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Australia - Final Regulatory Action
EDB (1,2-dibromoethane) CAS number:
106-93-4
Date circular:
12/12/2000

Chemical name: 1,2-dibromoethane

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:

EDB was an oil and its major pesticidal use in Australian agriculture was as a soil fumigant for the control of nematodes and other soil pests in crops such as vegetables, ornamentals, pineapples and tobacco. The formulation and all uses are prohibited

Pesticide use or uses that remain allowed:

Nil

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

Summary of the final regulatory action:

Registration of all products containing EDB and the approvals of the associated labels and active constituents were cancelled

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

Summary of known hazards and risks to human health:

The final regulatory action was taken because it has been established that EDB is a potent carcinogen for which no safe level of exposure can be established.

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

Banning of EDB will significantly reduce the risks to health of workers in relevant agricultural industries.

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 22/12/1997