Authorize only low-risk pesticide formulations
Description of the measure
The occupational risk of a pesticide may sometimes be reduced by authorizing only lower-risk pesticide formulation types.
Examples are: water-soluble granules instead of liquids, to reduce exposure during mixing and loading; ready-made rodenticide baits instead of concentrates that need to be mixed by the user; dispersible granules instead of liquid formulations for soil treatments, to reduce dermal exposure during application; micro-encapsulated formulations for hazardous pesticides, to reduce their handling risks; pre-treated crop seeds instead of concentrates for seed treatment by the user.
Furthermore, certain co-formulants in a formulation may increase the risk of occupational exposure because they facilitate dermal absorption. These include many organic solvents.
Conditions for effective implementation
Lower risk pesticide formulations should be sufficiently efficacious against the target pest(s) for which the pesticide should be registered.
Estimated risk reduction potential
The risk reduction potential of this measure depends on the type of lower-risk pesticide formulation.
Potential constraints
Lower risk pesticide formulations can be more costly and may therefore not be competitive if the higher-risk cheaper formulations remain on the market.
Further information
Catalogue of pesticide formulation types and international coding system. CropLife International. 2008