Chemical name: Acetamide, 2-chloro-N-(1-methylethyl)-N-phenyl-

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:

All formulations containing propachlor

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:

It is prohibited to import, sell and use propachlor as a pesticide.

The reasons for the final regulatory action were relevant to: Environment

Summary of known hazards and risks to the environment:

During the assessment of this pesticide, a number of areas of concern were identified. The degradation of propachlor to more persistent and mobile metabolites is rather fast in laboratory studies (DT50 2-6 days), but we have data that indicates slower degradation under Norwegian conditions. Propachlor and especially its metabolites are very mobile in soil. Simulations with the groundwater model FOCUS MACRO (version 4.4.2) in Norwegian, Swedish and Danish scenarios shows very high concentrations down to 1 metres in soils of the metabolites propachlor oxanilic acid (max 296 ug/l) and propachlor sulfonic acid (max 63,5 ug/l). Propachlor has been found in Norwegian surface waters at concentrations well above 0.1 µg/l) (surface water monitoring programme) and up to and above levels that may cause acute effects on aquatic organisms. The substance has also been found in ground water close to the surface in Norway. The metabolites have not been included in the monitoring programme. The risk of chronic negative effects on earthworms is regarded as high in a risk assessment of the terrestrial environment. In the aquatic environment propachlor is very toxic to algae, fish and invertebrates and risk assessments shows high risks to aquatic wildlife, too.

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

Complete risk reduction

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 15/06/2006