Eco Hvar

First, it's important to understand that in order to preserve Hvar Island's natural assets, organic agriculture should be the norm. But chemical pesticides are touted as 'essential' and 'harmless except to target organisms', which is not true. Confusion reigns, much of it created deliberately by the chemical pesticide industry. Vested interests in a vast market have fuelled a system of secrecy, incomplete information, misinformation and downright lies. Even when the general public is aware of the dangers and tries to take action, as was the case when over a million European citizens signed the European Citizens' Initiative calling for a ban on the herbicide glyphosate, their wishes are ignored.

Confusion, Myths, Lies - half a dozen key points

No.1.  'Plant protection' and biocidal products.. The former are supposed to protect plants from pests and diseases. Of course, treating living organisms with poisons carries the inevitable risk that the poisons will penetrate into the food chain - hence the need for Maximum Residual Levels of poisons permitted in foods . Biocidal products are alleged to protect humans from diseases, but their widespread use is polluting our soil, water and air (and therefore us) with ever-increasing amounts of toxic substances. The separation of chemical pesticides into two groups for authorization creates paradoxes and confusion. At European level, 'Plant Protection' products are regulated by the European Commission / EU, while biocidal products are under the aegis of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA); in Croatia the Ministry of Agriculture's Phytosanitary Institution (FIS) lists 'plant protection' products, while the Ministry of Health (MIZ) regulates biocidal products. For more information about approval processes and relevant laws, please see our article 'Pesticides, laws and permits'.

Chemical poisons are not protectors, because they inevitably cause uncontrollable, unpredictable collateral damage. To deter intruders, would you protect your home with a trip-wire explosive device?

No. 2. Chemical pesticides are deemed ' safe'. Poisons, by definition, can't be safe. They are dangerous to produce, handle and apply; their residues in the food chain can be harmful to consumers; they can cause terrible damage in the environment. Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council: "...biocidal products can pose risks to humans, animals and the environment due to their intrinsic properties and associated use patterns."

To say they are 'tested for safety' is misleading: the tests simply show how much of each poison can be tolerated before it causes harm or death. The tests (which are abominably cruel) are invariably carried out on animals in the early stages. The results form the basis of theoretical permitted residual levels (MRLs) allowed in foods - for individual pesticides. Many foodstuffs, especially fruits and vegetables, contain residues of multiple pesticides. Even organically produced foods have been known to be contaminated.

When I was tested for pesticides at the Kudzu Science Institute in January 2021, I was found to have in my system traces of the herbicide glyphosate, rather more of a fungicidal substance called azoxystrobine (14.1 pg/mg) and a considerable amount of the pyrethroid insecticide permethrin (2355.2 pg/mg). This despite the fact that I never use poisons either at home or in my garden or field.

What are the effects of these combinations? No-one can know. The one certainty is that they are not good for us.

No. 3. Official authorization processes guarantee pesticide safety. Hardly. Approvals, both in the EU and the USA, are granted almost exclusively on the basis of unpublished industry-funded studies. In Europe, the REACH programme (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals), which came into force on June 1st 2007, "places the burden of proof on companies". Evaluation of the proofs the companies produce is carried out by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and Member States. Independent research revealing harmful effects of pesticide products, even when published in peer-reviewed journals, is rarely, if ever, taken into account. Without the balance of independent research, isn't this akin to covertly appointing the accused, or a representative of the accused, as chief witness for the Prosecution in a criminal case? Testing is carried out mostly on hapless laboratory animals, sometimes in the field, and very occasionally on humans. There have been reports of fraud, especially in an accredited German laboratory; funding bias has been alleged, especially in cases where studies have been funded secretly by agrochemical companies, resulting in distorted conclusions.

Chemicals known to be specially hazardous are designated as 'candidates for substitution'. However, they may still be approved for use, until as substitute is put forward for the market. In theory, approval is not granted to substances which are "carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxic substances categories 1A or 1B according to the CLP Regulation, endocrine disruptors, persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) substances, very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) substances". But: "Derogations are foreseen, in particular when the active substance may be needed on the grounds of public health or of public interest when no alternatives are available. In this case, approval of an active substance is granted for a maximum of five years (also for active substances where the assessment report was submitted before 1 September 2013, as per the transitional provisions)." (ECHA, Approval of active substances)

Bizarrely, ECHA regulations allow biocides to be used even without final approval: "biocidal products containing active substances in the Review Programme can be made available on the market and used (subject to national laws) pending the final decision on the approval of the active substance (and up to 3 years after). Products containing new active substances that are still under assessment may also be allowed on the market where a provisional authorisation is granted." (ECHA: Understanding BPR [biocidal products regulations].

Occasionally, really harmful pesticides are banned, if there is enough pressure from independent scientific evidence, environmental groups and public opinion. But the bans are not immediate, and take time to be enforced across the whole of the EU, if indeed they are enforced at all. There are discrepancies between the EU, ECHA and Croatian lists of authorized and banned pesticides which only add to the confusion.

No. 4. Using pesticides according to the label guarantees their safety. As we know, safety cannot be guaranteed under any circumstances. Warnings on product labels are generally scanty. Glyphosate products in particular carry virtually no warnings, despite the extensive evidence of their serious possible ill-effects, not to mention the growing number of successful court cases against glyphosate manufacturers in the USA. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has admitted that "Companies need to improve information about hazardous chemicals to consumers". In the EU pictograms are used on hazardous products - but how many people understand what each one means?

