The APVMA completed component evaluation reports on temephos in consultation with the Office of Chemical Safety within the Department of Health and Ageing, and the Department of the Environment, and provided the reports to the registrant for comment. However, we made no decision in relation to the component reports at that time. Instead, comment was sought from the affected registrant before the development of a review findings report.
The occupational health and safety (OHS) assessment for the review of temephos was undertaken by the Office of Chemical Safety, which considered all the OHS data and information submitted for the review. The OHS assessment concluded that the APVMA can be satisfied that the continued use of temephos products in portable plunge dipping, fixed plunge dipping or shower dipping would not be likely to be an undue hazard to the safety of workers, provided that they wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as indicated in the safety directions. However, the office was unable to conclude that the application method of hand jetting was not likely to lead to an unacceptable risk of exposure, even when PPE is worn.
The environmental assessment for the review of temephos was undertaken by the Department of Environment and Heritage, which considered all the environmental data and information submitted for the original registration of the product and additional data submitted for the review.
The environmental assessment raised concerns about the toxicity of temephos to aquatic invertebrates in waters close to the ocean outfall from wool scour sources. The department was unable to conclude that continued use of the product on long wool sheep according to current label directions, even allowing for a three-month wool withholding period, would not be likely to have an unintended effect that is harmful to animals, plants or things or to the environment. It recommended that approved labels be varied to delete all instructions relevant to the treatment of long wool sheep.
The department also considered the issue of soil contamination from temephos dripping off treated sheep. Run-off from treatment areas should not be allowed to contaminate waterways. The department recommended that additional label statements be included on the current label to minimise the hazard posed to wildlife, fish, crustacea and the environment from used or spent dip solution, or from drippings from treated sheep onto soil.