A WA parliamentary question addresses the Health Department regarding the health effects of the chemical 2,4,5-T in weed sprays, including potential deaths and illnesses from constant use. The Minister provides information on toxicity, symptoms, and safe usage guidelines.

AnsweredQoN 55Legislative Assembly
Asked
9 August 2000
Member
Portfolio
Health

QuestionView source ↗

(1) Does the Health Department have any information or research on the effects of people constantly using weed spray containing the chemical 245T? (2) Does any of the information or research identify the health effects of using this chemical? (3) What are the health effects so identified? (4) Has the use of this chemical in weed spray programs led to the ultimate death of some individuals? (5) If so, what were the circumstances? (6) If not is it capable of doing so? (7) Does the Department of Health have other information or research on the health effects of using weed sprays? (8) What are the general conclusions of that research? (9) Is there any research that supports the view that a person constantly using weed spray may be susceptible to some form of illness or disease? (10) What is the nature of that research and what are its findings? Answered on 19 September 2000 The Minister

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
19 September 2000
Response time
41 days
(1) Yes. (2) Yes. (3) 2,4,5-T is moderately toxic. Signs of poisoning include: eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation; headache; dizziness; nausea; muscular pain; fatigue; dyspnoea; nervousness and irritability. Decreased libido and intolerance to cold have also been reported after an industrial accident. Ingestion can cause gastroenteritis and injury to the central nervous system, muscle, kidney and liver. Chloracne has been reported both after acute intoxication and longer term exposure. (4) No. I am not aware of any deaths in Western Australia directly or indirectly associated with the use of this chemical in weed spray programmes. (5) Not applicable. (6) Yes. As with a large number of chemicals, accidental or intentional poisoning can cause adverse health effects, including death. However, it can be used safely if used in accordance with the registered label. (7) Yes. Information is available from the published scientific literature and assessment of manufacturer's research submitted to the National Registration Authority (a Commonwealth instrumentality) in support of registration. Each registered herbicide (weed spray) has a registered label, which contains, inter alia, a classification of the hazardous nature of the herbicide and information on conditions for use, application rates, any requirement for protective clothing and first aid and safety directions, all based on the scientific research. (8) Herbicides can be used safely provided they are used according to the registered label instructions. If the instructions are not followed, the risk of harm increases depending on how much one deviates from the instructions. (9) Yes. The registration process considers any potential adverse effects from continued use of pesticides. If adverse effects are identified, the chemical may not be registered or may be registered conditional on appropriate safety measures being taken during use and application, which would be reflected in the information on the registered label. (10) Research includes chemical, toxicological and epidemiological studies. The findings, in general, are that adverse effects depend on the nature of the chemical, the amount to which one is exposed, the duration and nature of exposure, and, in some cases, the characteristics of the person or animal exposed.
(2) Does any of the information or research identify the health effects of using this chemical? (3) What are the health effects so identified? (4) Has the use of this chemical in weed spray programs led to the ultimate death of some individuals? (5) If so, what were the circumstances? (6) If not is it capable of doing so? (7) Does the Department of Health have other information or research on the health effects of using weed sprays? (8) What are the general conclusions of that research? (9) Is there any research that supports the view that a person constantly using weed spray may be susceptible to some form of illness or disease? (10) What is the nature of that research and what are its findings? Answered on 19 September 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) Yes. (2) Yes. (3) 2,4,5-T is moderately toxic. Signs of poisoning include: eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation; headache; dizziness; nausea; muscular pain; fatigue; dyspnoea; nervousness and irritability. Decreased libido and intolerance to cold have also been reported after an industrial accident. Ingestion can cause gastroenteritis and injury to the central nervous system, muscle, kidney and liver. Chloracne has been reported both after acute intoxication and longer term exposure. (4) No. I am not aware of any deaths in Western Australia directly or indirectly associated with the use of this chemical in weed spray programmes. (5) Not applicable. (6) Yes. As with a large number of chemicals, accidental or intentional poisoning can cause adverse health effects, including death. However, it can be used safely if used in accordance with the registered label. (7) Yes. Information is available from the published scientific literature and assessment of manufacturer's research submitted to the National Registration Authority (a Commonwealth instrumentality) in support of registration. Each registered herbicide (weed spray) has a registered label, which contains, inter alia, a classification of the hazardous nature of the herbicide and information on conditions for use, application rates, any requirement for protective clothing and first aid and safety directions, all based on the scientific research. (8) Herbicides can be used safely provided they are used according to the registered label instructions. If the instructions are not followed, the risk of harm increases depending on how much one deviates from the instructions. (9) Yes. The registration process considers any potential adverse effects from continued use of pesticides. If adverse effects are identified, the chemical may not be registered or may be registered conditional on appropriate safety measures being taken during use and application, which would be reflected in the information on the registered label. (10) Research includes chemical, toxicological and epidemiological studies. The findings, in general, are that adverse effects depend on the nature of the chemical, the amount to which one is exposed, the duration and nature of exposure, and, in some cases, the characteristics of the person or animal exposed.