In Croatia, public authorities all too often use highly dangerous substances for generalized 'preventive treatments' across whole swathes of the environment. Some active poisonous substances are allowed as biocides but not as insecticides. For instance, the active substance permethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, is not approved in the European Union (EU) list of 'plant protection' products, but is allowed as a biocide by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). It was banned by the EU because of its very high toxicity to aquatic organisms. It is also highly toxic to bees and cats - as well as being harmful to humans. Tetramethrin, another synthetic pyrethroid, is not approved by the EU withdrawn 2002) or the ECHA, but is under review for approval by the ECHA as at August 2021. Besides being extremely toxic to bees, it is suspected of being a human carcinogen. Although tetramethrin is not approved by the ECHA, it continues to be used in practice, because of the extraordinary laxity in the approval process cited above.

Permethrin and Tetramethrin are combined as the active ingredients in Permex 22E, an insecticidal product which has been used for many years for fogging on Hvar, under the national Pest Suppression Programme (Dezinsekcija, dezinfekcija, deratizacija - DDD). Fogging is the practice of spraying pesticides into the environment from a moving vehicle. On Hvar, the pesticide is sprayed along all the roadsides, even where there are vineyards, olive groves and vegetable patches. So although Permethrin and Tetramethrin are banned as 'plant protectors', they still enter the food chain through this route.

Another example is the product Neopitroid Premium, whose active ingredients include Permethrin and another synthetic pyrethroid, Esbiothrin (d-Allethrin). Esbiothrin is not approved by the ECHA, who passed the opinion that 'Overall, no safe use could be identified'. Apart from being highly toxic to aquatic organisms and of course bees, esbiothrin is toxic to humans, and is considered to be harmful to the unborn child. The technical data sheet for Neopitroid Premium states (in Croatian) that the substance can be fatal for humans if swallowed or inhaled. Neopitroid Premium has been used for years in the Pest Suppression Programme, for instance around Sućuraj on Hvar in 2019, around Osijek in 2019, around the area of Sisak in July 2020, around the town of Sveta Nedjelja in September 2020, around Glina and Zagreb in July 2021. It has even been used for aerial spraying, for instance in the Vukovar-Srijem region in 2014.

No. 5. Chemical pesticide users read and obey the instructions on the packaging. Do they? They even don't always get the packaging, as in the case of a man who asked an agricultural supplier for advice about some pests in his fruit trees: he was given a paper packet and told the shop shouldn't really sell it to him, but he could sprinkle the unnamed white powder on his trees and that would fix the problem. Then there was the case of the agronomist showing students how to spray Fastac on olive trees, without any protective clothing, and smoking all the while! Totally in contravention of the warnings on the label, that is not the way to educate young future specialists in the 'safe use of pesticides'. The official warnings on Fastac define it as highly inflammable and extremely dangerous to human health. Fastac is now banned in Croatia. (Both examples are from Hvar Island.)

As for herbicides, especially Cidokor / Roundup, I have lost count of the number of times farmers have boasted that they use more than the recommended amount to make it 'work better'. That reveals that not only do they have no notion of how very dangerous these herbicides are, but they don't understand how systemic herbicides work. They certainly haven't read the instructions!

In August 2020 I witnessed an operator dowsing the palm trees on the Splitska waterfront on Brač Island with a liquid, which was piped up to the crown in order to seep down over the whole tree. He told me the liquid was a 'medicine', but when pressed, named it as Mix 6. One version of Mix 6 is a lethal mixture of several toxic substances: Cyfluthrin, Cypermethrin, Permethrin, Phenothrin, Resmethrin and Tefluthrion. Whether this was the actual product or a different combination, it is certain that the liquid was highly toxic - yet the operator had no protective clothing, not even gloves.

No. 6. Modern agriculture and world food security cannot survive without chemical pesticides and artificial fertilizers. This is a myth promoted by the agrochemical companies and their supporters for the sake of their own benefit and profits, without any corroborative evidence. Sadly, countries blindly buy into the myth. For instance, the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture has a Department of Expert Support which recommends a whole variety of 'preventive' and 'curative' pesticides year-round for all the crops in every region in Croatia. By contrast, the United Nations World Food Programme, aiming at 'Zero Hunger', places the emphasis on sustainable agriculture and maintenance of biodiversity, in particular preventing soil degradation through natural methods of control. Rightly so. It's not much use feeding the world poisons is it?

Agricultural poisons are sold in staggering quantities all round the world. According to official records, in 2017 1,511,118.48 kg of pesticides were subsequentlysold in Croatia, with fungicides and bactericides accounting for 727,128.65 kg, herbicides, haulim destructors and moss killers 668,738.85 kg, and insecticides and acaricides 115,250.98 kg. Estimated expenditure on pesticides in Croatia is estimated at some 50 million euros. Illegally imported pesticides add to the total. Operation Silver Axe, Europol's annual action against counterfeit goods in the EU, reported seizing 360 tonnes of illegal pesticides in 2018, with 4.5 tonnes in Croatia (article in Croatian), one of 29 participating EU countries. The total confiscated in 2019 amounted to 550 tonnes.

In this highly confusing situation, sources of information can be conflicting. Consumers have the duty and the right to know what they are buying and spreading round the environment, especially as much of it ends up in the food chain. In this list of pesticide products which are, or have been marketed in Croatia are the known possible adverse effects associated with their active ingredients, according to official information and research published in peer-reviewed journals. For details of the information sources please refer to our article 'Pesticides and Their Adverse Effects'.

