Evaluation of Packaging Failure Incidents for PCP# 28648

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 PCP 28648

Since 2008, 94 incidents of packaging failure were reported to the PMRA for the insect repellent Off! ^® Familycare™ Insect Repellent Smooth and Dry (PCP# 28648). This product contains 15% DEET. In all incidents, the failure in the package was described as 'leaks'. In some incidents significant leaks were noted where the entire contents of the canister emptied. There were 9 incidents where the leaks involved multiple cans as well as 13 incidents where leaks from the product package resulted in property damage. The majority of the incidents did not result in adverse effects.

There was 1 human incident (2008-3222) that reported effects of upper respiratory irritation and shortness of breath as a result of packaging failure. In this incident the product leaked from the canister while it was in a carrying bag and continued to leak while being applied.

In accordance with the Pest Control Products Incident Reporting Regulations classification system, this incident was classified as Human Minor.

All incident reports are available through the PMRA electronic Public Registry on the Health Canada website.

Health Canada Evaluation

Most packaging failure incidents concerning the insect repellent Off! ^® Familycare™ Insect Repellent Smooth and Dry related to sprayer leaks. The human minor incident involving this product was evaluated. Based on the information provided in the incident report it was concluded that it is highly probable that the symptoms reported in the incident were associated with exposure to the product. Exposure occurred via both the dermal and inhalation routes and the symptoms reported in the incident are consistent with what would be expected from the reported exposure scenario.

The potential of the leaking contents to cause property damage was also assessed. The contents present in the product are solvents of many plastic materials, paints, water-proof fabric linings etc. and therefore, have the potential to damage many types of surfaces. There is a precaution on the product label that the product may damage furniture finishes, plastics and painted surfaces. The likelihood of this product to cause property damage if it leaks is considered to be high.

Health Canada Conclusion

Leaks ensuing from the failure in the packaging of the product Off! ^® Familycare™ Insect Repellent Smooth and Dry (PCP# 28648) can result in overexposure to the pesticide thereby posing potential risks to human health and can also result in property damage.

The pesticide manufacturer is aware of the problem associated with this product and has indicated that they have already taken corrective action by changing the valve and gasket on the product.

The PMRA will continue to monitor the incident report data for packaging failure incidents associated with this product to ensure that the changes to the packaging address the problem.

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