IPCS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMME ON CHEMICAL SAFETY
Health and Safety Guide No. 34
FENVALERATE
HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE
UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME
INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, GENEVA 1989
This is a companion volume to Environmental Health Criteria 95:
Fenvalerate
Published by the World Health Organization for the International
Programme on Chemical Safety (a collaborative programme of the United
Nations Environment Programme, the International Labour Organisation,
and the World Health Organization)
ISBN 92 4 154355 8
ISSN 0259-7268
World Health Organization 1989
Publications of the World Health Organization enjoy copyright
protection in accordance with the provisions of Protocol 2 of the
Universal Copyright Convention. For rights of reproduction or
translation of WHO publications, in part or in toto, application
should be made to the Office of Publications, World Health
Organization, Geneva, Switzerland. The World Health Organization
welcomes such applications.
The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this
publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on
the part of the Secretariat of the World Health Organization
concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city, or area
or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers
or boundaries.
The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers'
products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the
World Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature
that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of
proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters.
This report contains the collective views of an international group of
experts and does not necessarily represent the decisions or the stated
policy of the United Nations Environment Programme, the International
Labour Organisation, or the World Health Organization.
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
1. PRODUCT IDENTITY AND USES
1.1. Identity
1.2. Physical and chemical properties
1.3. Analytical methods
1.4. Production and uses
2. SUMMARY AND EVALUATION
2.1. Human exposure
2.2. Environmental fate
2.3. Kinetics and metabolism
2.4. Effects on organisms in the environment
2.5. Effects on experimental animals and in vitro test systems
2.6. Effects on human beings
3. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
3.1. Conclusions
3.2. Recommendations
4. HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION, EMERGENCY ACTION
4.1. Human health hazards, prevention and protection, first aid
4.1.1. Advice to physicians
4.1.2. Health surveillance advice
4.2. Explosion and fire hazards
4.3. Storage
4.4. Transport
4.5. Spillage and disposal
4.5.1. Spillage
4.5.2. Disposal
5. HAZARDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR PREVENTION
6. INTERNATIONAL CHEMICAL SAFETY CARD
7. CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND STANDARDS
7.1. Previous evaluations by international bodies
7.2. Exposure limit values
7.3. Specific restrictions
7.4. Labelling, packaging, and transport
7.5. Waste disposal
BIBLIOGRAPHY
INTRODUCTION
The Environmental Health Criteria (EHC) documents produced by the
International Programme on Chemical Safety include an assessment of
the effects on the environment and human health from exposure to a
chemical or combinations of chemicals, or to physical or biological
agents. They also provide guidelines for setting exposure limits.
The purpose of a Health and Safety Guide is to facilitate the
application of these guidelines in national chemical safety
programmes. The first three sections of a Health and Safety Guide
highlight the relevant technical information in the corresponding EHC.
Section 4 includes advice on preventive and protective measures and
emergency action; health workers should be thoroughly familiar with
the medical information to ensure that they can act efficiently in an
emergency. Within the Guide is an International Chemical Safety Card
which should be readily available, and should be clearly explained, to
all who could come into contact with the chemical. The section on
regulatory information has been extracted from the legal file of the
International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals (IRPTC) and from
other United Nations sources.
The target readership includes people in the occupational health
services, ministries, governmental agencies, industry, and trade
unions, who are involved in the safe use of chemicals and the
prevention of environmental health hazards, and also workers who would
like more information on this topic. An attempt has been made to use
only terms that are familiar to the user. However, sections 1 and 2
inevitably contain some technical terms. A bibliography has been
included for readers who would like to have further background
information.
Revision of the information in this Guide will take place in due
course, and the eventual aim is to use standardized terminology.
Comments on any difficulties encountered in using the Guide would be
very helpful and should be addressed to:
The Manager
International Programme on Chemical Safety
Division of Environmental Health
World Health Organization
1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland
THE INFORMATION IN THIS GUIDE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS A STARTING POINT
TO A COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAMME
1. PRODUCT IDENTITY AND USES
1.1 Identity
Common name: Fenvalerate
Chemical formula:
Molecular formula: C25H22ClNO3
CAS registry no. 51630-58-1
Relative molecular mass: 419.9 °C
Synonyms and trade names: Belmark, Pydrin, S-5602, SD43775,
Sumicidin, WHO 2000 (OMS 2000),
WL43775.