 

ACTARA 25WG, ACTARA 240SC active ingredient THIAMETHOXAM. Neonicotinoid, EU: not approved ECHA: approved PT18/01/02.2015 - 31/01/2025..

Thiamethoxam possible adverse effects: Highly toxic to aquatic life, with acute and lasting effects; highly toxic to bees; toxic to earthworms; in humans, can be harmful through skin contact, inhalation, and especially ingestion; can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, dizziness, headache; ingestion can cause seizures, coma, hypothermia, respiratory failure, hypotension, ventricular dysrhythmias and death.

Croatia FIS / MIZ: Actara 25WG, Actara 240SC not approved

* AFFIRM OPTI Active ingredient EMAMECTIN BENZOATE. Semi-synthetic derivative of avermectin, derived from soil bacterium Streptomyces avermitilis, EU: Approved 01/05/2014 - 30/04/2024. ECHA: Emamectin benzoate not approved

Emamectin Benzoate possible adverse effects: Highly toxic to bees, birds, aquatic life, aquatic environment, algae; in humans: can cause organ damage, serious eye irritation or damage; muscle tremors, muscle incoordination, vomiting, pulmonary oedema, unconsciousness; skin allergies; toxic through swallowing, inhalation and skin contact.

Croatia FIS: Affirm Opti approved 26/03/2018-30/04/2025. MIZ: not approved

 

* BATURAD WP active ingredient: BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS ISRAELENSIS (Bti) Soil bacterium. EU: Approved 01/05/2009 - 30/04/2021. ECHA: Bti israel. subtype H14 strain AM65-52 approved 01/10/2013-30/09/2023

Bti possible adverse effects: possibly interferes with reproduction in birds; can cause eye and skin irritation in humans and animals; may disturb essential wetland organisms; long-term use perhaps causes loss of biodiversity in the environment.

Croatia FIS: Baturad WP approved 03/12/2004.-31/12/2023. MIZ: not approved

 

CALINOGOR active ingredient: DIMETHOATE. Organophosphate. EU / ECHA: not approved.

Dimethoate possible adverse effects. Very toxic to bees and aquatic organisms; possibly toxic to wildlife, including birds, and livestock: possible endocrine disruptor; in humans: can cause unconsciousness and death; possible human carcinogen (USEPA); inhalation, swallowing or excess skin contact can cause breathing difficulties, headache, dizziness, tiredness, slurred speech, blurred vision, a lack of coordination, sweating, slow or rapid heart beat, convulsions, incontinence; when swallowed, can also cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, faecal incontinence; long-term exposure may lead to impaired memory, depression, irritability, confusion and insomnia.

Croatia FIS / MIZ: Calinogor not approved

 

CHROMOGOR active ingredient: DIMETHOATE (see above). Organophosphate. EU / ECHA: not approved.

Croatia FIS / MIZ: Chromogor not approved

 

CIPEX 10E active ingredient: CYPERMETHRIN. Synthetic pyrethroid. EU: Approved 01/03/2006 - 31/10/2021. ECHA: Approved, PT18, 01/06/2020 - 31/05/2030 (but no related authorized products as at 01/09/2021)

Cypermethrin possible adverse effects: - very toxic to cats, bees, aquatic insects and fish, highly toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects; toxic to a lesser degree to birds.; in humans, classified as a possible cause of cancer; can cause organ damage, skin numbness or burning, respiratory irritation, loss of bladder control, vomiting, loss of co-ordination, coma, seizures, and (rarely) death.

Croatia FIS / MIZ: Cipex 10E not approved

 

* CYMINA 10 active ingredient: CYPERMETHRIN (see above) Croatia FIS: Cymina not approved. MIZ: approved February 2011.

 

CYMINA PLUS, * CYMINA ULTRA, active ingredients: TETRAMETHRIN. Synthetic pyrethroid. EU / ECHA tetramethrin not approved, + CYPERMETHRIN, Synthetic pyrethroid. EU: Approved 01/03/2006 - 31/10/2021. ECHA: Approved, PT18, 01/06/2020 - 31/05/2030 (but no related products authorized as at 01/09/2021)

Tetramethrin possible adverse effects: potential human carcinogen, also can cause dizziness, breathing difficulties, coughing, eye irritation, gastrointestinal upset, blisters and skin rashes; extremely toxic to bees and aquatic organisms, including fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Cypermethrin possible adverse effects: very toxic to cats, bees, aquatic insects and fish, highly toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects; toxic to a lesser degree to birds.; in humans, classified as a possible cause of cancer; can cause organ damage, skin numbness or burning, respiratory irritation, loss of bladder control, vomiting, loss of co-ordination, coma, seizures, and (rarely) death.

Croatia FIS: Cymina Plus, Cymina Ultra not approved. MIZ: Cymina Plus not approved. Cymina Ultra approved February 2011.

 

* CYTHRIN MAX 250EC active ingredient: CYPERMETHRIN. Synthetic pyrethroid. EU: Approved 01/03/2006 - 31/10/2021. ECHA: Approved, PT18, 01/06/2020 - 31/05/2030 (but no related products authorized as at 01/09/2021)

Cypermethrin possible adverse effects: - very toxic to cats, bees, aquatic insects and fish, highly toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects; toxic to a lesser degree to birds.; in humans, classified as a possible cause of cancer; can cause organ damage, skin numbness or burning, respiratory irritation, loss of bladder control, vomiting, loss of co-ordination, coma, seizures, and (rarely) death.

