Chemical name:

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 sale, acquisition, disposal and use of monocrotophos containing remedies as agricultural remedies.

Pesticide use or uses that remain allowed:

None.

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

Summary of the final regulatory action:

The sale, acquisition, disposal and use of Monocrotophos containing agricultural remedies was prohibited as from the 25 February 2005.

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

Summary of known hazards and risks to human health:

The Monocrotophos is carcinogenic. The Decision Guidance Document notes that the several published clinical case studies involving accidental exposure or suicide attempts with Monocrotophos have reported the development of "intermediate syndrome". This condition owes its name to the onset of reversible paralysis of cranial nerves; weakness of thorax muscles and respiratory difficulties occurring after exposure, generally after cholinesterase activity has begun to return to normal. Thus, its onset may be delayed after apparent recovery from the acute effects characteristic of muscarinic, nicotinic and CNS nerve overstimulation.

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

The prevention of adverse effects on the population or South Africa resulting from the use of Monocrotophos.

Summary of known hazards and risks to the environment:

The Decision Guidance Document on Monocrotophos 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 indicates the following hazard or risk related to the environment:

Effects on Aquatic Organisms:

Monocrotophos is moderately toxic to fish. The LC₅₀ (48 hrs) is 7 mg/l for rainbow trout and 23 mg/l for bluegill sunfish. Monocrotophos causes reproductive damage to crustaceans exposed for long periods of time.

Effects on Other Animals (Nontarget species):

Monocrotophos is highly toxic to bees. It may also kill non-target birds which eat insects poisoned with Monocrotophos.

Breakdown of Chemical in Soil and Groundwater:

Monocrotophos has a low environmental persistence. It does not accumulate in soil because it is biodegradable. Its half-life is less than 7 days in soil exposed to natural sunlight.

Breakdown of Chemical in Vegetation:

Monocrotophos has a half-life of 1.3 to 3.4 days on plant foliage. It causes slight injury to some varieties of apple, pear, cherry, peach and sorghum.

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

Reduction of Monocrotophos in the environment.

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 25/02/2005