WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
ORGANISATION MONDIALE DE LA SANTE
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED
NATIONS
ORGANISATION DES NATIONS UNIES
POUR L'ALIMENTATION ET
L'AGRICULTURE
VBC/DS/75.0
ORIGINAL: ENGLISH
INTRODUCTION TO DATA SHEETS
1. INTRODUCTION
Data sheets on pesticides have been introduced to provide basic
information on individual compounds, and arising out of this information,
recommendations on their use and control are given. Details of symptoms of
poisoning and emergency and medical treatment are also provided.
It is hoped that these data sheets will promote the safe and
effective use of pesticides, both for the preservation of the health of
people directly exposed and for the protection of people more remotely
affected through changes in the environment resulting from injudicious
application. Although each country adopts control measures suited to its
economy and culture, it is also hoped that the recommendations in the data
sheets may lead to a degree of international standardization in the control
of pesticides.
Throughout these notes, the word "pesticide", unless otherwise
stated includes both the technical product and its formulations.
It must be noted that the issue of a data sheet for a particular
pesticide does not imply endorsement of the pesticide by WHO or FAO for any
particular use; or exclude its use for other purposes not stated. While
the information provided is believed to be accurate according to data
available at the time when the sheet was compiled, neither WHO nor FAO are
responsible for any errors or omissions, or any consequences therefrom.
2. PRESENTATION
Each sheet is presented in five parts for each pesticide. The
headings of the parts are as follows:
Part 1 - General information
Part 2 - Toxicology and Risks
Part 3 - Recommendations for regulatory authorities on the
regulation of the pesticide
Part 4 - Prevention of poisoning in man and emergency aid.
Part 5 - Information for medical and laboratory personnel on the
diagnosis and treatment of cases of poisoning and on
laboratory tests.
Certain parts may be re-issued as new information is
incorporated into them.
The issue of this document does not constitute formal
publication. It should not be reviewed, abstracted or quoted
without the agreement of the World Health Organization.
Authors alone are responsible for views expressed in signed
articles.
Ce document ne constitue pas une publication. Il ne doit
faire l'objet d'aucun compte rendu ou résumé ni d'aucune
citation sans l'autorisation de l'Organisation Mondiale de
la Santé. Les opinions exprimées dans les articles signés
n'engagent que leurs auteurs.
The values quoted are based on published information and unpublished
information from reliable sources. Since brevity is desirable and a
considerable mount of sometimes conflicting information exists for some
pesticides, an element of selection occurs in the compilation of the data.
In order to ensure that the sheets present a balanced view, each is
reviewed by a panel of consultants before issue.
3. EXPLANATORY NOTES
3.1 Toxicity and hazard
The toxicity of a pesticide is measured according to a number of
indices (such as oral and dermal LD50) based on tests carried out on
laboratory animals. Although this provides a valuable indication of the
likely hazard to man, it is not identical with this hazard.
Hazard depends on the various routes by which men may absorb a
pesticide and this to some extent depends on the physical state of the
pesticide being used, and the method of use (or type of misuse).
The table below shows a classification according to hazard using
oral and dermal toxicity indices. It is presented as a guide only and it is
emphasized that other factors can also influence hazard in the use of a
particular pesticide.
LD50 rat mg/kg
Class Oral Dermal
Solids Liquids Solids Liquids
Ia extremely < 5 < 20 < 10 < 40
hazardous
Ib highly 5 - 50 20 - 200 10 - 100 40 - 400
hazardous
II moderately 50 - 500 200 - 2000 100 - 1000 400 - 4000
hazardous
III slightly > 500 > 2000 > 1000 > 4000
3.2 Notes on the parts of the data sheets
PART 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1.2 Synomyms
Since the name of a pesticide as marketed may vary between
manufacturers and from country to country, trade names have not normally
been included under this heading. Local names for the pesticide may be
usefully inserted by the reader on the data sheet in the space provided.
1.2 Synopsis
This is a general statement on the nature of the pesticide. The
toxicity of a pesticide is graded in most cases according to the LD50 value
of the technical product for rats. This value is expressed throughout in
milligrams of the pesticide per kilogram body weight of the test animal.
