Evaluation of Pesticide Incident Reports 2012-1462

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.

Incident Reports 2012-1462

Health Canada received a report of an incident involving Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Fertilizer 10-0-0 (CFIA Reg. No. 2009025), containing 100% corn gluten meal. Corn gluten meal has both herbicidal and fertilizer properties (guarantee 10% nitrogen), and Scotts Canada Ltd. has this active ingredient registered with both the PMRA and the CFIA. The report indicated that a man was applying the product at his residence when the wind blew the product into his eye. The man rinsed his eye but experienced eye irritation, swelling, and discharge. As well, he experienced pimples on his eyelid/eyelid infection. He sought medical treatment and had the eyelid drained. The patient was recovering on follow up. This incident was classified by the registrant as a Human Major, however based on the symptoms reported and in accordance with the Pest Control Products Incident Reporting Regulations classification system, it has been reclassified by the PMRA as a Human Moderate.

This incident report can be requested through the PMRA electronic Public Registry on the Health Canada website.

Health Canada Evaluation

Corn gluten meal is a feed-grade material produced as a by-product of the wet milling process of corn for starch. It is considered to be safe for human health and the environment. However, the registrant has noted that slight allergic reactions and minor eye irritation may occur.

Health Canada Conclusion

Based on the definite exposure to the pesticide and the high degree of plausibility, it is highly probable that the eye irritation, swollen eye, and ocular discharge experienced by the man in the incident were the result of ocular exposure to corn gluten meal. It is also possible that the exposure caused the reported pimples on eyelid/eyelid infection. The overall causality for this incident is therefore highly probable. This incident was reclassified to a Human Moderate from Human Major based on the reported symptoms.

Health Canada will continue to monitor for future incidents related to corn gluten meal.

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.