Dicofol

A range of chemical and non-chemical alternatives to dicofol are available and accessible in various geographical regions.

Note that following information is extracted from the risk management evaluation document (UNEP/POPS/POPRC.13/7/Add.1).

Available alternatives 

The alternatives, considered as technically feasible, include over 25 chemical pesticides, biological controls (pathogens and predators), botanical preparations (plant extracts), and agroecological practices (such as are used in agroecology, organics and integrated pest management or IPM). The range of alternatives reflects the various pest-crop combinations for which dicofol is or has been applied, in regions with very different climatic conditions and crops. All the alternatives described are considered to be technically feasible, available and accessible in a range of countries.

Overview of chemical alternatives reported in responses to the Annex F information request and a summary of the GHS classification of hazards

Chemical alternative to dicofol

Reported as an alternative by Parties and Observers (Annex F Survey)

Global Harmonized System (GHS)(*) hazard classifications

Abamectin

India (Abamectin technical)

H300 - Fatal if swallowed; H330 - Fatal if inhaled; H361d - Suspected of damaging the unborn child; H372 - causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure; H400 - Very toxic to aquatic life; H410 - very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

Acequinocyl

Canada

H317 - May cause an allergic skin reaction; H370 (lung) (inhalation) - Causes damage to organs; H373 (blood system) - May cause damage to organs; H400 - Very toxic to aquatic life; H410 - very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

Bifenzate

Canada

H317 - May cause an allergic skin reaction; H373 - May cause damage to organs; H400 - Very toxic to aquatic life; H410 - very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

Cyflumetofen

Canada

H300 - Fatal if swallowed; H331 - Toxic if inhaled; H400 - Very toxic to aquatic life; H410 - very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

Etoxazole

Canada

H400 - Very toxic to aquatic life; H410 - very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

Fenazaquin

India (Magister 10% EC)

H301 - Toxic if swallowed; H332 - Harmful if inhaled; H400 - Very toxic to aquatic life; H410 - very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

Fenbutatin oxide

Canada

H315 - Causes skin irritation; H319 - Serious eye irritation; H330 - Fatal if inhaled; H400 - Very toxic to aquatic life; H410 - very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

Fenpyroximate

Canada

H301 - Toxic if swallowed; H317 - May cause an allergic skin reaction; H330 - Fatal if inhaled; H400 - Very toxic to aquatic life; H410 - very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

Formetanate hydrochloride

Canada

H300 - Fatal if swallowed; H317 - May cause an allergic skin reaction; H330 - Fatal if inhaled; H400 - Very toxic to aquatic life; H410 - very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting ects.

Propargite

India (Propargite 57% EC)

H315 - Causes skin irritation; H318 - Causes serious eye damage; H331 - Toxic if inhaled; H351 - Suspected of causing cancer; H400 - Very toxic to aquatic life; H410 - very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

Pyridaben

Canada

H301 - Toxic if swallowed; H331 - Toxic if inhaled; H400 - Very toxic to aquatic life; H410 - very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

Spirodiclofen

Canada

317 - May cause an allergic skin reaction; H351 - Suspected of causing cancer; H410 - Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

Spiromesifen

Canada

H332 - Harmful if inhaled; H410 - Very toxic to aquatic life .with long lasting effects.

Tebufenpyrad 

India

H301 - Toxic if swallowed; H317 - May cause an allergic skin reaction; H332 - Harmful if inhaled; H373 (gastro-intestinal tract) (oral) - May cause damage to organs; H400 - Very toxic to aquatic life; H410 - very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

*GHS hazard classifications based on Annex VI of the European Union Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of hazardous substances and mixtures.

For further information, please refer to

  • UNEP/POPS/POPRC.5/10/Add.1 – General guidance on considerations related to alternatives and substitutes for listed persistent organic pollutants and candidate chemicals
  • Risk profile Ar, Ch, En, Fr, Ru, Sp (PDF)
  • Risk management evaluation Ar, Ch, En, Fr, Ru, Sp (PDF)