Croatia FIS: Cythrin Max 250EC approved 23/06/2015-31/10/2021. MIZ: not approved

 

DECIS 2,5 EC, DECIS 100 EC , * DECIS TRAP -MEDITERANSKA VOĆNA MUHA, DECIS 1.25 EC, DECIS 6,25 EC active ingredient DELTAMETHRIN. synthetic pyrethroid, EU: approved 01/1172003 - 31/10/2021. ECHA: approved PT18, 01/10/2013 - 30/09/2023.

Deltamethrin possible adverse effects: Toxic to bees; highly toxic to cats; extremely toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects; toxic to fish; also to aquatic herbivorous insects, causing increased algae; in humans can cause ataxia, convulsions leading to muscle fibrillation and paralysis, dermatitis, oedema, diarrhoea, dyspnoea, headache, hepatic microsomal enzyme induction, irritability, peripheral vascular collapse, rhinorrhoea, serum alkaline phosphatase elevation, tinnitus, tremors, vomiting and death due to respiratory failure. Possible allergic reactions: anaphylaxis, bronchospasm, eosinophilia, fever, hypersensitivity pneumonia, pallor, pollinosis, sweating, sudden swelling of the face, eyelids, lips and mucous membranes, and tachycardia.

 

DIMILIN SC48, GR2, TB2, SC15 active ingredient DIFLUBENZURON. Benzamide insecticide, Insect Growth Regulator (Disruptor) (IGR). EU: not approved. ECHA: Approved, PT18, 01/02/2015 - 31/12/2025.

Diflubenzuron possible adverse effects: Highly toxic to freshwater and marine invertebrates; moderately toxic to fish and earthworms; slightly toxic to birds; affected haemoglobin in animal studies; can cause breathing difficulties in humans; direct contact can be harmful to skin and eyes; metabolites are possible human carcinogens.

Croatia FIS: Dimilin SC48 approved 26/02/1999.-31/12/2023. MIZ:  Dimilin SC48 approved January 2010; Dimilin GR2, TB2, SC15 approved August 2009.

 

 

 

FASTAC EC active ingredient ALPHA-CYPERMETHRIN (ALPHAMETHRIN). Synthetic pyrethroid, EU: Alpha-cypermethrin not approved. ECHA PT18: approved 01/06/2020. - 31/05/2030.

Alpha-Cypermethrin possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish, most aquatic organisms and honeybees; toxic to earthworms; possible human carcinogen; can cause irreversible eye damage; serious water pollutant.

Croatia FIS / MIZ: Fastac 10EC, Fastac 10SC not approved

 

FLUBEX active ingredient DIFLUBENZURON. Benzamide insecticide, Insect Growth Regulator (Disruptor) (IGR). EU: diflubenzuron not approved. ECHA: Approved, PT18, 01/02/2015 - 31/12/2025.

Diflubenzuron possible adverse effects: Highly toxic to freshwater and marine invertebrates; moderately toxic to fish and earthworms; slightly toxic to birds; affected haemoglobin in animal studies; can cause breathing difficulties in humans; direct contact can be harmful to skin and eyes; metabolites are possible human carcinogens.

Croatia FIS / MIZ: Flubex not approved

 

* IMIDAN 50WG active ingredient PHOSMET. Organophosphate. EU: Approved 01/10/2017 -  31/07/2022, ECHA: not approved

Phosmet possible adverse effects: highly toxic to aquatic life and environment; highly toxic to honeybees; in humans can be fatal if inhaled; if swallowed, causes stomach pain, diarrhoea, nausea, sickness; can cause organ damage, eye irritation; possibly causes fetal damage or disrupts fertility; can cause swelling, itchiness, raised skin temperature if absorbed through the skin; can be toxic to birds, earthworms, cats and dogs.

Croatia FIS: Imidan 50WG approved 29/09/2015.-31/07/2022. MIZ: Imidan 50WG not approved

 

 

* LASER active ingredient SPINOSAD, combination of Spinosyn A and Spinosyn D, derived from naturally occurring soil fungi (naturalyte), EU: Approved 01/02/2007 - 30/04/2021. ECHA: Approved, PT18, 01/11/2012 - 31/10/2022.

Spinosad possible adverse effects: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms, with long-lasting effects; highly toxic to bees; toxic to fish and earthworms; in humans can cause allergic reactions and eye irritation.

 

 

* MOSPILAN 20SG, * MOSPILAN 20SP active ingredient ACETAMIPRID. Neonicotinoid, EU: approved 01/03/2018 - 28/02/2033. ECHA: Approved, PT18, 01/02/2020 - 31/01/2027.

Acetamiprid possible adverse effects: Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic

environment; highly toxic to honeybees if mixed with piperonyl butoxide or propiconazole; harmful for populations of pollinating insects; harmful to birds and earthworms; dangerous for the environment; in humans: harmful - toxic if swallowed; can be fatal if inhaled; skin irritant.

 

* MUHOMOR active ingredient AZAMETHIPHOS. Organophosphate, designed for use on target areas, not for spraying in the air; mainly used against flies in enclosed spaces, on horses, cattle, pigs and chickens. EU, Azamethiphos not approved. ECHA (PT18): not approved.