(3) What are the health effects so identified? (4) Has the use of this chemical in weed spray programs led to the ultimate death of some individuals? (5) If so, what were the circumstances? (6) If not is it capable of doing so? (7) Does the Department of Health have other information or research on the health effects of using weed sprays? (8) What are the general conclusions of that research? (9) Is there any research that supports the view that a person constantly using weed spray may be susceptible to some form of illness or disease? (10) What is the nature of that research and what are its findings? Answered on 19 September 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) Yes. (2) Yes. (3) 2,4,5-T is moderately toxic. Signs of poisoning include: eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation; headache; dizziness; nausea; muscular pain; fatigue; dyspnoea; nervousness and irritability. Decreased libido and intolerance to cold have also been reported after an industrial accident. Ingestion can cause gastroenteritis and injury to the central nervous system, muscle, kidney and liver. Chloracne has been reported both after acute intoxication and longer term exposure. (4) No. I am not aware of any deaths in Western Australia directly or indirectly associated with the use of this chemical in weed spray programmes. (5) Not applicable. (6) Yes. As with a large number of chemicals, accidental or intentional poisoning can cause adverse health effects, including death. However, it can be used safely if used in accordance with the registered label. (7) Yes. Information is available from the published scientific literature and assessment of manufacturer's research submitted to the National Registration Authority (a Commonwealth instrumentality) in support of registration. Each registered herbicide (weed spray) has a registered label, which contains, inter alia, a classification of the hazardous nature of the herbicide and information on conditions for use, application rates, any requirement for protective clothing and first aid and safety directions, all based on the scientific research. (8) Herbicides can be used safely provided they are used according to the registered label instructions. If the instructions are not followed, the risk of harm increases depending on how much one deviates from the instructions. (9) Yes. The registration process considers any potential adverse effects from continued use of pesticides. If adverse effects are identified, the chemical may not be registered or may be registered conditional on appropriate safety measures being taken during use and application, which would be reflected in the information on the registered label. (10) Research includes chemical, toxicological and epidemiological studies. The findings, in general, are that adverse effects depend on the nature of the chemical, the amount to which one is exposed, the duration and nature of exposure, and, in some cases, the characteristics of the person or animal exposed.
(4) Has the use of this chemical in weed spray programs led to the ultimate death of some individuals? (5) If so, what were the circumstances? (6) If not is it capable of doing so? (7) Does the Department of Health have other information or research on the health effects of using weed sprays? (8) What are the general conclusions of that research? (9) Is there any research that supports the view that a person constantly using weed spray may be susceptible to some form of illness or disease? (10) What is the nature of that research and what are its findings? Answered on 19 September 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) Yes. (2) Yes. (3) 2,4,5-T is moderately toxic. Signs of poisoning include: eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation; headache; dizziness; nausea; muscular pain; fatigue; dyspnoea; nervousness and irritability. Decreased libido and intolerance to cold have also been reported after an industrial accident. Ingestion can cause gastroenteritis and injury to the central nervous system, muscle, kidney and liver. Chloracne has been reported both after acute intoxication and longer term exposure. (4) No. I am not aware of any deaths in Western Australia directly or indirectly associated with the use of this chemical in weed spray programmes. (5) Not applicable. (6) Yes. As with a large number of chemicals, accidental or intentional poisoning can cause adverse health effects, including death. However, it can be used safely if used in accordance with the registered label. (7) Yes. Information is available from the published scientific literature and assessment of manufacturer's research submitted to the National Registration Authority (a Commonwealth instrumentality) in support of registration. Each registered herbicide (weed spray) has a registered label, which contains, inter alia, a classification of the hazardous nature of the herbicide and information on conditions for use, application rates, any requirement for protective clothing and first aid and safety directions, all based on the scientific research. (8) Herbicides can be used safely provided they are used according to the registered label instructions. If the instructions are not followed, the risk of harm increases depending on how much one deviates from the instructions. (9) Yes. The registration process considers any potential adverse effects from continued use of pesticides. If adverse effects are identified, the chemical may not be registered or may be registered conditional on appropriate safety measures being taken during use and application, which would be reflected in the information on the registered label. (10) Research includes chemical, toxicological and epidemiological studies. The findings, in general, are that adverse effects depend on the nature of the chemical, the amount to which one is exposed, the duration and nature of exposure, and, in some cases, the characteristics of the person or animal exposed.