Fenvalerate is the first synthetic pyrethroid having no cyclopropane
ring in the molecule. It has four stereoisomers and the composition
is approximately 1:1:1:1 (racemic) for each isomer. Technical grade
fenvalerate is 90-94% pure.
It is formulated as emulsifiable concentrates, ultra-low volume
concentrates, dust powders, or wettable powders.
1.2 Physical and Chemical Properties
The technical product is a yellow or brown viscous liquid with a mild
chemical odour. It is almost insoluble in water, but soluble in most
organic solvents. Fenvalerate is stable to light, heat, and moisture,
but is unstable in alkaline media. Some physical and chemical
properties of fenvalerate are given in the International Chemical
Safety Card (section 6).
1.3 Analytical Methods
For residue and environmental analysis, gas chromatography with
electron-capture detection is used, the minimum detection level being
0.005 mg/kg. For product analysis, gas chromatography with flame
ionization detection can be used.
1.4 Production and Uses
Approximately 1000 tonnes of fenvalerate are used annually worldwide.
It is used primarily in agriculture but also in homes and gardens for
insect control, and on cattle, alone or in combination with other
insecticides.
2. SUMMARY AND EVALUATION
2.1 Human Exposure
The general population may be exposed to fenvalerate mainly through
residues in food. Residue levels in crops that have been grown with
good agricultural practices are generally low. The resulting exposure
of the general population is expected to be very low, but precise data
from total-diet studies are lacking.
Analysis of residues in stored grain showed that more than 70% of the
applied dose remained on the wheat after 10 months at 25 °C. After
milling and baking, white bread has about the same residue level as
white flour (approximately 0.06-0.1 mg/kg).
Information on occupational exposure to fenvalerate is very limited.
2.2 Environmental Fate
In soil, degradation occurs via ester cleavage, diphenyl ether
cleavage, ring hydroxylation, hydration of the cyano group to amide,
and further oxidation of the fragments formed. It eventually yields
carbon dioxide as a major final product. Studies on the leaching
potential of fenvalerate and its degradation products showed that very
little downward movement occurs in soils.
In water and on soil surfaces, fenvalerate is photodegraded by
sunlight. Ester cleavage, hydrolysis of the cyano group,
decarboxylation to yield 2-(3-phenoxyphenyl)-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-
4-methylpentanenitrile (decarboxy-fenvalerate), and other radical
initiated reactions have occurred.
On plants, fenvalerate has a half-life of approximately 14 days.
Ester cleavage is a major reaction, followed by oxidation and/or
conjugation of the fragments formed. Decarboxylation to yield
decarboxy-fenvalerate also occurs.
In general, the degradative processes that occur in the environment
lead to less toxic products.
Degradation of fenvalerate in the environment is fairly rapid with
half-lives of 4 to 15 days in natural water, 8 to 14 days on plants, 1
to 18 days on soil, and 15 days to 3 months in soil.
There is virtually no leaching of fenvalerate in the soil. Thus, it
is unlikely that the compound will reach significant levels in the
aquatic environment.
2.3 Kinetics and Metabolism
The fate of fenvalerate in rats and mice has been studied using
fenvalerate radiolabelled in the acid moiety, the benzyl group, or the
cyano group. The administered radioactivity, except that of the
cyano-labelled compound, is readily excreted (up to 99% in 6 days).
The major metabolic reactions are ester cleavage and hydroxylation at
the 4'-position. Various oxidative and conjugation reactions occurred
that led to a complex mixture of products. When studies are carried
out with fenvalerate radiolabelled in the cyano group, elimination of
the radioactive dose is less rapid (up to 81% in 6 days). The
remaining radioactivity is retained mostly in the skin, hair, and
stomach as thiocyanate. A minor, but very important, metabolic pathway
is the formation of a lipophilic conjugate of [2R]-2-(4-chlorophenyl)
isovalerate. This conjugate, which is implicated in the formation of
granuloma, was detected in the adrenals, liver, and mesenteric lymph
nodes of rats, mice, and some other species.
2.4 Effects on Organisms in the Environment
In laboratory tests, fenvalerate was highly toxic for aquatic
organisms with LC50 values ranging from 0.008 µg/litre for newly
hatched mysid shrimps to 2µg/litre for stoneflies. The no-observed-
effect level in life-cycle tests using Daphnia galeata mendotae
was <0.005 µg/litre. Fenvalerate is also highly toxic for
fish, the 96-h LC50 values ranging from 0.3 µg/litre for larval
grunion to 200 µg/litre for adult Tilapia. A 28-day no-observed-
effect level for early life stages of the sheepshead minnow was
0.56 µg/litre. Fenvalerate is less toxic for aquatic algae and
molluscs, 96-h LC50 values being >1000 µg/litre.