Azamethiphos possible adverse effects: very toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects; toxic to birds; acutely toxic to humans if swallowed or inhaled; can cause headache, weakness, nervousness, sweating, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Exposure to extremely high levels may result in muscular twitching, eye pain, slurred speech, colic, hyper-salivation, heart complaints, breathing difficulties, convulsions and unconsciousness; also causes eye and skin irritation on contact

Croatia FIS: Muhomor not approved. MIZ approved May 2014.

 

* NEO ALFA active ingredient CYPERMETHRIN. Synthetic pyrethroid. EU: Approved 01/03/2006 - 31/10/2021. ECHA: Approved, PT18, 01/06/2020 - 31/05/2030 (but no related products authorized as at 01/09/2021.)

Alpha-Cypermethrin possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish, most aquatic organisms and honeybees; toxic to earthworms; possible human carcinogen; can cause irreversible eye damage; serious water pollutant.

 

* NEOPITROID PREMIUM active ingredients ALLETHRIN (d-Allethrin). Synthetic pyrethroid, EU / ECHA: d-Allethrin not approved, + PERMETHRIN. Synthetic pyrethroid. EU: Permethrin not approved. ECHA: Permethrin approved, PT18, 01/05/2016 - 30/04/2026

Permethrin possible adverse effects: highly toxic to bees, sea organisms, fish; poisonous to cats, also other animals; in humans: classified as a potential carcinogen; linked to Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma; can cause neurological damage, also problems in the immune and endocrine systems.

Croatia FIS: Neopitroid Premium not approved. MIZ: Neopitroid Premium approved July 2011.

 

* NUFOS active ingredient CHLORPYRIFOS. Organophosphate. EU / ECHA: not approved.

Chlorpyrifos possible adverse effects: highly toxic to honeybees, birds, fish, aquatic organisms; moderately toxic to earthworms, algae and aquatic plants; in humans can cause nausea, dizziness, confusion, and respiratory paralysis and death; causes neurodevelopmental defects in children; can harm mother and foetus during pregnancy; can cause acute muscle paralysis and weakness, also breathing difficulties, depression, and double vision in humans, dogs and cats; overexposure can cause weakness, ataxia (uncoordinated movements), proprioceptive dysfunctions (disturbed awareness of posture and movements), particularly of the hind legs, and paralysis in animals, including dogs and cats.

Croatia FIS / MIZ: Nufos not approved

 

PERFEKTHION active ingredient DIMETHOATE. Organophosphate. EU / ECHA: not approved.

Dimethoate possible adverse effects. Very toxic to bees and aquatic organisms; possibly toxic to wildlife, including birds, and livestock: possible endocrine disruptor; in humans: can cause unconsciousness and death; possible human carcinogen (USEPA); inhalation, swallowing or excess skin contact can cause breathing difficulties, headache, dizziness, tiredness, slurred speech, blurred vision, a lack of coordination, sweating, slow or rapid heart beat, convulsions, incontinence; when swallowed, can also cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, faecal incontinence; long-term exposure may lead to impaired memory, depression, irritability, confusion and insomnia.

Croatia FIS / MIZ: Perfekthion not approved

 

* PERMEX 22E active ingredients PERMETHRIN. Synthetic pyrethroid. EU: not approved. ECHA: approved, PT18, 01/05/2016 - 30/04/2026. TETRAMETHRIN. Synthetic pyrethroid. EU / ECHA: not approved:

Permethrin possible adverse effects: highly toxic to bees, sea organisms, fish; poisonous to cats, also other animals; in humans: classified as a potential carcinogen; linked to Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma; can cause neurological damage, also problems in the immune and endocrine

Tetramethrin possible adverse effects: potential human carcinogen, also can cause dizziness, breathing difficulties, coughing, eye irritation, gastrointestinal upset, blisters and skin rashes; extremely toxic to bees and aquatic organisms, including fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Croatia FIS:  Permex 22E not approved. MIZ: approved April 2012.

 

Croatia FIS: Poleci approved 15/01/2014-14/01/2024; Poleci Plus approved 11/05/2016 -31/10/2022. MIZ: Poleci, Poleci Plus not approved

 

PROCLAIM active ingredient EMAMECTIN BENZOATE. Semisynthetic derivative of avermectin. EU: Approved 01/05/2014 - 30/04/2024. ECHA: not approved

Croatia FIS / MIZ: Proclaim not approved

 

PYRINEX 48EC, PYRINEX 250 SC active ingredient CHLORPYRIFOS. Organophosphate. EU / ECHA: not approved.

Chlorpyrifos possible adverse effects: highly toxic to honeybees, birds, fish, aquatic organisms; moderately toxic to earthworms, algae and aquatic plants; in humans can cause nausea, dizziness, confusion, and respiratory paralysis and death; causes neurodevelopmental defects in children; can harm mother and foetus during pregnancy; can cause acute muscle paralysis and weakness, also breathing difficulties, depression, and double vision in humans, dogs and cats; overexposure can cause weakness, ataxia (uncoordinated movements), proprioceptive dysfunctions (disturbed awareness of posture and movements), particularly of the hind legs, and paralysis in animals, including dogs and cats.

Croatia FIS / MIZ: Pyrinex 48EC, Pyrinex 250 SC not approved

 

* PYXAL active ingredient PYRIPROXYFEN Insect growth regulator (IGR). Aromatic ether, member of pyridines (substance group unclassified). EU: approved 01/08/2020 - 31/07/2035. ECHA: Approved PT18 01/02/2015 - 31/01/2025.