(5) If so, what were the circumstances? (6) If not is it capable of doing so? (7) Does the Department of Health have other information or research on the health effects of using weed sprays? (8) What are the general conclusions of that research? (9) Is there any research that supports the view that a person constantly using weed spray may be susceptible to some form of illness or disease? (10) What is the nature of that research and what are its findings? Answered on 19 September 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) Yes. (2) Yes. (3) 2,4,5-T is moderately toxic. Signs of poisoning include: eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation; headache; dizziness; nausea; muscular pain; fatigue; dyspnoea; nervousness and irritability. Decreased libido and intolerance to cold have also been reported after an industrial accident. Ingestion can cause gastroenteritis and injury to the central nervous system, muscle, kidney and liver. Chloracne has been reported both after acute intoxication and longer term exposure. (4) No. I am not aware of any deaths in Western Australia directly or indirectly associated with the use of this chemical in weed spray programmes. (5) Not applicable. (6) Yes. As with a large number of chemicals, accidental or intentional poisoning can cause adverse health effects, including death. However, it can be used safely if used in accordance with the registered label. (7) Yes. Information is available from the published scientific literature and assessment of manufacturer's research submitted to the National Registration Authority (a Commonwealth instrumentality) in support of registration. Each registered herbicide (weed spray) has a registered label, which contains, inter alia, a classification of the hazardous nature of the herbicide and information on conditions for use, application rates, any requirement for protective clothing and first aid and safety directions, all based on the scientific research. (8) Herbicides can be used safely provided they are used according to the registered label instructions. If the instructions are not followed, the risk of harm increases depending on how much one deviates from the instructions. (9) Yes. The registration process considers any potential adverse effects from continued use of pesticides. If adverse effects are identified, the chemical may not be registered or may be registered conditional on appropriate safety measures being taken during use and application, which would be reflected in the information on the registered label. (10) Research includes chemical, toxicological and epidemiological studies. The findings, in general, are that adverse effects depend on the nature of the chemical, the amount to which one is exposed, the duration and nature of exposure, and, in some cases, the characteristics of the person or animal exposed.
(6) If not is it capable of doing so? (7) Does the Department of Health have other information or research on the health effects of using weed sprays? (8) What are the general conclusions of that research? (9) Is there any research that supports the view that a person constantly using weed spray may be susceptible to some form of illness or disease? (10) What is the nature of that research and what are its findings? Answered on 19 September 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) Yes. (2) Yes. (3) 2,4,5-T is moderately toxic. Signs of poisoning include: eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation; headache; dizziness; nausea; muscular pain; fatigue; dyspnoea; nervousness and irritability. Decreased libido and intolerance to cold have also been reported after an industrial accident. Ingestion can cause gastroenteritis and injury to the central nervous system, muscle, kidney and liver. Chloracne has been reported both after acute intoxication and longer term exposure. (4) No. I am not aware of any deaths in Western Australia directly or indirectly associated with the use of this chemical in weed spray programmes. (5) Not applicable. (6) Yes. As with a large number of chemicals, accidental or intentional poisoning can cause adverse health effects, including death. However, it can be used safely if used in accordance with the registered label. (7) Yes. Information is available from the published scientific literature and assessment of manufacturer's research submitted to the National Registration Authority (a Commonwealth instrumentality) in support of registration. Each registered herbicide (weed spray) has a registered label, which contains, inter alia, a classification of the hazardous nature of the herbicide and information on conditions for use, application rates, any requirement for protective clothing and first aid and safety directions, all based on the scientific research. (8) Herbicides can be used safely provided they are used according to the registered label instructions. If the instructions are not followed, the risk of harm increases depending on how much one deviates from the instructions. (9) Yes. The registration process considers any potential adverse effects from continued use of pesticides. If adverse effects are identified, the chemical may not be registered or may be registered conditional on appropriate safety measures being taken during use and application, which would be reflected in the information on the registered label. (10) Research includes chemical, toxicological and epidemiological studies. The findings, in general, are that adverse effects depend on the nature of the chemical, the amount to which one is exposed, the duration and nature of exposure, and, in some cases, the characteristics of the person or animal exposed.