During field tests and in actual use, this potentially high toxicity
to aquatic organisms is not manifested. Some aquatic invertebrates
are killed when water is oversprayed, but the effect on populations of
organisms is temporary. There are no reports of fish kills in the
field. This reduced toxicity during field use is related to the
strong adsorption of the compound to sediments.
Fenvalerate is highly toxic for honey bees with a topical LD50 of
0.41 µg/bee. It acts as a strong repellent to bees which, therefore,
reduces its toxic effect. There is no evidence of significant kills
of honey bees during actual use. Fenvalerate is more toxic to
predator mites than to the target pest species.
Fenvalerate, when given orally or in the diet, has very low toxicity
to birds. LD50 values are 1500 mg/kg body weight or more with an
acute oral dosage. An LC50 value for dietary exposure of bobwhite
quail has been reported at >15 000 mg/kg diet.
Fenvalerate is readily taken up by aquatic organisms.
Bio-concentration factors ranged from 120 to 4700 for various
organisms (algae, snail, Daphnia, and fish). The fenvalerate taken up
by aquatic organisms is rapidly lost on transfer to clean water. In
practice, therefore, the compound can be regarded as having no
tendency to bioaccumulate.
2.5 Effects on Experimental Animals and In Vitro Test Systems
Fenvalerate has a moderate to low acute oral toxicity although LD50
values vary considerably with the animal species and the
administration routes (82 to >3200 mg/kg). The acute clinical signs
of poisoning appear rapidly but symptoms disappear within 3 to 4 days.
The toxic signs caused by fenvalerate and by its [2S, alpha S] isomer
include restlessness, tremors, piloerection, diarrhoea, abnormal gait,
choreoathetosis, and salivation (CS-syndrome). It is classified as a
type II pyrethroid. Electrophysiologically, it produces bursts of
spikes in the cockroach's cercal motor nerve. There is, however, no
clear-cut link between electrophysiological findings in insects and
toxicity to mammals.
Rats fed fenvalerate (2000 mg/kg) in their diet for 8 to 10 days
showed typical signs of acute intoxication. Rats fed fenvalerate
(3000 mg/kg) in their diet had reversible morphological changes in
their sciatic nerve. Histopathological changes in the sciatic nerve
were also observed in both rats and mice given a single oral dose of
fenvalerate at lethal or sublethal levels.
Hens given fenvalerate orally at 1000 mg/kg per day for 5 days did not
show any clinical or morphological signs of delayed neurotoxicity.
The acute intraperitoneal toxicity of fenvalerate metabolites was
studied in mice. None was more toxic than fenvalerate itself.
In subacute and subchronic toxicity studies, mice, rats, dogs, and
rabbits were given fenvalerate at various concentrations by oral,
dermal, and inhalation routes for 3 weeks to 6 months. In 4-week
inhalation studies in both rats and mice, the no-observed-effect-level
(NOEL) was 7 mg/m3. In a 90-day study in rats, the NOEL was
125 mg/kg diet. However, in a 2-year feeding study in rats, the NOEL
was 250 mg/kg diet (12.5 mg/kg body weight), and in a 24- to 28-month
study, the NOEL was 150 mg/kg diet (7.5 mg/kg body weight). In a
2-year study in mice, the NOEL was 50 mg/kg diet (6 mg/kg body
weight), and in a 20-month study, the NOEL was 30 mg/kg diet
(3.5 mg/kg body weight). In a 90-day feeding study in dogs, the NOEL
was 12.5 mg/kg body weight. Although some fenvalerate formulations
have caused skin and eye irritation, technical fenvalerate was not an
irritant and had no sensitizing effects.
In long-term toxicity studies, microgranulomatous changes were
observed in mice, especially when treated with the [2R, alpha S]-
isomer of fenvalerate at 125 mg/kg in the diet for 1 to 3 months.
These changes were reversed when fenvalerate was eliminated from the
diet. The causative agent for this change was identified as the
cholesterol ester of 2-(4-chlorophenyl) isovaleric acid, a lipophilic
metabolite of fenvalerate from the [2R, alpha S]-isomer. The NOEL for
these microgranulomatous changes in mice was 30 mg fenvalerate per kg
in the diet.