Pyriproxyfen possible adverse effects: Toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates; Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects; moderately toxic to bees, earthworms; in humans: harmful if absorbed through the skin, or swallowed; causes eye irritation; possibly affects male fertility; possible endocrine disruptor, may have an estrogenic effect; possible liver and blood toxicant

Croatia FIS/ MIZ: Pyxal not approved

 

* QUICK BAYT active ingredients IMIDACLOPRID. Neonicotinoid.EU: not approved. ECHA: Approved, PT18, 01/07/2013 - 30/06/2023, + TRICOSENE, chemical compound: muscalure, Z-9-tricosene, cis-tricos-9-ene, muscamone. EU: not approved ECHA: Approved PT19, repellants and attractants, 01/10/2014 - 30/09/2024.

Croatia FIS: Quick Bayt not approved. MIZ: approved August 2009

 

* REVIVE II active ingredient EMAMECTIN BENZOATE. Semisynthetic derivative of avermectin. EU: Approved 01/05/2014 - 30/04/2024. ECHA: not approved

Croatia FIS: approved 19/03/2019.-30/04/2025. MIZ: not approved

 

ROGOR 40 active ingredient DIMETHOATE. Organophosphate, EU / ECHA: not approved

Dimethoate possible adverse effects. Very toxic to bees and aquatic organisms; possibly toxic to wildlife, including birds, and livestock: possible endocrine disruptor; in humans inhalation, swallowing or excess skin contact can cause breathing difficulties, headache, dizziness, tiredness, slurred speech, blurred vision, a lack of coordination, sweating, slow or rapid heart beat, convulsions, incontinence and in extreme cases unconsciousness and death; when swallowed, can also cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, faecal incontinence; long-term exposure may lead to impaired memory, depression, irritability, confusion and insomnia; possible human carcinogen (USEPA).

Croatia FIS / MIZ: not approved

 

 

 

SEVIN active ingredient CARBARYL. Carbamate, EU / ECHA: not approved

Carbaryl possible adverse effects: Highly toxic to mammals, aquatic invertebrates, aquatic crustaceans, bees, earthworms. Can be fatal in humans; possible carcinogen and endocrine disruptor; possibly damaging for reproduction and development; can cause cholinesterase inhibition, blurred vision, tears, headaches, memory loss, rhinorrhoea (discharge of thin nasal mucus), salivation; sweating, muscle weakness, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea; tremors, cyanosis, convulsions and skin irritation.

Croatia FIS / MIZ: Sevin not approved

 

* SUCCESS BAIT active ingredient SPINOSAD, combination of Spinosyn A and Spinosyn D, derived from naturally occurring soil fungi (naturalyte), EU: Approved 01/02/2007 - 30/04/2021. ECHA: Approved, PT18, 01/11/2012 - 31/10/2022.

Croatia FIS: Success Bait approved 11/01/2005.-31/12/2023. MIZ: Success Bait not approved

 

* VERTIMEC 018 EC, * VERTIMEC PRO active ingredient ABAMECTIN (See Emamectin) Combination of Avermectin B1a & B1b, growth regulator, insecticide, miticide, nematicide, derived from soil bacterium Streptomyces avermitilis. EU: Approved 01/05/2009 - 30/04/2022. ECHA: Approved PT18 01/07/2013 - 30/06/2023

Croatia FIS: Vertimec 018 EC approved 12/06/2006.-30/06/2023; Vertimec Pro approved 18/05/2016.-30/04/2022. MIZ: not approved

 

ABOUT GLYPHOSATE: There are at least some 750 glyphosate-based herbicides available in the world markets. Eleven of them, including the widely used Roundup (Cidokor in Croatian), were banned in the EU in 2016. Apart from these, Glyphosate is approved in the EU, 16/12/2017 - 15/12/2022.

Glyphosate, suspected possible adverse effects -in humans: carcinogenic; neurotoxic; genotoxic; contributes to antibiotic resistance; influences pregnancy, fertility, and birth defects; endocrine disruptor; damages DNA, gut bacteria, organs including liver, kidneys and spleen; contributes to Parkinson's Disease and autism. Possible environmental ill-effects: damage to water, fish, aquatic organisms, soil, soil organisms, bees, butterflies, gastropods, trees, plants.

CIDOKOR (Roundup), CIDOKOR MAX, CIDOKOR PLUS active ingredient GLYPHOSATE. Croatia FIS: Cidokor Max approved 09/06/2015-01/03/2022, Cidokor plus approved 24/11/2015.-01/03/2022, Cidokor not approved

 

OURAGAN SYSTEM 4 (URAGAN), active ingredient GLYPHOSATE. Croatia FIS approved 24/01/2012-24/01/2022

 

OXALIS active ingredient GLYPHOSATE. Croatia FIS: Oxalis not approved

 

Croatia FIS: Roundup Bioactive approved 01/07/2016-01/03/2022. Roundup Rapid approved 24/11/2015 - 01/03/2022; [Agrobase Croatia: registration withdrawn from both products.]

 

 

 

 

 

Propineb possible adverse effects: highly toxic to aquatic life; toxic to bees, birds, earthworms; in humans: can cause organ damage, allergic skin reactions; toxic on skin contact; suspected as possible carcinogen, respiratory tract irritant.

