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Impasse Termite Blocker 
Receives EPA Registration 

Pest Control Technology 4mar03

Mindfully.org note: Please note that the EPA does not approve pesticides for safety. It only registers pesticides. A pesticide that is not registered cannot be legally sold as a pesticide. Any claims about a substance killing anything makes it a pesticide. If one claims that chalk kills something like an ant or any living thing, then it must be registered as a pesticide with the EPA. The EPA does not guarantee that any of the pesticides it registers is safe. Be very clear on this issue. Use it at your own risk. Impasse is a synthetic pyrethroid.

GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued Syngenta Professional Products Division registration of the Impasse™ Termite Blocker, a pre-construction solution allowing pest management professionals (PMPs) and homebuilders to prevent plumbing penetrations and bath trap areas from becoming termite entry points.

“Impasse Termite Blocker is a new tool for the industry. It allows PMPs to stop termites from accessing homes through gaps caused by shrinkage around utility penetrations and bath trap areas,” said Karen Westcott, marketing manager, Syngenta Professional Products. “PMPs can use IMPASSE Termite Blocker as an important supplement-complement to upgrade existing termite pre-construction treatments such as liquid termiticides, baits and borates.”

Impasse Termite Blocker is made of a durable, construction-grade polymer with a specially formulated termiticide “locked in” between two outer layers. The active ingredient is lambda-cyhalothrin, an insecticide with excellent efficacy against termite species. Efficacy data shows its unique formulation and design is 100 percent effective at keeping out termites when installed per label instructions, Syngenta Professional Products says. Impasse Termite Blocker presents virtually no exposure to installers or release into the environment, the company added.

Impasse Termite Blocker is available in various sizes to fit all pipe diameters, and there is a specially designed Blocker to fit all bath trap areas. Each Impasse Termite Blocker can be installed and tightly sealed around a pipe in about 30 seconds; so protecting an entire home can take less than 20 minutes. There is no interruption to the construction process, yet at the same time there’s additional value added protection and value added built right into the home for minimal cost, according to Syngenta.

source: http://www.pctonline.com/news/news.asp?ID=1677 16apr03

Excerpted from:

Home, Green Home: Builders Embrace Environmental Goals 

JIM CARLTON / Wall Street Journal 5feb03

Pressure From Activist Groups, Lower Energy Bills Spur the Trend; In Some Towns, Expedited Permits

At the International Builders Show in Las Vegas last month, green building was one of the subthemes of a convention that attracted some 90,000 builders from all over the world. There were panel discussions on the trend, as well as numerous green products on display. Temple-Inland showcased some gypsum wallboard made from at least 95% recycled materials, while Swiss agribusiness giant Syngenta AG demonstrated a greener termite barrier. The so-called Impasse Termite System is designed to encase insecticide inside a plastic sheet beneath a home's foundation so that the chemical doesn't have to be sprayed outside and left to seep into the ground.

source: http://webreprints.djreprints.com/695480910581.html 16apr03

Syngenta Receives United States Registration of 
IMPASSE™ Termite Blocker 

PRESS RELEASE / Syngenta 14mar03

Basel, Switzerland—Syngenta today announced United States Environ-mental Protection Agency (EPA) registration of its novel pre-construction termite solution for new homes, IMPASSE Termite Blocker. IMPASSE Termite Blocker offers superior long-lasting performance in the growing USD 300 million termite control market in the USA. The active ingredient, Lambda-cyhalothrin, is “locked-in” between two layers of durable, construction-grade polymer. This is the first termiticidal product specifically designed to prevent termites from entering through utility pipes, a major source of termite infestation.

Basel, Switzerland, – Syngenta today announced United States Environ-mental Protection Agency (EPA) registration of its novel pre-construction termite solution for new homes, IMPASSE Termite Blocker. IMPASSE Termite Blocker offers superior long-lasting performance in the growing USD 300 million termite control market in the USA. The active ingredient, Lambda-cyhalothrin, is “locked-in” between two layers of durable, construction-grade polymer. This is the first termiticidal product specifically designed to prevent termites from entering through utility pipes, a major source of termite infestation. "IMPASSE is an important addition to the expanding Syngenta product portfolio beyond agriculture,” said John Atkin, Chief Operating Officer of Syngenta Crop Protection. "IMPASSE technology provides a very long lasting solution for home owners in the United States and gives Syngenta an entry into the home building market with a completely novel approach.“ Efficacy data shows that this new product is highly effective at keeping out termites. IMPASSE Termite Blocker presents virtually no exposure to installers nor release into the environment. The product complements existing termite pre-construction treatments, including IMPASSE Termite System. In October 2002, Syngenta received EPA registration of IMPASSE Termite System – the first product in the IMPASSE range. IMPASSE Termite System provides wall-to-wall termite protection while IMPASSE Termite Blocker specifically targets utility pipes. Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness. The company is a leader in crop protection and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2002 were approximately US $6.2 billion. Syngenta employs some 20,000 people in over 90 countries. The company is committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in London (SYA), New York (SYT) and Stock-holm (SYN). Further information is available at www.syngenta.com. IMPASSE is a trademark of a Syngenta Group Company.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as ‘expect’, ‘would’, ‘will’, ‘potential’, ‘plans’, ‘prospects’, ‘estimated’, ‘aiming’, ‘on track’ and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. We refer you to Syngenta's publicly available filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission for information about these and other risks and uncertainties. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors. This document does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer, to purchase or subscribe for any ordinary shares in Syngenta AG, or Syngenta ADSs, nor shall it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any con-tract therefore.

