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

Abstract

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.