Magtoxin^® Granules Receive U.S. EPA Registration

Monitoring Study Update  

 
The Registrants have submitted the data collected in 2001 to U.S. EPA (the Agency). The submission, entitled "Phosphine Monitoring Data Collected from Various Types of Fumigation Sites" was made on  January 9, 2003 and we are presently awaiting formal acceptance by the Agency.  Once the Agency approves the submitted format, they will assign a MRID number and place the study  in the public docket, so that it may be accessed by any interested entity. 

Overview

The following are the Conclusions and Recommendations pages of the study.  For copies of the complete study, see below.

 CONCLUSIONS

·         For fumigations of warehouses and containers, respiratory protection would not appear to be required outside the sealed warehouse or container until aeration begins.  Respiratory protection will have to be worn upon aeration until the certified applicator gives the approval to remove this protection based on monitoring data for phosphine concentrations that demonstrates that the concentrations are below the 0.3 ppm worker exposure standard.

·         For grain bin fumigations, the data indicate that respiratory protection would not be required at all; however, the certified applicator and fumigation workers must monitor for phosphine concentrations to document that workers are not being exposed to phosphine at concentrations above the worker exposure standard.

·         For tarp fumigations, the data suggest that respiratory protection would not be required during the fumigation itself.  Monitoring for phosphine concentrations outside the tarp must be conducted periodically to document that there are no leaks.  The data demonstrate that during aeration of tarps inside buildings, all workers must wear respiratory protection until the certified applicator documents that phosphine concentrations are below the 0.3 ppm worker exposure standard.  Relocation (or addition) of “Warning Placards” might be necessary to insure adequate worker bystander notification.

·         The use of personal protective equipment (respiratory protection) until the certified applicator gives the order to remove it will eliminate all exposures that could present a risk of adverse health effects to workers or worker bystanders.

·         The data collected provided no evidence of unacceptable exposure to phosphine by non-fumigation workers, bystanders or the general public, even if located directly downwind of the fumigation sites.

·         The results of this study are consistent with the wealth of historical evidence of the safety of phosphine fumigation, when used in the correct manner by appropriately trained applicators.  Furthermore, the overwhelming weight of evidence indicates that the current labeling, and the additional protections included in the new labeling, provides adequate protection to fumigators, worker bystanders and the public.

Electronic monitoring equipment continues to evolve.  The equipment presently available is more than able to provide adequate information about high level concentrations and should be used primarily for detection of leakage and determination of efficacy.  When measurements are made for the purpose of re-entry or worker bystander safety, it is still advisable to verify electronic instruments against detector tubes.  The cost differential between manual and electronic equipment is, and will continue to be, the prime consideration in the choice of detectors.

RECOMMENDATIONS

·         After the certified applicator develops sufficient historical information about a fumigation site, the written site-specific fumigation management plans can be based on historical monitoring data.  Historical data can be used by the certified applicator to provide preliminary guidance on the use of respiratory protection but can not be substituted for monitoring during ongoing or future fumigations.

·         The certified applicator must be responsible for conducting spot monitoring checks for phosphine concentrations and document this data to demonstrate that the fumigation management plan is protecting all workers, worker bystanders and the general public.

·         Respiratory protection equipment must be readily available and donned immediately if phosphine concentrations unexpectedly exceed the worker exposure standard.

·         Although the data collected in this study indicate the likelihood of such an event is remote, the certified applicator must nonetheless have an emergency response plan in place with local authorities and be prepared to respond immediately should monitoring data indicate a risk of exposure by the general public.

·         While the data presented in this study suggests that fumigations were conducted without producing excessive phosphine concentrations, improved and upgraded training of certified applicators is a desirable goal.  This is the key to ensuring the continued safe use of this product line.  It is critical that EPA, USDA and the states work together toward upgrading each of the training modules and use them in the training and certification of applicators.

·         EPA must approve the pending label revisions as soon as possible.  Formal approval by EPA of this pending label will help ensure that users have access to the best and latest information on the conditions and restrictions for using these products.