Croatia FIS: Antracol WG70, Antracol WP70 not approved

 

BORDOŠKA JUHA (MIX), (BORDEAUX MIXTURE), active ingredients COPPER SULPHATE + HYDRATED LIME / CALCIUM DIHYDROXIDE (Compound), EU: Bordeaux Mixture approved 01/01/2019-31/12/2025

Copper compounds, possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish, birds, aquatic invertebrates, organisms and plants; toxic to bees and earthworms; sheep, chickens; persists in the soil. In humans can cause nausea, irritation of respiratory tract and skin, eczema. Eye contact can cause conjunctivitis, inflammation of the eyelid lining, excess fluid build-up in the eyelid, clouding of the cornea, cornea tissue deterioration due to ulceration in the eye's mucous membrane.

Calcium dihydroxide possible adverse effects: corrosive, toxic for aquatic life; in humans, causes serious eye damage and skin irritation; may cause respiratory irritation

Croatia FIS: Bordoška juha caffaro 20WP approved 08/07/2004.-31/12/2023; Bordoška juha 20WP manica approved 24/11/2006-31/12/2023.

 

 

CABRIO® TOP active ingredients METIRAM (substance group carbamate) EU: Approved 01/07/20016 - 31/01/2021, + PYRACLOSTROBIN (carbamate ester, substance group strobilurin), EU: Approved 01/06/2004 - 31/01/2023.

Metiram possible adverse effects: Moderately toxic to fish; highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates; highly toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects; hazardous to the aquqatic environment; moderately toxic to honeybees and earthworms; in humans: can cause skin and eye irritation; can cause anaemia; toxic if ingested or inhaled; can cause abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea if ingested; classified as a possible human carcinogen

 

 

Copper compounds, possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish, birds, aquatic invertebrates, organisms and plants; toxic to bees and earthworms; sheep, chickens; persists in the soil. In humans can cause nausea, irritation of respiratory tract and skin, eczema. Eye contact can cause conjunctivitis, inflammation of the eyelid lining, excess fluid build-up in the eyelid, clouding of the cornea, cornea tissue deterioration due to ulceration in the eye's mucous membrane.

 

 

CUPRABLAU Z active ingredients COPPER COMPOUNDS, COPPER OXYCHLORIDE, EU: approved 01/01/2019-31/12/2025

Copper compounds, possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish, birds, aquatic invertebrates, organisms and plants; toxic to bees and earthworms; sheep, chickens; persists in the soil. In humans can cause nausea, irritation of respiratory tract and skin, eczema. Eye contact can cause conjunctivitis, inflammation of the eyelid lining, excess fluid build-up in the eyelid, clouding of the cornea, cornea tissue deterioration due to ulceration in the eye's mucous membrane.

 

Copper compounds, possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish, birds, aquatic invertebrates, organisms and plants; toxic to bees and earthworms; sheep, chickens; persists in the soil. In humans can cause nausea, irritation of respiratory tract and skin, eczema. Eye contact can cause conjunctivitis, inflammation of the eyelid lining, excess fluid build-up in the eyelid, clouding of the cornea, cornea tissue deterioration due to ulceration in the eye's mucous membrane.

Calcium chloride possible adverse effects: toxic if swallowed; can cause serious respiratory problems; can cause severe eye irritation.

 

CUPRABLAU Z 35WG active ingredients COPPER COMPOUNDS, COPPER OXYCHLORIDE, EU: approved 01/01/2019-31/12/2025

Copper compounds, possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish, birds, aquatic invertebrates, organisms and plants; toxic to bees and earthworms; sheep, chickens; persists in the soil. In humans can cause nausea, irritation of respiratory tract and skin, eczema. Eye contact can cause conjunctivitis, inflammation of the eyelid lining, excess fluid build-up in the eyelid, clouding of the cornea, cornea tissue deterioration due to ulceration in the eye's mucous membrane.

 

 

 

 

  

 

FOLPAN 50WP, FOLPAN 80WDG active ingredient FOLPET (synthetic phthalimide), EU: Approved 01/10/2007 - 31/07/2021.

Croatia FIS: Folpan 80 WDG approved 26/01/2005.-31/12/2023. Folpan 50 WP not approved

 

FOLPAN GOLD active ingredients METALAXYL, (Metalaxyl-M, substance group phenylamide), EU: Approved 01/07/2010 - 30/06/2023, + FOLPET (synthetic phthalimide), EU: Approved 01/10/2007 - 31/07/2021.

Croatia FIS: Folpan Gold approved 15/10/2003 - 31/12/2023.

 

 

 

Fluopyram possible adverse effects: very toxic to fish, aquatic plants and algae, with long-lasting effects; slightly toxic to bees, birds, earthworms; in humans, can cause serious eye irritation; possibly causes damage to nervous system; affects reproduction, possibly damages the unborn child

Tebcucozanole possible adverse effects: highly toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects; toxic to bees, birds, earthworms; in humans: can damage the unborn child; possible human carcinogen; toxic if swallowed.

 

 

 

MANCOZEB BLUE 72WG active ingredient MANCOZEB (substance group dithiocarbamate)  EU / ECHA: not approved

Croatia FIS: approval withdrawn 04/07/2021

 

MELODY DUO 66,B; WP 66,75 active ingredients PROPINEB, substance group carbamate, EU: propineb not approved and IPROVALICARB substance group carbamate, EU: approved 01/04/2016 - 31/03/2031

Propineb possible adverse effects: highly toxic to aquatic life; toxic to bees, birds, earthworms; in humans: can cause organ damage, allergic skin reactions; toxic on skin contact; suspected as possible carcinogen, respiratory tract irritant.

