Health Canada is consulting Canadians on the proposal to continue registration of products containing 3-methyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one (also referred to as methylcyclohexenone) for sale and use in Canada, with proposed updates to standard label statements.
Methylcyclohexenone is an anti-aggregation pheromone (semiochemical) registered as an insect repellent to deter Douglas-fir beetle, Dendroctonus pseudotsugae, and spruce beetle, Dendroctonus rufipennis, from attacking Douglas-fir trees and spruce trees, respectively. Methylcyclohexenone is a naturally occurring pheromone produced by beetles (Dendroctonus sp.), and released after they successfully attack a host tree.
There are three commercial class end-use products containing methylcyclohexenone registered in Canada, which are formulated as slow-release generators contained in individual bubble caps or dispensers. The product is applied at least two weeks prior to the expected attack flight of beetles by manually stapling individual bubble caps/dispensers to trees and stumps at a minimum height of 2.5 metres above ground.
Methylcyclohexenone has a non-toxic mode of action and is of value in providing a pest management solution. Based on the current use pattern of methylcyclohexenone, dietary exposure (food and drinking water) to methylcyclohexenone is not anticipated. The potential health (occupational, residential, and bystander) and environmental risks are considered to be acceptable when products containing methylcyclohexenone are used according to the current label directions. As a result of re-evaluation, no additional mitigation measures are proposed, however, updates to standard label statements as per current labelling standards are proposed (Appendix II of PRVD2024-05).
For a full list of products containing methylcyclohexenone, please consult Appendix I in the Proposed Re-evaluation Decision or visit the Pesticide Label Search database.
For more information on the proposed decision open the “Proposed Re-evaluation Decision”.
How to get involved
This consultation is open for comment from 24 September 2024 to 23 December 2024 (90 calendar days).
To comment on PRVD2024-05:
Step 1 Request the full consultation document to read the Science Evaluation that is the basis of this proposed regulatory decision.
Step 2 Submit comments to the PMRA Publications Section.
All comments received will be considered. A final re-evaluation decision will consider additional scientific information provided during the public comment period.
Please refer to the document title Proposed Re-evaluation Decision PRVD2024-05, 3-Methyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one and Its Associated End-use Products.
Reporting to Canadians
Health Canada will make the results of this consultation available on this website. Once the decision is finalized, the PMRA will post a Re-evaluation Decision on the Pesticides and Pest Management Reports and Publications portion of Canada.ca.
If you have any questions, contact the Pest Management Information Service.
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