CONCERNS OVER adverse effects on humans and the environment from exposure to a key insecticide have been allayed by findings of a recent review.

The Advisory Committee on Pesticides review into potential adverse effects from long term, low dose exposure to pesticides with anticholinesterase modes of action, is complete for chlorpyrifos, said Dow AgroSciences.

The findings confirm that when used correctly, chlorpyrifos (as in Dursban) – the only insecticide approved for Orange Wheat Blossom midge control – poses no unacceptable risk to operators, the environment or food safety, the firm said.

“All the uses that we believe are essential for farmers and growers have been retained,” said Dow AgroSciences’ marketing specialist, James Knight.

“We believe growers will welcome the result of this review.”

While the review outlined a number of small changes to the recommendations for using chlorpyrifos, it was welcomed by the National Farmers Union’s pesticides advisor, Neil Kift.

“The changes essentially reflect the current needs of the industry for Dursban. As a result a few uses have been withdrawn. However, the main benefits of Dursban remain available to UK growers,” he said.