BACK

Pesticides, designed to disrupt normal life processes in organisms, initially included inorganic and plant-based substances. A significant breakthrough in the 1940s, promoted by wartime concerns about disease-transmitting insects, led to the access of DDT. Some early insecticides, including DDT, proved broadly toxic to humans and other mammals. Efforts since the 1970s and 1980s have aimed to minimize toxicity to humans and mammals while maintaining effectiveness against insects, achieving notable access in some cases. 

Types of Pesticides

A pesticide is a substance used to eliminate or control unwanted animals or plants, including those that repel, sterilize, or hinder pest population growth. Most pesticides work by disrupting the normal life processes of pests. The term “pesticide” originates from the Latin words “pestis”, meaning a plague or contagious disease, and “cidere”, meaning to kill. It is a broad term that encompasses various specific types. Specific pesticide types are named by adding “-icide’ to the target organism’s name. 

Listed below are pesticides categories based on the name of the target organism they control:

Insecticides	insects
Rodenticides	rodents (rats, mice)
Herbicides(weedicides)	weeds
Bactericides	bacteria
Algicides	algae
Fungicides	fungi
Molluscicides	molluscs (snails, slugs)
Avicides	birds (Latin avis)
Ovicides	eggs  (Latin ovum)
Piscicides	fish (Latin piscis)
Termiticides	termites
Adulticides	adult stage of life cycle
Larvicides	larval stage of life cycle

Brief History of Pesticides

Since the early days of agriculture, humans grappled with the challenge of protecting their stored food from a range of organisms. Ancient Greeks and Romans employed mechanical and cultural methods, with rituals and ‘magic’ playing a role in pest control. For instance, they physically fought locusts, harvested wheat strategically, and used airtight pits for grain storage. Rituals included burying plants to protect crops and using substances like cat or weasel ashes, or ox gall to ward off pests. Overall, these procedures incorporated a mix of practical and ‘magical’ or ritualistic practices.’

For centuries, pest control relied on mechanical, cultural, and ritualistic methods, lacking a scientific approach until the 19th century. The understanding of disease transmission, exemplified by the Black Death in the 14th century, only emerged in the late 1800s. A notable early success in large-scale chemical pest control was seen in 1840s Europe, addressing vine mildew through lime/sulphur and sulphur dusting.

In 1939, the discovery of DDT’s potent insecticidal properties marked a significant advancement in chemical pest control. This breakthrough played a crucial role in saving millions of lives during World War II by effectively combating mosquito-borne malaria in Southeast Asia and controlling louse-carried typhus epidemics in Europe. 

Organochlorine insecticides containing carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine, emerged in the 1940s and 1950s. The late 1940s saw the development of organophosphorus insecticides derived from phosphoric acid. While Germany was working on organophosphorus insecticides, the United States concurrently developed organochlorine insecticides. After World War II the British and Americans continued developing organophosphorus insecticides, while Bayer in Germany resumed research in organophosphorus insecticides and pharmaceuticals, becoming the manufacturing force it is today. Carbamate insecticides, derivatives of carbamic acid were introduced in the early 1950s. 

Synthetic pyrethroids, a modern class of insecticides, were introduced from Britain in the 1970s. They are based on molecules from the natural insecticide pyrethrins. Since then, the pesticide industry has evolved into a sophisticated system to find chemicals that combat pests by direct kill or interfering with the biochemical processes of insects. 

The majority of the initial specialized pesticide manufacturing sector has been assimilated by pharmaceutical companies. Despite its primary focus on agricultural needs, research and chemistry have given rise to a variety of pesticides now specifically formulated, labelled, and packaged for urban pest management purposes.

Developing a new pesticide today can take several years and cost over $20 million, with a substantial portion dedicated to investigating potential hazards to various life forms and the environment, as well as assessing its efficacy. 

Regulating Pesticides

As a homeowner, it’s important that chemicals brought into your home by a pest controller are approved by an independent authority.  Historically, pest extermination companies, until the 1960s, often leaned towards using inexpensive and potentially harmful chemicals or low concentrations of pesticides for short-term results. 

While label registration procedures may be dull, reassuring a worried homeowner about the thorough constraints and checks pesticides undergo before reaching their doorstep is more convincing than a simple assertion of safety. 

Until the end of World War II, pest technicians could use any methods they deemed effective, as long as they didn’t contaminate food. In instances of food contamination, individual states had penalties under state Pure Food Acts and they also enforced a Public Health Act with regulations and penalties for pesticide applications that posed a danger to the public. 

In 1945, New South Wales introduced the Pest Destroyers Act to regulate insecticides, rodenticides, and herbicides. Other states followed suit shortly after. Regulators aimed to ensure that these products, when used as directed, met efficacy claims and did not pose unacceptable hazards during handling and application.