(7) Does the Department of Health have other information or research on the health effects of using weed sprays? (8) What are the general conclusions of that research? (9) Is there any research that supports the view that a person constantly using weed spray may be susceptible to some form of illness or disease? (10) What is the nature of that research and what are its findings? Answered on 19 September 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) Yes. (2) Yes. (3) 2,4,5-T is moderately toxic. Signs of poisoning include: eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation; headache; dizziness; nausea; muscular pain; fatigue; dyspnoea; nervousness and irritability. Decreased libido and intolerance to cold have also been reported after an industrial accident. Ingestion can cause gastroenteritis and injury to the central nervous system, muscle, kidney and liver. Chloracne has been reported both after acute intoxication and longer term exposure. (4) No. I am not aware of any deaths in Western Australia directly or indirectly associated with the use of this chemical in weed spray programmes. (5) Not applicable. (6) Yes. As with a large number of chemicals, accidental or intentional poisoning can cause adverse health effects, including death. However, it can be used safely if used in accordance with the registered label. (7) Yes. Information is available from the published scientific literature and assessment of manufacturer's research submitted to the National Registration Authority (a Commonwealth instrumentality) in support of registration. Each registered herbicide (weed spray) has a registered label, which contains, inter alia, a classification of the hazardous nature of the herbicide and information on conditions for use, application rates, any requirement for protective clothing and first aid and safety directions, all based on the scientific research. (8) Herbicides can be used safely provided they are used according to the registered label instructions. If the instructions are not followed, the risk of harm increases depending on how much one deviates from the instructions. (9) Yes. The registration process considers any potential adverse effects from continued use of pesticides. If adverse effects are identified, the chemical may not be registered or may be registered conditional on appropriate safety measures being taken during use and application, which would be reflected in the information on the registered label. (10) Research includes chemical, toxicological and epidemiological studies. The findings, in general, are that adverse effects depend on the nature of the chemical, the amount to which one is exposed, the duration and nature of exposure, and, in some cases, the characteristics of the person or animal exposed.
(8) What are the general conclusions of that research? (9) Is there any research that supports the view that a person constantly using weed spray may be susceptible to some form of illness or disease? (10) What is the nature of that research and what are its findings? Answered on 19 September 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) Yes. (2) Yes. (3) 2,4,5-T is moderately toxic. Signs of poisoning include: eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation; headache; dizziness; nausea; muscular pain; fatigue; dyspnoea; nervousness and irritability. Decreased libido and intolerance to cold have also been reported after an industrial accident. Ingestion can cause gastroenteritis and injury to the central nervous system, muscle, kidney and liver. Chloracne has been reported both after acute intoxication and longer term exposure. (4) No. I am not aware of any deaths in Western Australia directly or indirectly associated with the use of this chemical in weed spray programmes. (5) Not applicable. (6) Yes. As with a large number of chemicals, accidental or intentional poisoning can cause adverse health effects, including death. However, it can be used safely if used in accordance with the registered label. (7) Yes. Information is available from the published scientific literature and assessment of manufacturer's research submitted to the National Registration Authority (a Commonwealth instrumentality) in support of registration. Each registered herbicide (weed spray) has a registered label, which contains, inter alia, a classification of the hazardous nature of the herbicide and information on conditions for use, application rates, any requirement for protective clothing and first aid and safety directions, all based on the scientific research. (8) Herbicides can be used safely provided they are used according to the registered label instructions. If the instructions are not followed, the risk of harm increases depending on how much one deviates from the instructions. (9) Yes. The registration process considers any potential adverse effects from continued use of pesticides. If adverse effects are identified, the chemical may not be registered or may be registered conditional on appropriate safety measures being taken during use and application, which would be reflected in the information on the registered label. (10) Research includes chemical, toxicological and epidemiological studies. The findings, in general, are that adverse effects depend on the nature of the chemical, the amount to which one is exposed, the duration and nature of exposure, and, in some cases, the characteristics of the person or animal exposed.
