Thiophanate-methyl chemical review

In February 2007, the APVMA began a review of thiophanate-methyl because of occupational health and safety and public health concerns. (Residues were not included in that assessment, no products containing thiophanate-methyl are currently registered for use on food-producing plants). This action was based on advice from the Office of Chemical Safety that exposure to carbendazim and compounds that can form it (benomyl and thiophanate-methyl) could possibly cause developmental abnormalities in experimental animals and hence might pose a potential public and occupational health and safety risk.

In August 2010, the APVMA released the Thiophanate-methyl preliminary review findings report. To minimise the risks to people from the handling and use of thiophanate-methyl, the APVMA proposed amending existing product poison scheduling, label safety directions and re-entry intervals.  In addition, the restraint ‘NOT FOR HOME GARDEN USE’ is required.

Following a period of public consultation, comments were considered and all recommendations proposed in the preliminary report were incorporated into the November 2010 Thiophanate-methyl final review report and regulatory decision. A minor change was made to the restraint: ‘DO NOT use this product in the home garden’.