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: All formulations and uses are prohibited. Pesticide use or uses that remain allowed: None The final regulatory action was based on a risk or hazard evaluation: No Summary of the final regulatory action: Parathion was excluded from the list of active substances authorized for use in plant protection products in 1970 under the Law on protection of plants against pests and blights. It has prohibited to production, use and place on the market all plant protection products containing Parathion according to annual adopted list of active ingredients banned for use in plant protection products under the lant Protection Act since 2003. Parathion is designated as a PIC chemical. (Annex I of the Regulation on the import and export of certain dangerous chemicals on the Bulgarian territory). The import and use of the chemical for research or laboratory purposes in quantities less than 10 kg are allowed. The reasons for the final regulatory action were relevant to: Environment Summary of known hazards and risks to human health: ROUTES OF EXPOSURE: The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol, through the skin, by ingestion and through the eyes. INHALATION RISK: Evaporation at 20C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly on spraying. EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE: The substances irritating to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the nervous system, resulting in convulsions, respiratory failure, and muscle weakness. Cholinesterase inhibition. Exposure may result in death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated. EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE: Cholinesterase inhibitor; cumulative effect is possible: see acute hazards/symptoms. Expected effect of the final regulatory action in relation to human health: To avoid exposure of the chemicals and the associated risks to human health. Summary of known hazards and risks to the environment: Effects on Birds: Parathion is extremely toxic to birds such as mallards, pigeons, quail, sparrows and grouse. It is less toxic to pheasants. The LD50 for parathion in bobwhite quail is 6 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg in pigeons, and 2.1 mg/kg in ducks. Effects on Aquatic Organisms: Parathion is moderately toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates (like crayfish, snails and worms). The 96-hour LC50 for parathion in fish in general is 1.43 mg/l. The 96-hour LC50 in trout is 1.6 mg/l, 1.8 mg/l in goldfish, 2.7 mg/l in catfish, 0.3 mg/l in mosquito fish, and 0.02 mg/l in bluegill. Effects on Other Animals (Non-target species): The 24-hour LD50 for parathion in honeybees is 0.07 to 0.10 ug/bee when applied topically. The LD50 for parathion in mule deer is 22-44 mg/kg. Some fat storage of parathion does occur. However, upon release from fat storage, parathion is rapidly broken down and eliminated. Bioconcentration of parathion is low to moderate. There is no evidence of bioaccumulation of parathion in cattle, sheep or rabbits. Breakdown of Chemical in Soil and Groundwater: Parathion has little or no potential for groundwater contamination. It binds tightly to soil particles and is degraded by biological and chemical processes within several weeks. Degradation is faster in flooded soil. Residues of parathion can persist for many years, but usually remain in the upper 6 inches of soil. Photodegradation may occur on soil surfaces. Sunlight can convert parathion into the active metabolite paraoxon, which is more toxic than parathion. The breakdown of parathion in soil or water increases with increasing (more alkaline) pH. Soil microorganisms, sunlight, plants and water all break parathion down. Breakdown of Chemical in Water: In open water, parathion will usually disappear within a week, mainly by adsorption to suspended particles and bottom sediments. Adsorbed parathion is subject to degradation by microorganisms and chemical hydrolysis. The half-life for photo-degradation of parathion in water is 1 to 10 days. Increasing the pH (alkalinity), increases the rate of breakdown. Breakdown of Chemical in Vegetation: Following spray applications, parathion residues on foliage will decay with a half-life of 1 day, reaching low levels in a week or two. In orange groves, the half-life of parathion is as long as one month. Usually, it is closer to one-two weeks. Most crops tolerate parathion very well. Only at high application rates do apples, cucumbers, and tomatoes suffer from parathion usage. Expected effect of the final regulatory action in relation to the environment: To avoid exposure of the chemical and the associated risks to environment. Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 01/04/2003 |