Croatia FIS: not approved

 

Folpet possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish and aquatic organisms; probable human carcinogen; causes developmental effects in animals; toxic if inhaled; causes serious eye irritation; can cause allergic skin reactions; moderately toxic to earthworms. ECHA warnings: hazardous to the environment and human health.

Fosetyl-aluminium (Fosetyl-al) possible adverse effects: toxic to mammals, bees, birds, fish, aquatic invertebrates, algae, earthworms; possible human carcinogen; irritant if inhaled, can cause lung damage; causes serious eye irritation or damage; skin irritant

 

Folpet possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish and aquatic organisms; probable human carcinogen; causes developmental effects in animals; toxic if inhaled; causes serious eye irritation; can cause allergic skin reactions; moderately toxic to earthworms. ECHA warnings: hazardous to the environment and human health.

 

MODRA GALICA active ingredient COPPER SULPHATE PENTAHYDRATE EU: not listed

 

 

Copper compounds, possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish, birds, aquatic invertebrates, organisms and plants; toxic to bees and earthworms; sheep, chickens; persists in the soil. In humans can cause nausea, irritation of respiratory tract and skin, eczema. Eye contact can cause conjunctivitis, inflammation of the eyelid lining, excess fluid build-up in the eyelid, clouding of the cornea, cornea tissue deterioration due to ulceration in the eye's mucous membrane.

 

Copper compounds, possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish, birds, aquatic invertebrates, organisms and plants; toxic to bees and earthworms; sheep, chickens; persists in the soil. In humans can cause nausea, irritation of respiratory tract and skin, eczema. Eye contact can cause conjunctivitis, inflammation of the eyelid lining, excess fluid build-up in the eyelid, clouding of the cornea, cornea tissue deterioration due to ulceration in the eye's mucous membrane.

 

 

Folpet possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish and aquatic organisms; probable human carcinogen; causes developmental effects in animals; toxic if inhaled; causes serious eye irritation; can cause allergic skin reactions; moderately toxic to earthworms. ECHA warnings: hazardous to the environment and human health.

 

 

 

PREVICUR 607SL active ingredient PROPAMOCARB HYDROCHLORIDE (substance group carbamate), EU: Approved 01/10/2007-31/07/2022

Croatia FIS:  Previcur 607SL not approved

 

 

 

 

 

Copper compounds, possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish, birds, aquatic invertebrates, organisms and plants; toxic to bees and earthworms; sheep, chickens; persists in the soil. In humans can cause nausea, irritation of respiratory tract and skin, eczema. Eye contact can cause conjunctivitis, inflammation of the eyelid lining, excess fluid build-up in the eyelid, clouding of the cornea, cornea tissue deterioration due to ulceration in the eye's mucous membrane.

 

Copper compounds, possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish, birds, aquatic invertebrates, organisms and plants; toxic to bees and earthworms; sheep, chickens; persists in the soil. In humans can cause nausea, irritation of respiratory tract and skin, eczema. Eye contact can cause conjunctivitis, inflammation of the eyelid lining, excess fluid build-up in the eyelid, clouding of the cornea, cornea tissue deterioration due to ulceration in the eye's mucous membrane.

 

 

SIGNUM active ingredients PYRACLOSTROBIN (carbamate ester, substance group strobilurin), EU: Approved 01/06/2004 - 31/01/2021. + BOSCALID (substance group carboxamide), EU: Approved 01/08/2008 - 31/07/2022

Croatia FIS: Signum approved 29/12/2006 - 31/12/2023.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Penconazole possible adverse effects: toxic to bees, birds, fish, aquatic invertebrates and algae; suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child; possible endocrine disruptor; harmful if swallowed

 

Azoxystrobin possible adverse effects: highly toxic to aquatic organisms and the aquatic environment, with long-lasting effects; highly toxic to hoverfly larvae; toxic to fish, earthworms; in humans, suspected possible carcinogen; toxic if swallowed or inhaled; skin and eye irritant.

Folpet possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish and aquatic organisms; probable human carcinogen; causes developmental effects in animals; toxic if inhaled; causes serious eye irritation; can cause allergic skin reactions; moderately toxic to earthworms. ECHA warnings: hazardous to the environment and human health.

 

 

 

Metaldehyde possible adverse effects: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms, with long-lasting effects; deadly to dogs and cats: Toxic to humans if swallowed or through skin contact or inhalation; can cause salivation, lethargy, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, convulsions, hyperthermia, comas, and death

BRODILON - active ingredient BROMADIOLONE. Rodenticide - anticoagulant - superwarfarin - 4-hydroxycoumarin vitamin K antagonist anticoagulant poison. EU: Not approved as from 31/05/2021. ECHA: approved, PT14, 01/07/2011 - 30/06/2024

Brodifacoum possible adverse effects: highly toxic when ingested, causes haemorrhage, can be fatal to humans and animals alike; can be fatal through inhalation and skin contact; highly toxic to fish and birds; causes long-lasting damaging effects in aquatic environments.

 

Bromadiolone possible adverse effects: Acutely toxic, can be fatal if swallowed, inhaled, or via skin contact; may damage fertility or the unborn child; can cause organ damage in humans; highly toxic to fish and aquatic life, also to earthworms.

 

Note: The information given above is correct to the best of our knowledge. If you see any inaccuracies, please let us know at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To view the listing of the active ingredients of chemical pesticides in common use on Hvar and elsewhere in Croatia, together with the scientific sources of information about their possible adverse effects, please refer to our companion article 'Pesticides and their Adverse Effects'