However, the toxicity of a compound does not always depend on the
effects of acute single dosage on which the LD50 is based, and therefore
pesticides may be placed in a category other than that based on LD50 alone,
if evidence of other toxicological effects observed in long- or short-term
studies are such as to justify this change.
A note on toxicity and hazard will be found at the end of the
explanatory notes.
1.3.2 Solubility
The following are technical equivalents of the phrases used:
highly soluble > 80%
soluble 40% to 80%
moderately soluble 5% to 40%
slightly soluble 10 ppm to 5%
practically insoluble < 10 ppm
1.3.3 Stability
Where available, the degradation rate (usually the half-life) of the
pesticide in water is given; otherwise, a short statement is included on
the stability of the pesticide under specified conditions of pH,
temperature, etc. It is not practicable to quote the stability of the
pesticide in soil as this is variable depending on soil type, vegetation,
climate, etc.
1.3.4 Vapour pressure
This has been included to give an indication of the volatility of
the pesticide, and hence its relative hazard due to inhalation.
1.4 Agriculture, horticulture and forestry
1.4.1 Common formulations
These refer to the formulations most commonly in use. Other
concentrations or mixtures of the pesticide may be formulated locally.
Space has been made for the insertion of local formulations.
1.4.4 Unintended effects
This heading includes known effects on the environment.
PART 2 - TOXICOLOGY AND RISKS
2.1 Toxicology - mammals
2.1.4 Toxicity, single dose
This gives data for experimental animals from which values for man
may be inferred in the absence of any direct data relating to man.
Published data on acute oral and dermal toxicity sometimes vary for a
particular pesticide. The value given is the modal value, or a value which
has been determined for the pesticide in the WHO scheme for the evaluation
of insecticides by a WHO collaborating laboratory under carefully
controlled conditions.
Most susceptible species
This refers to the least LD50 value published for many mammalian
species. It has been included to give an indication of the range of
toxicity between the most susceptible mammalian species and the rat, the
usual animal used for toxicity testing. If the figures differ
considerably, the values have to be extrapolated to man with caution.
2.1.7 Supplementary studies of toxicology
This refers to short- or long term studies for carcinogenicity,
teratogenicity, mutagenicity and neurotoxicity. Where a subheading does
not appear on a data sheet, this means that no relevant information is
available.
2.1.8 Modifications of toxicity
Under this section reported variations in toxicity when the
pesticide is combined with other pesticides or chemicals, or variations
associated with other factors such as malnutrition, have been noted. Such
alterations in toxicity may enhance or diminish the inherent toxicity of
the pesticide.
2.2 Toxicology - man
2.2.5 Reported mishaps
Under this heading, major incidents of outbreaks of poisoning,
accidentally caused, have been noted.
2.3 Toxicology, other species
The entries in these sections are intended to draw attention to
special risks and to give warnings of any needs for special precautions.
An indication is given of the toxicity of chemicals to fish, birds
and beneficial insects. The toxicity in fish may be expressed as the LC50
- the lethal concentration in water for 50% of the test fish during the
time specified.
PART 3 - RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE REGULATION OF THE PESTICIDE
This sheet has been designed to give guidance to regulatory
authorities; therefore only such matters are as amenable to regulation
have been included and the recommendations represent the minimum standard
of desirable control. More complete details of the type of protection to
be provided, the type of medical surveillance to be carried out, etc., can
be found in parts 4 and 5.
3.1 Recommended restrictions on availability
Recommended restrictions on availability are given under this
heading. The categories set out below do not include the prohibition of
the use of a very highly toxic compound. Such prohibition may be desirable
if control measures cannot be enforced to the extent that safety in the use
of the compound can be assured. However, this is a matter for national
decision in the light of prevailing circumstances. The definitions of the
categories are as follows:
Category 1 - The pesticide should be available only to applicators,
individually licensed, who have demonstrated a good knowledge of the
chemical, its uses and hazards, and the precautions to be taken in use.
This category applies only to a few very highly toxic pesticides.
Category 2 - Pesticide should be available only to concerns which
will apply the pesticide under strictly controlled and supervised
conditions, using trained operators. The application of pesticides will
normally be the major part of their commercial operation.
