Chemistry and Specifications of Pesticides

This report issues recommendations and technical specifications intended to encourage the manufacturing, purchasing, and use of pesticides that conform to internationally agreed standards of quality and safety.

The report, which records the consensus reached by international experts in pesticide chemistry and vector control, is part of an ongoing effort to provide pesticide manufacturers, users, and registration authorities with specifications that correspond to the latest knowledge and technical developments, particularly concerning advances that improve the quality or reduce the toxicity of pesticides.

The report also responds to the need to assure that these important tools for combatting disease vectors and pests are produced and used in ways that pose a minimum risk to those involved in pesticide application, to the public and to the environment.

The report has two main parts. The first provides an overview of recent trends in the pattern of vector-borne diseases, in the development and formulation of new pesticides, and in the methods available for testing and analysis. The second half of the report records recommended specifications for new pesticides and analytical methods and recommended revisions for existing specifications.

These recommendations are intended to assist in the quality control needed to verify that recently formulated pesticides contain the stated amount of active ingredient, have the required physical properties, and are free from toxic impurities and additives in unacceptable amounts.

Specifications are presented for the new formulations bendiocarb dustable powder and deltamethrin ultra-low-volume liquid and for six new pesticides: diflubenzuron, dimethoate, endosulfan, permethrin, phoxim, and pirimiphos-methyl.

Information includes summaries of analytical methods and specifications for these compounds and their formulations, the requirements for packing and labelling, and the minimum cautionary notice that should appear on the package.