Evaluation of Pesticide Incident Report 2011-4485

Background

Pest control products are only registered by Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) for use if there is reasonable certainty that no harm to human health or the environment will result from exposure to, or use of the product as directed on the label. Health Canada collects incident reporting data under the authority of the Pest Control Products Act. If a pesticide manufacturer receives information about an incident involving one of their products, they are required by law to submit that information to Health Canada. Members of the public may also submit information about an incident directly to Health Canada. It is important to note that the information presented in incident reports reflects the observations and opinion of the person reporting it, and does not include any assessment by Health Canada, nor does it confirm an association between the pesticide and the effects reported.

Health Canada considers the reported information to determine if there are potential health or environmental risks associated with a pesticide and, if necessary, takes corrective action. Such action could range from minor label changes to discontinuation of the product.

Incident Report 2011-4485

Health Canada received a report of an incident involving the technical grade active ingredient Metarhizium anisopliae Strain F52 (PCP Reg. No. 29146). The report indicated that seven individuals working at a plant that manufactures the active ingredient experienced effects over a period of seven months (from December 2010 to June 2011). The symptoms included headache, dizziness, itchy skin, difficulty breathing, vomiting, fatigue, aching, coughing, and/or nosebleed. It was reported that faulty or inappropriate respiratory protection was worn in five of these cases. The severity of these cases ranged from minor to moderate. This incident report is available through the PMRA electronic Public Registry on the Health Canada website.

Health Canada Evaluation

Metarhizium anisopliae Strain F52 is a fungus used to control certain insects. Results from toxicity testing and reports of cases of disease indicate that exposure to this strain and other closely related strains of M. anisopliae can cause irritation, infection, allergic reactions, and asthmatic symptoms.

Health Canada Conclusion

Based on the known toxic properties of M. anisopliae and the history of previous disease cases, it was concluded that it is probable that the reported dermal and respiratory effects in four of the seven individuals in this incident were related to exposure to M. anisopliae strain F52. For the three individuals that reported more generalized symptoms of headache, vomiting, fatigue, achiness, and dizziness in the absence of dermal or respiratory effects, it was concluded that it is possible that these effects were related to exposure to the pesticide.

As a result of this incident, Health Canada will be following up with the pesticide registrant to ensure that measures are in place at the manufacturing plant to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future, such as the availability of appropriate protective equipment. Health Canada will also continue to monitor for future incidents related to this product.

More information about the Pesticide Incident Reporting Program is available on the Health Canada Web site. Should you require further information please contact the Pesticide Incident Reporting Program.