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AgVetLink: Number 55, April 2006

Review: Diazinon Products

Because of concern over the formation of toxic degradation products, namely O,S-Tepp and S,S-Tepp, over time, Diazinon emulsifiable concentrate products have been reviewed.

The APVMA performed a similar review recently and their report, which gives a background of the issues associated with these types of product, is available at http://www.apvma.gov.au/chemrev/diazinon.shtml.

As a result of our review, the new requirements placed on current and new products of this type are:

1. The expiry specifications for the end-use formulation must include the following:

• The O,S-TEPP content determined shall not be higher than [0.22 x diazinon content (as per label claim)/specific gravity] mg/kg, as indicated appropriate in the FAO Specification 15/EC/S(1988) for diazinon emulsifiable concentrates.

• The S,S-TEPP content determined shall not be higher than [2.8 x diazinon content (as per label claim)/specific gravity] mg/kg, as indicated appropriate in the FAO Specification 15/EC/S(1988) for diazinon emulsifiable concentrates

• Water content (maximum) 2 g/kg. Above this limit the formation of O,S-Tepp and S,S-Tepp are known to be favoured.

2. The release specifications for the end-use formulation must include a maximum water content of 1 g/kg or less.

3. The following statements must be included on the label:

“The toxicity of this diazinon product may increase markedly over time. DO NOT use this product if it is out-of-date”, “Store in tightly closed original containers under cool, dry, dark conditions” and “Do not allow water to enter this container. Do not rinse the lid with water”.

4. All products and technical grade active must include an appropriate level of stabiliser, usually ethoxylated soyabean oil.

5. Non-permeable packaging such as lined metal containers should be used. Although this is not compulsory at present, the consequence of using a more permeable packaging will be a shorter shelf life.

6. Instead of a shelf life statement, an actual expiry date relating to the shelf life will be added to all of the products with the assigned shelf life reflecting the data provided, specifications and packaging used.

Registration Liaison Committee (RLC) Meeting

Chris Boland and Maree Zinzley attended the RLC meeting in March. In addition to the operational /business as usual items on the agenda, there was a discussion about APVMA’s relocation from Barton to North Symonston, which will take place later this year. CEO Joe Smith assured members that special efforts will be made to ensure a smooth transition with little disruption for staff and stakeholders.

In 2005 all the APVMA Consultative Committees were reviewed, including membership of the RLC. Joe Smith advised members at the March meeting that the APVMA is not recommending any changes to this Committee at this time. He believes it is a necessary group in regards to changes and the drivers that impact on these changes between APVMA, States/Territory representatives, and New Zealand.