunity to provide further information and raise issues about an application. They will inform a decision-making committee that will assess the risks and benefits of the substances and decide whether the approvals should be retained or declined, and whether any additional controls should be applied to manage the risks.

A public hearing may be held before a decision is made. The EPA will provide at least 10 working days’ notice of the hearing date, time and place. We'll provide this information to all submitters and the applicant.

The EPA’s role is to decide on applications under the HSNO Act to import and manufacture hazardous substances. We put controls in place to manage the risks of hazardous substances to safeguard people and the environment.

ENDS

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