To address varied state label requirements, manufacturers hired specialists. After advocacy efforts, the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act of 1995 was enacted, leading to the formation of the National Registration Authority (NRA. The NRA later became the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) in 2004. The act now covers swimming pool algicides, bactericides, and fungicides, all considered under the “P” in APVMA. Companies producing veterinary medicines must be licensed, and this requirement will extend to pesticide manufacturers in the future. 

The APVMA reviews and approves agricultural and veterinary chemicals, ensuring companies provide extensive data to demonstrate product safety for humans, non-target species, and the environment, as well as compliance with international trade standards. 

During product evaluations, the APVMA considers the product’s characteristics, the thoroughness of the data review, and the necessary consultations among the APVMA, manufacturers, advisory agencies, and states or territories. 

Residue studies determine Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) and withholding periods. Sage recommendations are checked for consistency with provided data, and labelling is reviewed for accuracy and compliance with legislative requirements, including a mandated format such as uppercase letters for ‘ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS’.

During the assessment process, the APVMA seeks specialized advice from Commonwealth agencies: 

• The Department of Health and Family Service assesses toxicology data from applications to identify potential health risks to the community.

• Environment Australia evaluates the environmental impact of submitted products, providing recommendations to mitigate adverse effects. 

• The National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC) conducts assessments to minimize risks to workers’ health and safety arising from exposure to agriculture and veterinary chemical products. 

Assessments for new products can span several years, whereas evaluations of modifications to existing products may be finalized faster. At various points in the evaluation, the APVMA may engage in consultations with state and territory authorities, other Commonwealth agencies, as well as expert panels or committees offering advice. This practice ensures the incorporation of appropriate knowledge into the assessment process. Applicants are frequently consulted, especially on technical issues throughout the assessment. 

Prior to the registration of a product containing a new active ingredient, or making changes to registration to permit a change of use, the APVMA releases a summary of evaluations for public viewing. These summaries are made available in the APVMA Gazette with the purpose of informing the public that the product is currently undergoing evaluation, and encouraging feedback from the community through the Gazette before making final decisions. 

After assessment, products are either registered or rejected, with potential label amendments for approval. Registrations are not permanent. The APVMA has four post-registration programs that monitor chemicals. These programs can prompt regulatory action if standards are not met or if new information calls for a reevaluation of registration conditions. 

Chemical Review

Programs regularly reassess chemical registrations to ensure compliance with current standards. The Existing Chemical Review Program (ECRP) prioritizes public-nominated chemicals, while the Special Review Program addresses immediate concerns impacting registration. 

Compliance and Surveillance

The APVMA manages the National Compliance Program, funding inspections and surveillance by state and territory agencies. Compliance involves testing product samples for registration standards, while surveillance ensures proper storage, labelling, and information on pesticide chemicals.

Consultation

The APVMA prioritizes effective communication with various stakeholders engaged in the Code. It actively engages in or takes part in several collaborative forums addressing issues related to agriculture and veterinary (agvet) chemicals and products. These consultative mechanisms have played a crucial role in the formulation of significant programs and priorities.

System Improvement

The APVMA is dedicated to ongoing enhancements in the chemical registration system and aligning regulatory processes with key agencies. It’s crucial to recognize the pesticide usage can vary among states due to environmental factors, pest conditions, and agronomic practices. Consequently, recommended applications for a specific pesticide may differ in each state, underscoring the importance of reading the label before acquisition and application. Through endorsing information on the pesticide label, the registration authority ensures effective, efficient, and safe pesticide use when adhering to label instructions. 

Listed registered pesticides

You can conveniently and rapidly access information, often containing labels, for any APVMA-registered product by using the internet to search to PUBCRIS Registered Products Database. Alternatively, you can visit the website https://portal.apvma.gov.au/pubcris, where a search engine enables you to enter an active ingredient, product name, or company name. 

Pesticide users must strictly adhere to the label instructions and refrain from using the product for purposes not specified. Some products are restricted to licensed technicians.  Various state laws, alongside pesticide registration, include licensing schemes for pest control technicians and regulations on pesticide use, requiring technicians to be familiar with state-specific legislation. 

Pesticide labelling

The label is a legal document, and not following its directions can lead to prosecution. The key to safe pesticide use is to read the label, heed the label. Before purchasing a pesticide, it is crucial to read and consider the label in relation to your specific pest control needs. It is essential to comprehend the significance of the different sections of the pesticide label before utilizing the product. 

Signal heading

The signal heading is located at the lower part of the label’s front panel. The language used is dictated by the posion scheduling outlined in the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Drugs and Poisons (SUSDP), which is published by the Australian Health Minister’s Advisory Council. The table below provides a summary of common signal headings and the necessary wording. Essentially, this panel communicated the product’s relative toxicity and hazard. 

