Regulating pesticides in the UK: a case study of risk management problems relating to the organophosphate diazinon.

OBJECTIVES

(1) To assess aspects of occupational and related environmental health risk assessment and risk management decisions of UK regulatory bodies on diazinon used in sheep dip; and (2) to benchmark those decisions against 'the public health precautionary approach'.

METHODS

Analysis of diazinon health and safety data available within Government Departments, industry and from users in animal husbandry practice.

RESULTS

(1) Data on diazinon produced by the manufacturing companies for the UK pesticide regulatory agencies are not fully transparent; (2) UK regulatory health and safety processes assume accuracy of manufacturer's data and information provided on personal protective equipment (PPE) and application effectiveness; (3) data available reveal gaps and problems with diazinon toxicity, PPE and application methods; and (4) little published evidence shows that industry followed up the health of dippers after product registration or that government departments adopted a public health approach to regulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Diazinon sheep dip illustrates the need for the application of a rigorous precautionary principle in both initial registration and later monitoring of chemicals.