Chemical name: Acetic acid, (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)-

Final regulatory action has been taken for the category: Pesticide

Final regulatory action: The chemical is Banned

Use or uses prohibited by the final regulatory action:

The acquisition and use of 2,4,5-T as an agricultural remedy.

Pesticide use or uses that remain allowed:

No agricultural formulations.

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

Summary of the final regulatory action:

The acquisition and use of an agricultural remedy which contains 2,4,5-T was prohibited as from the 30th April 1987. In addition the acquisition and use of any salts or esters of 2,4,5-T as an agricultural remedy were prohibited on certain farms situated within the Magisterial District of Camperdown in the KwaZulu Natal Province of South Africa.

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

Summary of known hazards and risks to human health:

The Decision Guidance Document on 2,4,5-T notes the following in the section on summary of control actions:

"The contaminant is found to be carcinogenic and to cause foetal abnormalities. With respect to reproductive effects 2,4,5-T has been shown to be highly foetotoxic and teratogenic in all animal species tested".

Various Epidemiologic studies on 2,4,5-T were undertaken over several years which are referenced in the Decision Guidance Document.

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

The elimination of adverse effects on the population of South Africa resulting from the use of 2,4,5-T as an agricultural remedy.

Summary of known hazards and risks to the environment:

The Decision Guidance Document prepared by the UNEP/FAO for the Secretariat for the Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade on 2,4,5-T indicates that this chemical is phytotoxic to almost all broad leaf crops.

2,4,5-T on the soil may be degraded chemically or biologically, volatilised, absorbed in the soil or leached beyond the depth of plant roots and is moderately mobile in sandy and clay soils.

Expected effect of the final regulatory action in relation to the environment:

Reduction of 2,4,5-T in the environment.

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 30/04/1987