Distinguishing the name of the product

The distinguishing name of the product, commonly known as its ‘trade name’, is the name frequently assigned to the product. It is typically situated below the signal heading and above the active constituent statement. This name must be distinct and should convey the intended use e.g. insecticide, termiticide, insect repellent, etc. 

Active constituent statement

Active constituents or active ingredients refer to the elements in pesticide formulations that play a key role in the biological effectiveness of the product. Typically, the active constituent statement can be found beneath the distinguishing name, labeled as “Active Constituent(s)”. This section includes details on the concentration(s) and common name(s) of the active constituent(s).

For Example: ACTIVE CONSTITUENT: 5g/kg NOVALURON

Accurate symbols denoting units of mass and volume comprise g (grams), kg (kilograms), mL (milliliters), and L (liters).

For items with solvents listed in the schedules of the SUSDP, a solvent statement, incorporating solvent concentration, is mandatory.

For Example: 

ACTIVE CONSTITUENT: 100g/L BIFENTHRIN

SOLVENT: 763 g/L HYDROCARBON LIQUID

Products containing specific organophosphorus or carbamate compounds must include a relevant statement.

For Example: 

ACTIVE CONSTITUENT:

450 g/L CHLORPYRIFOS*

SOLVENT: 327 g/L HYDROCARBON LIQUID

(*an anticholinesterase compound)

Statement of claims for use

The usage instructions are typically positioned beneath the active constituent statement and provide a brief description of the intended use of the product.

For  Example: 

For Pre-Construction Control of Subterranean Termites

If a product serves multiple purposes, a more general statement may be applicable. 

For  Example: 

For the control of domestic insect pests as specified in the Directions of Use table

When a product is designated as a ‘restricted chemical product’, the following statement must follow the claim for use statement:

RESTRICTED CHEMICAL PRODUCT – ONLY TO BE SUPPLIED TO OR USED BY AN AUTHORISED PERSON

Contents/net contents

For products sold by weight, the term ‘net contents’ is used.

For Example: 

NET CONTENTS: 500g

For products sold by volume, the term ‘contents’ is used.

For Example: 

CONTENTS: 20L

Name and address of registrant 

To enable communication with the company overseeing a specific product, the label must provide the name and physical address of the registrant, formulator, or distributor, and an emergency telephone number.

Directions for use

The instructions for usage offer guidance on the manner, timing, and location of product application. It may encompass restrictions designed to mitigate risks to human health and the environment. This section of the label typically comprises multiple subsections.

Restraints

A restrain is a restriction imposed on the use of a pesticide product. 

For Example: 

DO NOT apply to soils if excessively wet or immediately after heavy rain to avoid run-off of chemical. 

Use table or directions for use

The use table or directions for use provides details regarding the appropriate product application.  It includes information such as: 

• The approved target pest(s) of the product
• Application rates, including dilution rates and the quantity applied per unit area
• Important notes 
• Differences in directions for use between various states
  • Example: Crawling insects: apply as a coarse low-pressure spray to areas where pests hide

General Instructions

The general instructions segment on the label covers details about product usage that are not specified in the ‘Directions for Use’ section. This may include information like:

• The mode of action of the product
• Equipment instructions (e.g. appropriate type, calibration, use, maintenance, cleaning)
• Compatibility with other products
• Mixing instructions
• Use patterns.

Precaution statements

In the ‘Precautions’ section, these statements aim to reduce potential health risks to both humans and animals associated with the product’s usage.

For Example:

Avoid contact with food, food utensils, or places where food is prepared or stored.

Pesticides with higher toxicity levels may require specific guidelines for re-entering treated areas, typically provided in the ‘Precautions’ section under the ‘Re-entry period’ heading. 

Protection statements are designed to mitigate risks to non-target plants, animals, and the environment. These statements are commonly located under the headings like ‘Protection of wildlife, fish, crustaceans, and the environment.’

For Example:

Toxic to fish

Remove or cover fish tanks before use.

Storage and disposal statements

Storage disposal statements provide appropriate procedures for storing, and disposing of excess spray mix, handling empty containers, and addressing spillage. 

Safety Directions

This part of the pesticide label delineates instructions about the secure handling, proper use, and safe storage of the product. 

First Aid

This section outlines the immediate steps that should be taken in case of poisoning.7\

Other Information

Additional details that might be present on a pesticide label includes:

• Safety Data Sheet (SDS): Some labels are mandated (according to state/territory legislation) to incorporate an SDS, and in such instances, a statement referencing this additional information is obligatory.
• Emergency information: Products categorised under the ‘Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Rail and Roads’ are obligated, as per state legislation, to feature emergency information on the label. 
• Batch Number
• Date of Manufacture and/or Expiry Date
• APVMA Approval Number