§ The Countess of Marasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in the light of the findings on Vapona strips impregnated with dichlorvos, current approval for Vapona strips impregnated with azamethiphos has taken into account involuntary and prolonged exposure by inhalation of young children and other vulnerable individuals in confined spaces; and, if so, whether they are satisfied that no chronic health effects will occur. [HL245]
§ Baroness Hollis of HeighamIn 1998, in response to public concern, Ministers initiated a high priority review of all anticholinesterase compounds approved for use in non-agricultural and agricultural pesticides. The reviews of products for non-agricultural use: have been undertaken by HSE. These include products containing the organophosphate compounds azamethiphos and dichlorvos. The independent, expert Advisory Committee on Pesticides (ACP) has considered all the available physical chemistry, efficacy and human health data supporting the individual active ingredients and made recommendations to Ministers.
The risk assessments for azamethiphos in the recent UK review addressed chronic inhalation exposure to residents (adults and children) using scenarios based on reasonable worst case exposures, including prolonged exposure in a small room. Azamethiphos is considerably less volatile than dichlorvos and therefore much less likely to be present in the air. Vapona strips containing azamethiphos act more like baits; they contain attractants to bring the flies to the mat where the insecticidal action is via direct contact.
The ACP considered that these risk assessments gave no cause for concern and Ministers agreed the recommendations of the ACP to allow these products to continue to hold approval.