(9) Is there any research that supports the view that a person constantly using weed spray may be susceptible to some form of illness or disease? (10) What is the nature of that research and what are its findings? Answered on 19 September 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) Yes. (2) Yes. (3) 2,4,5-T is moderately toxic. Signs of poisoning include: eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation; headache; dizziness; nausea; muscular pain; fatigue; dyspnoea; nervousness and irritability. Decreased libido and intolerance to cold have also been reported after an industrial accident. Ingestion can cause gastroenteritis and injury to the central nervous system, muscle, kidney and liver. Chloracne has been reported both after acute intoxication and longer term exposure. (4) No. I am not aware of any deaths in Western Australia directly or indirectly associated with the use of this chemical in weed spray programmes. (5) Not applicable. (6) Yes. As with a large number of chemicals, accidental or intentional poisoning can cause adverse health effects, including death. However, it can be used safely if used in accordance with the registered label. (7) Yes. Information is available from the published scientific literature and assessment of manufacturer's research submitted to the National Registration Authority (a Commonwealth instrumentality) in support of registration. Each registered herbicide (weed spray) has a registered label, which contains, inter alia, a classification of the hazardous nature of the herbicide and information on conditions for use, application rates, any requirement for protective clothing and first aid and safety directions, all based on the scientific research. (8) Herbicides can be used safely provided they are used according to the registered label instructions. If the instructions are not followed, the risk of harm increases depending on how much one deviates from the instructions. (9) Yes. The registration process considers any potential adverse effects from continued use of pesticides. If adverse effects are identified, the chemical may not be registered or may be registered conditional on appropriate safety measures being taken during use and application, which would be reflected in the information on the registered label. (10) Research includes chemical, toxicological and epidemiological studies. The findings, in general, are that adverse effects depend on the nature of the chemical, the amount to which one is exposed, the duration and nature of exposure, and, in some cases, the characteristics of the person or animal exposed.
(10) What is the nature of that research and what are its findings? Answered on 19 September 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) Yes. (2) Yes. (3) 2,4,5-T is moderately toxic. Signs of poisoning include: eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation; headache; dizziness; nausea; muscular pain; fatigue; dyspnoea; nervousness and irritability. Decreased libido and intolerance to cold have also been reported after an industrial accident. Ingestion can cause gastroenteritis and injury to the central nervous system, muscle, kidney and liver. Chloracne has been reported both after acute intoxication and longer term exposure. (4) No. I am not aware of any deaths in Western Australia directly or indirectly associated with the use of this chemical in weed spray programmes. (5) Not applicable. (6) Yes. As with a large number of chemicals, accidental or intentional poisoning can cause adverse health effects, including death. However, it can be used safely if used in accordance with the registered label. (7) Yes. Information is available from the published scientific literature and assessment of manufacturer's research submitted to the National Registration Authority (a Commonwealth instrumentality) in support of registration. Each registered herbicide (weed spray) has a registered label, which contains, inter alia, a classification of the hazardous nature of the herbicide and information on conditions for use, application rates, any requirement for protective clothing and first aid and safety directions, all based on the scientific research. (8) Herbicides can be used safely provided they are used according to the registered label instructions. If the instructions are not followed, the risk of harm increases depending on how much one deviates from the instructions. (9) Yes. The registration process considers any potential adverse effects from continued use of pesticides. If adverse effects are identified, the chemical may not be registered or may be registered conditional on appropriate safety measures being taken during use and application, which would be reflected in the information on the registered label. (10) Research includes chemical, toxicological and epidemiological studies. The findings, in general, are that adverse effects depend on the nature of the chemical, the amount to which one is exposed, the duration and nature of exposure, and, in some cases, the characteristics of the person or animal exposed.
Answered on 19 September 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) Yes. (2) Yes. (3) 2,4,5-T is moderately toxic. Signs of poisoning include: eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation; headache; dizziness; nausea; muscular pain; fatigue; dyspnoea; nervousness and irritability. Decreased libido and intolerance to cold have also been reported after an industrial accident. Ingestion can cause gastroenteritis and injury to the central nervous system, muscle, kidney and liver. Chloracne has been reported both after acute intoxication and longer term exposure. (4) No. I am not aware of any deaths in Western Australia directly or indirectly associated with the use of this chemical in weed spray programmes. (5) Not applicable. (6) Yes. As with a large number of chemicals, accidental or intentional poisoning can cause adverse health effects, including death. However, it can be used safely if used in accordance with the registered label. (7) Yes. Information is available from the published scientific literature and assessment of manufacturer's research submitted to the National Registration Authority (a Commonwealth instrumentality) in support of registration. Each registered herbicide (weed spray) has a registered label, which contains, inter alia, a classification of the hazardous nature of the herbicide and information on conditions for use, application rates, any requirement for protective clothing and first aid and safety directions, all based on the scientific research. (8) Herbicides can be used safely provided they are used according to the registered label instructions. If the instructions are not followed, the risk of harm increases depending on how much one deviates from the instructions. (9) Yes. The registration process considers any potential adverse effects from continued use of pesticides. If adverse effects are identified, the chemical may not be registered or may be registered conditional on appropriate safety measures being taken during use and application, which would be reflected in the information on the registered label. (10) Research includes chemical, toxicological and epidemiological studies. The findings, in general, are that adverse effects depend on the nature of the chemical, the amount to which one is exposed, the duration and nature of exposure, and, in some cases, the characteristics of the person or animal exposed.

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