Chemical name: O,O-dimethyl-S-[(4-oxo-1,2,3-benzotriazin-3(4H)-yl)methyl]phosphorodithioate

Final regulatory action has been taken for the category: Pesticide

Final regulatory action: The chemical is Severely Restricted

Use or uses prohibited by the final regulatory action:

Phase-out of all uses of azinphos-methyl as of end of December 2005, for which alternatives exist (alfalfa, clover, rye, quince, potatoes, tomatoes, rutabagas, turnips, cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflowers, cucumbers, strawberries, boysenberries, longan berries, walnuts, melons, pumpkins, blueberries, outdoor ornamentals, nursery plants, forest trees and shade trees).

Pesticide use or uses that remain allowed:

Continued registration for use of apples, crab apples, apricots, blackberries, cherries, cranberries, grapes, pears, peaches, plums, prunes, raspberries (uses that are part of an established IPM program and uses for which no alternatives exist) until end of December 2012.

The final regulatory action was based on a risk or hazard evaluation: Yes

Summary of the final regulatory action:

The use of azinphos-methyl and associated end-use products (EP) entails an unacceptable risk of harm to the agricultural worker pursuant to Section 20 of the Canadian Pest Control Product (PCP) Regulations Environmental concerns have also been identified. As a result, the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) has determined that all uses of azinphos-methyl are to be phased out as outline below.

- Phase-out of all uses of azinphos-methyl as of end of December 2005, for which alternatives exist (alfalfa, clover, rye, quince, potatoes, tomatoes, rutabagas, turnips, cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflowers, cucumbers, strawberries, boysenberries, longan berries, walnuts, melons, pumpkins, blueberries, outdoor ornamentals, nursery plants, forest trees and shade trees).

- Continued registration for use of apples, crab apples, apricots, blackberries, cherries, cranberries, grapes, pears, peaches, plums, prunes, raspberries (uses that are part of an established IPM program and uses for which no alternatives exist) until end of December 2012.

The reasons for the final regulatory action were relevant to: Human health

Summary of known hazards and risks to human health:

Two key factors are considered when assessing health risks: the dose levels where no health effects occur and the dose levels to which people may be exposed. The dose levels used to assess risks are established to protect the most sensitive human population (e.g. children and nursing mothers). Only those uses where exposure is well below levels that cause no effects in animal testing are considered acceptable for continued registrations.

Azinphos-methyl is extremely toxic following acute oral and dermal exposures. Azinphos-methyl is moderately toxic via the inhalation route and is a dermal sensitizer.

Acute toxic signs induced by azinphos-methyl are consistent with cholinesterase inhibiting chemicals and include: tremors, convulsions, salivation and respiratory distress. Dose-related inhibition of plasma, erythrocyte and brain cholinesterase activity occurs by all routes and following exposures of various durations.

Occupational risk estimates associated with applications, mixing and loading for current label uses exceed the level of concern for most exposure scenarios, even after consideration of maximum feasible engineering controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing. The PPE, engineering controls and use pattern changes required to mitigate worker exposure during the phase-out period are described in PCAR 2003-07, Appendix II.

Expected effect of the final regulatory action in relation to human health:

Reducing the risk of occupational exposure to azinphos-methyl. In the interim, until registrations end on December 31, 2012, the registrant must implement a specific product stewardship plan and a number of mitigative measures to:

·Ensure that field workers are provided with double notification (i.e. written notice on posted signs and verbal notification to those re-entering a field) that the area has been treated with azinphos-methyl and that azinphos-methyl is a cholinesterase inhibitor. This should include a brief description of the signs and symptoms of cholinesterase inhibition and ways to minimize exposure, and

·Increase the margins of safety for agricultural workers.

Details of the mitigative measures are listed in the Use Standard in PACR 2003-07, Appendix II.

Source:

- Proposed Accetability for Continuing Registration (PACR 2003-07) Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) Re-evaluation of Azinphos-methyl, March 31, 2003

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 31/12/2005

No further uses were allowed after December 2005 for all uses except for apples, crab apples, apricots, blackberries, cherries, cranberries, grapes, pears peaches, plums, prunes, raspberries.