In a long-term toxicity study, microgranulomatous changes were also
observed in rats at 500 mg/kg in the diet. The NOEL for these
microgranulomatous changes was 150 mg/kg in the diet.
Fenvalerate, when fed at dietary levels up to 3000 mg/kg for 78 weeks
and 1250 mg/kg for 2 years, was not carcinogenic to mice. Nor was it
carcinogenic to rats when fed at dietary levels up to 1000 mg/kg for 2
years.
Fenvalerate did not show any mutagenic or chromosome damaging
activities in several in vitro and in vivo assays.
Fenvalerate is not teratogenic to mice or rabbits at doses up to
50 mg/kg body weight per day. It did not show any toxic effects on
reproductive parameters in a three-generation rat reproduction study
at doses up to 250 mg/kg diet.
2.6 Effects on Human Beings
In exposed workers, fenvalerate can cause skin sensations and
paresthesia that develop after a latent period of approximately
30 min, peak by 8 h, and disappear within 24 h. Numbness, itching,
tingling, and burning are symptoms frequently reported. Some
poisoning incidents resulted from occupational over-exposure when
safety precautions were not taken.
There are no indications that fenvalerate, when used as recommended,
will have an adverse effect on human beings.
3. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
3.1 Conclusions
General population: The exposure of the general population to
fenvalerate is expected to be very low and is not likely to be a
hazard when used as recommended.
Occupational exposure: When proper work practices, hygiene measures,
and safety precautions are followed, it is unlikely that fenvalerate
will be an occupational hazard.
Environment: It is unlikely that fenvalerate or its degradation
products, when used as recommended, will reach levels of environmental
significance. Under laboratory conditions, fenvalerate is highly
toxic for fish, aquatic arthropods, and honey bees. However, under
field conditions, long-lasting adverse effects are not likely to occur
when fenvalerate is used as recommended.
3.2 Recommendations
Although fenvalerate has been used for many years, and only a few
cases of temporary effects from occupational exposure have been
reported, observations of human exposure should continue.
4. HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION, EMERGENCY ACTION
4.1 Human Health Hazards, Prevention and Protection, First Aid
Fenvalerate is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide of moderate to low
acute toxicity. It is unlikely to present an acute hazard when used
as recommended. There have been no reports of poisoning in the
general population. Some non-fatal poisoning incidents occurred
during occupational exposure after repeated sprayings when no safety
precautions were taken. Experimental studies in animals suggest that
neurological signs and symptoms, such as ataxia, tremors, and
convulsions, could occur after massive over-exposure or accidental
ingestion.
The human health hazards associated with certain types of exposure to
fenvalerate, together with preventive and protective measures and
first-aid recommendations, are given in the International Chemical
Safety Card (see section 6).
4.1.1 Advice to physicians
There is no specific antidote. Chemical pneumonitis resulting from
aspiration of the solvent into the lungs is a hazard that occurs when
liquid formulations are used. Therefore, do not induce vomiting;
empty the stomach only on the advice of a physician and only with
equipment that will not cause aspiration into the lungs. Treat
symptomatically. If convulsions occur, diazepam (10 or 20 mg for an
adult) should be given slowly, intravenously or rectally, and repeated
if necessary.
4.1.2 Health surveillance advice
Regularly exposed workers should undergo a general medical examination
annually. Facial skin sensations are an indication of an
over-exposure that should be corrected.
4.2 Explosion and Fire Hazards
Some solvents in pyrethroid formulations are highly flammable. DO NOT
USE WATER to extinguish fires. Use dry powder, carbon dioxide, or
alcohol-resistant foam, sand, or earth. Cool nearby drums with water
spray.
Whenever pyrethroid products are involved in a major fire, advise the
fire service to wear protective clothing and breathing apparatus.
Inform the fire service and other relevant authorities that
pyrethroids are highly toxic for fish, and that water should be used
only to cool the unaffected stock. In this way, the accumulation of
polluted run-off from the site is prevented.
4.3 Storage
Store technical material and formulations away from heat, in a locked
area, preferably with no drains, designated for insecticides only.
Keep out of reach of children, unauthorized personnel, and away from
animals.
Store away from food and animal feed.
4.4 Transport
For transport purposes, pyrethroids are classified as "harmful" or as
"low hazard". Formulations based on flammable solvents may be subject
to local transport controls. Before transport, ensure that containers
are sound and that labels are securely fixed and intact. Comply with
local transport regulations.
Do not transport in compartments that contain food and animal feed.
