Chemical handling worker exposure study protocol development

Summary

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has for a number of years been undertaking a review into the registration of the rice herbicide molinate. The APVMA has indicated that in the absence of data demonstrating safe use of the chemical, current human health concerns will lead to a decision to discontinue the registration of molinate. The APVMA has acknowledged that the worker exposure data currently relied on to make this assessment is dated and not reflective of current best practice.

Program

Rice

Research Organisation

Ricegrowers' Association of Australia

Objective Summary

The objective of this project is to establish a protocol, meeting relevant OECD standards, for analysing worker chemical exposure using best practice closed system handling and application of molinate. Such a protocol would provide the basis for undertaking a pilot worker exposure study, as a subsequent project, to ascertain the value of a full worker exposure study. The project would also establish and demonstrate best practice safe handling and application methods for a range of chemicals used in the rice industry via closed handling and aerial application methods.