26
Jul
Health Canada Moves to Limit Exposure to Boric Acid Pesticides
(Beyond Pesticides, July 26, 2016) Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) announced this week it will cancel certain formulations of boric acid-based pesticides. The announcement reflects the latest science showing that certain products, such as those in dust formulations or
open baits, put residents at inhalation and ingestion exposure risk, respectively, to the naturally occurring element boron and borate
compounds. PRMA’s decision is part of the Health Canada’s registration review of boric acid, which, like that of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is conducted every 15 years.
PRMA is cancelling the following uses of boric acid and similar compounds
- All domestic dust formulation products
- All domestic granular formulation products
- Domestic solution formulation products, with the exception of enclosed bait stations and spot treatment with gel formulations
For other uses, PRMA has amended label requirements to better protect handlers and users of the pesticide. For example, the agency will update label directions to specify that boron products can only be applied to areas inaccessible to children an
d pets.
Jane Philpott, Minister of Health in Canada said in a press release, “even natural ingredients like boric acid can pose a risk to Canadians. That’s why Health Canada looks at all pesticide ingredients to make sure we are not being exposed to levels that could be a concern. These steps, including cancelling some registrations and introducing new, more stringent label requirements for others, are science-based interventions that will help protect Canadians.”
Beyond Pesticides agrees with PRMA’s determination on certain boric acid uses. While boric acid provides a good alternative to the use of highly toxic and volatile baits for control of pests like ants and cockroaches, it should never be placed in areas accessible by children and pets. Boric acid’s value as a bait or gel for household pest infestations lies in its non-volatility. While most synthetic insecticides “off-gas” or evaporate into the air and can be easily inhaled by homeowners, boric acid baits are below the level of measurable detection in terms of its ability to evaporate once applied. Alternative dusts and powers that are not of similar toxicological concern are readily available in the market in the form of diatomaceous earth or silica aerogels. However, even though these products contain no potentially toxic chemical compounds and act solely through desiccation, they also should be applied with extreme care in areas out of reach of children and pets, as Beyond Pesticides webpage on these products confirm.
Boric acid is highly toxic to skin and eyes, and has concerns regarding reproductive toxicity, and birth and developmental impacts. PRMA notes the occurrence testicular toxicity of boric acid across a range of mammalian species.
Even least-toxic pesticides like boric acid and diatomaceous earth should be used as a last resort, after structural, mechanical, and cultural practices have been attempted and proven ineffective. Rather that jumping to any pesticidal product, be it natural or synthetic, simple mechanical fixes, like doorsweeps, caulking and sealing cracks and crevices, a well-fitted trash can lid, and diligent cleaning, can prevent pest infestations in the first place, and isolate and contain ongoing problems. For a step-by-step guide on how to control common indoor pest problems without pesticides, see Beyond Pesticides ManageSafe database.
All unattributed positions and opinions in this piece are those of Beyond Pesticides.
Source: Health Canada Press Release, PMRA Re-evaluation Decision, Boric Acid and its Salts