The term "concerns" includes contractors, pest control operators,
etc. This category applies to most very highly toxic pesticides and other
pesticides for which it is felt that special training or supervision in use
is necessary.
Category 3 - Pesticides should be available to commercial
applicators, for whom the application of a pesticide is not a major part of
their commercial operations, subject to a permit being received from a
competent authority, specifying the pesticide, conditions of use and the
precautions to be taken.
The term "commercial applicators" includes farmers, orchardists,
foresters, fishermen, etc. and those responsible for bulk food storage.
This category applies to pesticides which are highly toxic, and to
pesticides which have an adverse effect on the environment to the extent
that their uncontrolled use without permit is undesirable.
Category 4 - Pesticide should be available in the same manner as for
category 3, without requirement that a permit be issued.
This category applies to toxic pesticides that may be distributed
for commercial use but should not be available to the general public.
Category 5 - Pesticide may be made available to the general public
for specified uses. This category applies to all pesticides or their
formulations not included in categories 1 to 4.
3.3 Handling
This heading refers to the manipulation of the chemical after
withdrawal from storage and includes application.
3.5 Selection, training and medical supervision of workers
The medical examinations described under this heading refer to pre-
employment medical examinations. Subsequent medical examinations are
mentioned where these are specific; otherwise usual occupational health
practice should be followed. It is appreciated that in many circumstances
it is difficult to provide medical examinations and supervision for
agricultural workers. The practice set out in the data sheet is the ideal.
However, adequate training is always necessary, and even if no regular
medical supervision is possible, the possibility of training work
supervisors in the prevention and signs of poisoning should not be
overlooked.
3.7 Labelling
The wording of a label is important but the type of information
required varies considerably from country to country. Therfore, the only
wording suggested is a minimum cautionary statement. Wherever possible
this wording is based on that used in the WHO publication "Specifications
for Pesticides" under the section "Packing and Marketing of Packages".
Other details may be added as desired, based on recommendations made in
other parts of the data sheet. Labels should be written in the language of
the user and, in addition to the cautionary statement, should include the
name of the manufacturer, the approved name of the pesticide, the type of
formulation, recommended uses, the shortest possible interval from
application to harvest and instructions on the disposal of the container.
PART 4 - PREVENTION OF POISONING IN MAN AND EMERGENCY AID
This part is designed primarily for personnel in the occupational
health field, and for use of supervisors. The information on emergency aid
(section 4.4) has been added to this sheet as it should be part of the
training of workers and others exposed to the pesticide.
4.1.2 Manufacture and formulation
The term "TLV" refers to the Threshold Limit Value, sometimes known
as the Maximum Allowable Concentration of the pesticide in air normally
permitted in industrial environments. There are many scales of TLV values.
The two that are quoted on the data sheets are those of the American
Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH and those published
by the USSR, if available).
4.3 Safe disposal of containers and spillage
The decontamination of containers refers to procedures which will
normally render the container safe to be used for other purposes, except
for the storage of food or drink. It has been inserted since many
containers are objects of value when they have been emptied, but it does
not refer to containers in which pesticides are distributed in small
quantities to the general public.
Where it is stated that decontamination should not be permitted,
this means that there is no safe or practicable method of decontamination
using chemicals commonly available.
4.4 Emergency aid
This is known as "First Aid" in some countries.
PART 5 - FOR MEDICAL AND LABORATORY PERSONNEL
This sheet has been designed to give basic information to medical
and laboratory personnel to enable them to diagnose and treat cases of
poisoning and to carry out surveillance and analytical techniques.
References have been given only to standard methods and therefore, where
these have stood the test of time, the references may be some years old.
5.2 Surveillance methods
The term "surveillance methods" refers to laboratory methods for
determining degrees of absorption of pesticides. The term "hazard level"
means the level in a particular test at which a man is showing absorption
to the extent that he should cease contact with the pesticide, whether or
not he demonstrates any symptoms of poisoning. This section is
particularly applicable to blood cholinesterase levels resulting from
poisoning by anticholinesterase pesticides.
Laboratory methods
5.3.1 Detection and analysis
This section gives references to methods reported in the literature.
In addition to those cited in the individual data sheets, the following
textbooks may prove useful.
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