Canadian Government Issues Evaluation on Boric Acid

CANADA: The Government of Canada published a final pesticide re-evaluation decision for boric acid, a naturally occurring substance that is commonly used in a wide range of pesticide products to control insects and fungi.

Boric acid, sometimes called boron or borax, is found in the environment and Canadians are exposed to it naturally through food (such as fruit and vegetables) and drinking water. Canadians can also be exposed to boric acid through a variety of commonly used products, such as pesticides, cleaning products, homemade arts and craft materials, cosmetics, swimming pool and spa chemicals, and drugs and natural health products. While low levels of exposure to boric acid are not considered to be a health risk, overexposure to boric acid has the potential to cause developmental and reproductive health effects. The concern is not with any one product, but rather multiple exposures from a variety of sources, according to the agency.

A number of pesticides that contain boric acid for use in and around the home will have their registrations cancelled and be phased out of the marketplace. These are products in powder form or other formats, where there is a potential risk of overexposure for Canadians. Some other boric acid pesticide uses will continue to be registered in Canada, but they will include new, stronger label requirements to better protect the health of Canadians, according to the agency.

July 22, 2018 is the last date of retail sale and July 22, 2019 is the last date of allowable use (expiry of registration).

The Government of Canada is also conducting a broader review of boric acid under its Chemicals Management Plan and has published a draft risk assessment for input from Canadians. Based on the draft risk assessment’s finding, Health Canada is advising Canadians to avoid using boric acid for arts and crafts projects, such as homemade slime, or modeling clay. Health Canada is also advising against making homemade pesticides with boric acid.

In total, there are 110 pesticide products registered for use in Canada containing boric acid. Of those, 25 will have their registrations cancelled while the remaining 85 will have to meet new labeling requirements no later than 24 months from the date of this final decision.

More info: www.healthcanada.gc.ca/media