Book Chapter
Details
Citation
Watterson A (1999) Regulating Pesticides in the UK: a case study of risk management problems relating to the organophosphate diazinon. In: Leng G & Hadnagy W (eds.) Proceedings of the International Symposium on Health Aspects of Environmental and Occupational Pesticide Exposure. Toxicology letters, Volume 107, Issue 1-3. Amsterdam: Elsevier, pp. 241-248. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0378-4274(99)00053-3
Abstract
Objectives: (1) To assess aspects of occupational and related environmental health risk assessment and risk management decisions of UK regulatory bodies on diazinon used in sheep dip; and (2) to benchmark those decisions against ‘the public health precautionary approach'. Methods: Analysis of diazinon health and safety data available within Government Departments, industry and from users in animal husbandry practice. Results: (1) Data on diazinon produced by the manufacturing companies for the UK pesticide regulatory agencies are not fully transparent; (2) UK regulatory health and safety processes assume accuracy of manufacturer's data and information provided on personal protective equipment (PPE) and application effectiveness; (3) data available reveal gaps and problems with diazinon toxicity, PPE and application methods; and (4) little published evidence shows that industry followed up the health of dippers after product registration or that government departments adopted a public health approach to regulation. Conclusions: Diazinon sheep dip illustrates the need for the application of a rigorous precautionary principle in both initial registration and later monitoring of chemicals.
Keywords
Organophosphates; Diazinon; Risk Management
Status | Published |
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Title of series | Toxicology letters |
Number in series | Volume 107, Issue 1-3 |
Publication date | 31/12/1999 |
Publisher | Elsevier |
Publisher URL | http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0378-4274(99)00053-3 |
Place of publication | Amsterdam |
ISSN of series | 0378-4274 |