The use of any chemical product containing Fenthion ceases after October 2015 following a 12 month phase out period by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
Fenthion is a broad-spectrum organophosphorus insecticide used to control insect pests in agricultural, commercial and domestic situations and external parasites on cattle. The product is also used to control pest birds in and around buildings.
Following a lengthy assessment of the toxicological risks associated with Fenthion, the APVMA concluded that the use of these products may, in most situations, pose undue risks to human health (via dietary and occupational exposure) and the environment.
Existing stocks can be used until current permits and conditions expire in October 2015.
Products to be cancelled on 15 October are:
- Tiguvon Spot-on Cattle Lice Insecticide
- Control-A-Bird Agent
- Avigrease Pest Bird Eradication Compound
- David Grays Mosquito and Spider Spray Insecticide
- Avigel Pest Bird Control Agent
Amalgamated Pest Control 1% Fenthion Dust will be cancelled on 2 November and Lebaycid Fruit Fly and Insect Killer and Insecticide Spray 32996 have additional restrictions.
More information about the cancellation of these products can be found on the APVMA website.
After the end of October, any remaining product containing Fenthion should be disposed of responsibly. This can be done by using ChemClear, the national industry-funded stewardship program for the safe disposal of agvet chemicals.
National ChemClear Manager Lisa Nixon said, “Once the product is withdrawn from use, people holding Fenthion products manufactured by any of our 119 participating manufacturers will be able to register their products with ChemClear until October 2017. All eligible product will be collected free of charge. You will still be able to register after 2017, but the service will no longer be free.”
Download a ChemClear Inventory Form and list unwanted products. Interested persons can then either register on the same site, call 1800 008 182 or email the form back to chemclear@toxfree.com.au – it’s that easy.
Ms Nixon said, “Collections periodically occur in each state and territory, and registrations must be made with ChemClear so we know where the product is located. Once you register products with the program, we will be able to keep you informed about collections in your region.”
ChemClear has collected over 500 tonnes of chemical across Australia since the start of the program in 2003.
