MAKER of pyriproxyfen, agrochemical manufacturer Sumitomo, has no data on the effects of the pesticide on the environment.
Branded as Distance and Distance Plus, Sumitomo’s own literature says no statistics are available on the persistence and degradability of pyriproxyfen on the land.
Sumitomo also concedes it has no information on the mobility of pyriproxyfen through soil or what the effects of bioaccumulation of pyriproxyfen are during repeated uses on the land over many years.
Its warnings on the use of pyriproxyfen near water state that it is “harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects”.
The multinational, which has a facility at Darra, adds that Distance Plus is effective at killing five other species or species-groups of ants such as the green tree ant, meat ants, greenhead ant, the black ant, and pale tyrant ant which are native to Australia and “to varying extents constitute a nuisance to agriculture or human lifestyle”.
Pyriproxyfen mimics a natural hormone in insects and disrupts growth. It is a type of insect growth regulator that affects mostly young insects and eggs.
Pyriproxyfen has been linked to human birth defects in Brazil and stunts the development of tadpoles by impeding proper brain and genitalia growth [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5760164/].
Meanwhile, Fipronil, used to combat fire ants, has also been used to combat varroa mite in Australia.
It is banned in Europe and harmful to humans.
In some jurisdictions Fipronil is classed as PFAS.
In Europe, The Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety drafted a motion for a resolution on fipronil to ban its use, citing various studies in which it is classed as a PFAS and carcinogen [https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/ENVI-RD-756349_EN.pdf]
“Fipronil is similar to neonicotinoids because of similarities in their toxicity, physicochemical profiles, and presence … there is increasing evidence that the use of fipronil has a devastating impact on biodiversity and especially bees and other pollinators whereas the long-term intake of fipronil may cause damage to the central nervous system, liver, thyroid and kidney”, “where fipronil is classified as a ‘possible human carcinogen’ by the United States Environmental Protection Agency,” the draft statement read.
Fipronil acts as an insect nerve agent and is banned for use on crops in the EU, China, Vietnam and California because of its effect on pollinators.
Sarah McGuire from Samford, west of Brisbane, took water samples from local wetlands where the poison had been dropped and found high levels of the pyriproxyfen and s-methoprene.
S-methoprene is a synthetic insect growth regulator (IGR) used in products such as pesticides, insecticides, and mosquito control agents.
While it can effectively control insect populations, S-methoprene has raised concerns due to its potential environmental and health impacts.
Some research suggests S-methoprene may act as an endocrine disruptor, potentially affecting hormone systems in animals and humans.
Exposure to S-Methoprene has been linked to health issues, including skin irritation, respiratory problems, and potential reproductive and developmental effects.
Associate Professor and Extension Entomologist at Texas A&M University Dr Robert Puckett recommends using the poisons only in areas with known fire ant infestations, avoiding wet ground, rain, and forested areas.
Sumitomo has advanced into other businesses such as forestry, coal mining, construction, machinery, chemicals, electric cable manufacturing, and metals.