4.5 Spillage and Disposal
4.5.1 Spillage
Keep spectators away from leaking or spilled product. Prohibit smoking
and the use of naked flames in the immediate vicinity.
Transfer any product remaining in damaged or leaking containers into a
clean, empty drum, and label the drum.
Absorb spillage and cover contaminated areas with lime, damp sawdust,
sand, earth, or other absorbent material and place in a secure
container for safe disposal (see below). Contain a large spillage by
building a barrier of earth or sandbags. Prevent liquid from
spreading to other cargo, vegetation, or waterways.
Decontaminate empty, damaged, or leaking containers with a 10% sodium
carbonate solution added at the rate of at least 1 litre per 20-litre
drum. Puncture containers to prevent reuse.
4.5.2 Disposal
Waste that contains fenvalerate should be burnt in an appropriate
high-temperature incinerator with effluent scrubbing. Where no
incinerator is available, contaminated absorbents or surplus products
should be decomposed by hydrolysis at pH 12 or above. Contact with a
suitable hydrolysing agent is required to ensure degradation of the
active ingredient to a safe level.
For emulsifiable material, use 5% sodium hydroxide (caustic soda)
solution or saturated (7-10%) sodium carbonate (washing soda)
solution.
For non-emulsifiable material, use a 1:1 mixture (by volume) of
caustic soda or washing soda (as above) and a water/oil soluble
solvent such as denatured alcohol, monoethylene glycol, hexylene
glycol, or isopropanol.
Cover the material with a hydrolysing agent and let it stand for 7
days. Before disposal, the waste must be analysed to ensure that the
active ingredient has been degraded to a safe level.
Never pour untreated waste or surplus products into public sewers or
where there is any danger of run-off or seepage to streams,
watercourses, open waterways, ditches, fields with drainage systems,
or to the catchment areas of boreholes, wells, springs, or ponds.
5. HAZARDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR PREVENTION
When used as recommended, it is unlikely that fenvalerate or its
degradation products will reach levels of environmental significance.
Fenvalerate is very toxic for fish and honey bees, but due to the very
low exposure levels that usually occur, it will only cause a problem
if spilled. It has a low toxicity to birds.
Avoid spraying fenvalerate over water. Do not contaminate ponds,
waterways, or ditches with fenvalerate or its containers.
6. INTERNATIONAL CHEMICAL SAFETY CARD
This card should be easily available to all health workers concerned
with, and users of, fenvalerate. It should be displayed at, or near,
entrances to areas where there is potential exposure to fenvalerate,
and on processing equipment and containers. The card should be
translated into the appropriate language(s). All persons potentially
exposed to the chemical should also have the instructions on the
chemical safety card clearly explained.
Space is available on the card for insertion of the National
Occupational Exposure Limit, the address and telephone number of the
National Poison Centre, and for local trade names.
FENVALERATE
CAS Index name (9CI): Benzeneacetic acid, 4-chloro-alpha-(1-methylethyl)-,
cyano(3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl ester
Cas registry no. 51630-58-1
Molecular formula: C25H22ClNO3
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OTHER CHARACTERISTICS
Physical state viscous liquid Fenvalerate is a racemic mixture of four
Colour yellow or brown stereoisomers. The technical grade is 90-94%
Odour mild chemical pure. It is stable to light, heat, and
Relative molecular mass (°C) 419.9 moisture, and unstable in alkaline media.
Boiling point (°C) (37 mmHg) 300
Water solubility 2 µg/litre
Solubility in organic solvents solublea
25 It is used primarily as an insecticide on
Density (25 °C) d25 1.175 cotton and other crops, in animal health
protection, and in the home and garden.
Vapour pressure (25 °C) 0.037 mPa
Octanol-water partition
coefficient (log Pow) 6.2
a Acetone (>1 kg/kg); hexane (155 g/kg); xylene (>1 kg/kg);
ethanol, cyclohexanone, ether, kerosene, chloroform.
