Re-evaluation Note REV2012-20, Re-evaluation Project Plan for Dimethoxane

Pest Management Regulatory Agency
17 December 2012
ISSN: 1925-0649 (PDF version)
Catalogue number: H113-5/2012-20E-PDF (PDF version)

Introduction

In Canada, dimethoxane is under re-evaluation by Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). The PMRA's pesticide re-evaluation program considers potential risks as well as the value of pesticide products to ensure they continue to meet standards of modern science and current policy established to protect human health and the environment. Under the authority of section 16 of the  Pest Control Products Act, the registrant of dimethoxane was notified of the initiation of the re-evaluation of dimethoxane. Following this, the registrant of the technical grade active ingredient in Canada indicated their intention to support all uses included on the label of the commercial product in Canada. This Re-evaluation Note outlines a project plan and timeline for review, as well as summarizes the anticipated areas of focus related to the re evaluation of dimethoxane.

Dimethoxane is a material preservative that has been registered in Canada since 1997. Dimethoxane is currently registered for use in adhesives, dyestuffs, emulsions, gums, inks, latex, PVA, silicone, textile auxiliaries and thickeners as a material preservative (Use-Site Category 18). The registered dimethoxane commercial end-use product is formulated as a solution, to be distributed throughout the water-based material it is used to preserve. Dimethoxane is registered for similar uses in the United States, and a  Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) was published by the  United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) in 1996.

The project plan discussed below outlines the anticipated areas of focus and risk assessments required to complete the re-evaluation of dimethoxane. Should additional information become available during the re-evaluation period that affects the regulatory status of dimethoxane, the PMRA will reconsider the areas of focus and risk assessments required. Currently, a proposed re-evaluation decision for dimethoxane is anticipated to be published for consultation in 2013.

Re-evaluation Project Plan

Human Health & Environmental Risk Assessments

• Dimethoxane will be re-evaluated based on the USEPA RED document. The RED covers the main science areas, such as human health and the environment, which are necessary for the Canadian re-evaluation decision; it addresses the active ingredient and the main formulation type registered in Canada; and it is relevant to registered Canadian uses. The PMRA will also take into account the Canadian use pattern and issues (for example, the federal Toxic Substances Management Policy).

Value

• The value of dimethoxane will be considered. The viability of alternatives will be examined if risks of concern are identified.

Data Requirements

• No additional data requirements have been identified for dimethoxane at this time.

Anticipated Timeline for Re-evaluation

• A proposed re-evaluation decision for dimethoxane is anticipated to be published for consultation in 2013.

Additional Information

PMRA documents can be found on our website at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/pmra. PMRA documents are also available through the Pest Management Information Service. Phone: 1-800-267-6315 within Canada or 1-613-736-3799 outside Canada (long distance charges apply); fax: 613-736-3798; e-mail: pmra.infoserv@hc-sc.gc.ca