Acknowledgements

This data collection and document assembly was a major undertaking that would not have been possible without the help of quite a few individuals and firms.  The following, in no particular order, collected the data that was used to prepare the report.

     Cardinal Chemical Co. - Ed Hosoda
     Fume Tech - Jim Garrett
     Fumigation Service & Supply - John Mueller
     Industrial Fumigant Company - Pamela Peckman
     EcoLab - Myron Bauman
     Cytec - Mike DePalo
     Degesch America, Inc. - Mark Mathews, Jim Story, Jerry Bartlett, Thomas Meave, Mike McLean

The Registrants would like to thank Dr. Joel Seckar and Dr. Paul Harp - R J Reynolds Tobacco Co., for their expertise and help in putting together the report.  Their efforts in converting the raw data to a usable and readable report cannot go unrecognized.

How Can I Get a Copy of the Study?

The finished study weighed in at 7 pounds spread out over 376 pages and took about 160 MB of disk space.  This size precludes putting the entire document on this site.  Copies may be obtained  from the Agency once a MRID number is assigned and it is placed in the public docket . Charges and procedures for this method are at the sole discretion of the Agency.

Conventions and Conferences

Degesch America, Inc. Recertification School

Do you need recertification credits to keep your license or certification current?  Come join us at the Degesch America, Inc. Recertification School in Charlottesville, VA on April 24, 2003.  This years topics include Structural Fumigation, Gas Detection and Respiratory Protection, Integrated Pest Management, Food Plant Pest Control, The Degesch Phosphine Generator and Phosphine Abatement Unit, The Current Status of Methyl Bromide, Ship Fumigation, The New Phosphine Label and more.  For the complete schedule and a registration form, click here.

Grain Elevator and Processing Society

GEAPS Exchange 2003 -- Top 10 Questions

Degesch America, Inc. will be an Exhibitor at the trade show and present the Soda Blaster (See Issue II) as part of the "What's New" educational session.  George Luzaich, Mark Mathews and Jim Smiley will be in attendance. Stop by booth # 507-509 and check out the Soda Blaster.

Association of Operative Millers

Association of Operative Millers 107th Annual Technical Conference and Trade Show

When:  May 17- 21, 2003
Where: David L. Lawrence Convention Center and The Westin Convention Center Pittsburgh Hotel.
             Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 

Degesch America, Inc. will be an Exhibitor at the trade show and have the Degesch Phosphine Generator on display.  Herb Yeaman, Mark Mathews and Jim Smiley will be in attendance.  Stop by booth # 515-614 and look over the Phosphine Generator

People in the News

Congratulations

Rolf Geiss, Managing Director of Detia Degesch Germany and responsible for international sales officially retired December 31, 2002.  Mr. Geiss was also a member of the Board of Directors for Degesch America, Inc.  While no longer involved in the day to day operations of Detia Degesch, Rolf will continue to provide his input and support as the transition takes place.

Alfie Treleven, President of Sprague Pest Control, Tacoma, WA has been elected Chairman of the Board of Directors for Copesan Services.  "Copesan is an alliance of regional pest management companies that are united as a single entity for the sole purpose of providing quality pest control solutions to businesses with locations throughout North America."- Copesan website

Degesch America, Inc.  congratulates Thomas Meave, Houston Division Manager and Randy Condra, Southwest Sales Manager on their newly assigned positions. Thomas will be responsible for the daily operations of the Houston Division office while Randy will be promoting new sales opportunities for the region.

George Tate, a former employee of Degesch America, Inc., sent word that he is engaged to be married.  The proposal took place on Christmas Day 2002 with a wedding date to be announced shortly.  Please join all of us in wishing the future Mrs. Tate the "Wisdom of Solomon" and the "Patience of Job" as she embarks on this life long journey.  Those wishing to correspond directly with George may reach him at:  George Tate

News from the world of Degesch sports:  At a recent golf outing in New Orleans, Jim Sharpe bested George Luzaich on consecutive days.  Mr. Luzaich and Noah Pritchard of Bluewater Shipping fame also engaged in a match with both claiming victory at the end.  Due to the individuals involved, we were unable to ascertain the true results and leave you to draw your own conclusions.