On 14-16 October 2014, ICAMA’s Deputy Director lead an expert panel into Hunan province to study the product, use and risk monitoring of carbofuran and carbosulfan. The panel has already engaged in an open consultation process with pesticide producers and local governing authorities on the reassessment of these two insecticides, which was initiated in July this year (see ChemLinked News Release on 28 Jul 2014).
The panel has studied the production, sales, uses and safety incidents associated with these two insecticides and the residue levels found in vegetables grown in Hunan. Pesticide manufacturing companies have also reported the sales and exports of these insecticides, corresponding R&D projects, the registration and marketing status of alternatives as well as the potential negative effects banning these insecticides would have on industry.
As one of the 12 highly toxic pesticides still utilized in China, carbofuran has a powerful control effect on nematode and underground insects. As of August 2014, over 100 carbofuran and carbosulfan products have valid pesticide registration certificates, ranging from technical (TC), technical powder (TKP), granular (GR), seed coating and emulsifiable concentration (EC). These substances are used on various crops such as wheat, rice, maize, soybean, peanut, cotton, sugarcane and sugar beet.
However MRL violations have been frequently detected in recent years and some countries have banned the insecticide due to the unacceptable risk it poses to birds and aquatic organisms. ICAMA is currently working on the risk assessment report and is considering the risks and benefits associated with the two insecticides before finally establishing necessary risk mitigation measures or a phase-out plan.
