Canadian phosmet restrictions
Date:12-04-2007
The Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) requires interim risk mitigation measures for the organophosphate insecticide, phosmet, pending the completion of the review of the active ingredient. The move comes in response to comments submitted after the PMRA proposed the continuing registration of phosmet in 2004 and this year's US action on nine time-limited uses of the ai.
The major concern remaining after the PMRA's 2004 assessment related to post-application risks to workers. It called for additional information to refine its risk assessment and to demonstrate that exposure margins for workers re-entering treated fields were acceptable. The PMRA has subsequently set restricted entry intervals (REIs) of 3-7 days for 12 fruit, vegetable and flower crops, and a 14-day REI for grapevines. It also requires personal protective equipment for workers carrying out post-application activities for up to 30 days after treatment.
The PMRA requires buffer zones to protect sensitive aquatic habitats from phosmet applications. It stipulates buffer zones of 5-15 m for conventional sprayers and 15-45 m for airblast applications. The Agency has decided not to cut application rates for codling moth (Cydia pomonella) control on apples from 1,875 g ai/ha to 1,625 g ai/ha nor to reduce the number of applications from five to two. Carrot and celery growers will be able to continue making two applications each year.
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