HAZARDS/SYMPTOMS PREVENTION AND PROTECTION FIRST AID
SKIN: Exposure may cause skin Proper application techniques, Remove contaminated clothing;
sensations, especially on the skin protection, and hygiene wash contaminated skin with soap
face, that disappear in a few measures and water
hours
EYES: Some formulations may Wear face shield or goggles Flush immediately with clean water
cause irritation for at least 15 min
INHALATION: Irritating to Do not inhale fine dust and Fresh air
respiratory system mist
INGESTION: Unlikely Do not eat, drink, or smoke during -
occupational hazard work; wash hands before eating,
drinking, or smoking
Accidental or deliberate ingestion - Obtain medical attention immediately.
could lead to neurological signs If breathing has stopped, apply
and symptoms such as ataxia, artificial respiration
tremors, and convulsions; main
hazard of ingested liquid
formulations is aspiration into - Do not induce vomiting
lungs
ENVIRONMENT: very toxic for Do not contaminate ponds, -
fish and honey bees waterways, or ditches with product
or used containers
SPILLAGE STORAGE FIRE AND EXPLOSION
Absorb spillage with lime, damp Store in locked, well-ventilated DO NOT USE WATER; some liquid
sawdust, sand, or earth; sweep storeroom, away from children, formulations may be highly
up, place in closed container, unauthorized personnel, and flammable; use dry powder, carbon
and dispose of safely; do not food and animal feed dioxide, or alcohol-resistant
contaminate personnel, ponds, foam; cool nearby drums with
or waterways water spray
WASTE DISPOSAL NATIONAL INFORMATION
Burn in high-temperature National Occupational Exposure Limit:
incinerator with effluent scrubbing.
Or, treat with 5% caustic soda National Poison Control Centre:
as a hydrolyzing agent; comply
with local regulations Local trade names:
7. CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND STANDARDS
The information in this section has been extracted from the
International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals (IRPTC) legal
file and other UN sources. It is a representative but non-exhaustive
overview of current regulations, guidelines, and standards.
Regulations and guidelines about chemicals can be fully understood
only within the framework of a country's legislation, and are always
subject to change. Therefore, they should always be verified with the
appropriate authorities.
7.1 Previous Evaluations by International Bodies
The FAO/WHO Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) evaluated
fenvalerate at its meetings in 1979, 1981, 1982, 1984, and 1986. In
1986, an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0-0.02 mg/kg body weight was
established.
In the WHO recommended classification of pesticides by hazard,
technical fenvalerate is classified in class II as moderately
hazardous (WHO, 1988).
7.2 Exposure Limit Values
Some exposure limit values are given in the table on the following
page.
When no effective date appears in the IRPTC legal file, the year of
the reference from which the data are taken is shown, indicated by
(r).
7.3 Specific Restrictions
There are restrictions, limitations, and safety precautions in some of
the countries where fenvalerate has been registered that should always
be consulted before fenvalerate is used.
EXPOSURE LIMIT VALUES
Medium Specification Country/ Exposure limit description Value Effective
organization date
FOOD Intake from FAO/WHO Acceptable daily intake (ADI) 0-0.02 mg/kg 1986
body weight
FOOD Plant FAO/WHO Maximum residue limit (MRL)
(residues) (specified vegetables) 0.1-10 mg/kg 1986
FOOD Plant Brazil Acceptable limit 0.1-1 mg/kg
(residues)
FRG Maximum residue limit (MRL) 0.02-2 mg/kg 1984
Sweden Maximum tolerable concentration (MRL) 1 mg/kg 1985
FOOD Animal FRG Maximum residue limit (MRL) 0.01-0.05 mg/kg 1984
(residues)
7.4 Labelling, Packaging, and Transport
The United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transportation of
Dangerous Goods classifies pyrethroids in:
- Hazard class 6.1: poisonous substance
- Packing Group III: a substance that has a relatively low risk of
poisoning during transport
The label should appear as follows:
The European Community legislation requires labelling as a dangerous
substance using the symbol:
The label must read:
Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed;
keep out of reach of children; keep away from food, drink, and
animal feeding stuff.
7.5 Waste Disposal
In some countries, permits are required to empty pyrethroids into
waters.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
FAO (1985a) Guidelines for the packaging and storage of pesticides.
Rome, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
FAO (1985b) Guidelines for the disposal of waste pesticides and
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Organization of the United Nations.
FAO (1985c) Guidelines on good labelling practice for pesticides.
Rome, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
FAO (1986) International code of conduct on the distribution and use
of pesticides. Rome, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations.
FAO/WHO (1986) Guide to Codex recommendations concerning pesticide
residues. Part 8. Recommendations for methods of analysis of
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their formulation, packing, storage and transport. Brussels,
Groupement International des Associations Nationales des Fabricants de
Produits Agrochimiques.
GIFAP (1983) Guidelines for the safe and effective use of
pesticides. Brussels, Groupement International des Associations
Nationales des Fabricants de Produits Agrochimiques.
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poisoning. Brussels, Groupement International des Associations
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PLESTINA, R. (1984) Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of
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