MSDS: http://www.syngentacropprotection-us.com/labels/lblDownload.asp?Prdnm=Impasse+Termite+System&lblpdf=/pdf/msds/03_2079203142003.pdf 16apr03

From Label:
Termite barrier system for the protection of structures from subterranean termites

Active Ingredient: Lambda-cyhalothrln*
[1 a(5*),3a(Z)]-(±)-cyano-(3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl-3-(2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoro-l-propenyl)-
2,2-dimethylcyclopropane-carboxylate 	0.77%
Other Ingredients:                      99.23%
Total: 					100%

*A synthetic pyrethroid EPA Reg. No. 100-1125 EPA Est. 73961-GA-002FLT, EPA Est. 73792-CAN-001FRN Superscript is first three letters of batch code. See additional precautionary statements and directions for use in attached booklet.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. CAUTION

PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS
Hazards To Humans And Domestic Animals

CAUTION
Prolonged or frequently repeated skin contact may cause skin reactions Ii some individuals. Wear gloves when handling this product.

FIRST AID
If on skin or clothing: Take off contaminated clothing. Rinse immediately with plenty of water for 15-20 minutes. Call a poison control center c doctor for treatment advice. Have the product container or label with you when calling a poison con trot center or doctor, or going for treatment.

HOT LINE NUMBER: 
For 24 Hour Medical Emergency Assistance (Human c Animal) or Chemical Emergency Assistance (Spill, Leak, Fire or Accident, Call 1-800-888-8372.

Environmental Hazards
This product is toxic to fish. Do not apply directly to water. Do not contaminate any water by disposal of this product

STORAGE AND DISPOSAL
Refer to attached booklet for full storage and disposal directions.

Container Disposal
Dispose of empty delivery bag at an approved waste disposal facility. The Impasse Barrier roll core must also be disposed of at an approved waste disposal facility.

Pails
Triple rinse (or equivalent). Then dispose of In a sanitary landfill or by other procedures approved by State and local authorities. Do not reuse container.

Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc.
Greensboro, North Carolina 27409
www.syngenta-us.com 
SCP 1125A-L1 1002
104641

source: http://www.syngentacropprotection-us.com/labels/lblDownload.asp?Prdnm=Impasse+Termite+System&lblpdf=/pdf/labels/ImpasseL11002.pdf  16apr03

LAMBDA CYHALOTHRIN
Pesticide Information Profiles / Extension Toxicology Network (EXTOXNET)

A Pesticide Information Project of Cooperative Extension Offices of Cornell University, Oregon State University, the University of Idaho, and the University of California at Davis and the Institute for Environmental Toxicology, Michigan State University. Major support and funding was provided by the USDA/Extension Service/National Agricultural Pesticide Impact Assessment Program.

EXTOXNET primary files maintained and archived at Oregon State University

TRADE OR OTHER NAMES:

Trade names for products containing lambda cyhalothrin include Charge, Excaliber, Grenade, Hallmark, Icon, Karate, Matador, OMS 0321, PP321, Saber, Samurai and Sentinel (1, 2).

REGULATORY STATUS:

Lambda cyhalothrin is a Restricted Use Pesticide and so may be purchased and used only by certified applicators (1, 2). It is in EPA Toxicity Class II, and products containing it must bear the signal word WARNING (106).

INTRODUCTION:

Lambda cyhalothrin is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide and acaricide used to control a wide range of pests in a variety of applications. Pests controlled include aphids, Colorado beetles and butterfly larvae (1). Crops on which it may be applied include cotton, cereals, hops, ornamentals, potatoes, vegetables or others (1). It may also be used for structural pest management or in public health applications to control insects such as cockroaches, mosquitoes, ticks and flies which may act as disease vectors (1). Lambda cyhalothrin is available as an emulsifiable concentrate, wettable powder or ULV liquid (1, 2), and is commonly mixed with buprofezin, pirimicarb, dimethoate or tetramethrin (1). It is compatible with most other insecticides and fungicides (1). Unless otherwise stated, data presented herein refer to the technical product.

TOXICOLOGICAL EFFECTS

Acute Toxicity:

Lambda cyhalothrin is moderately toxic in the technical form, but may be highly toxic via some routes in formulation (e.g., as Karate). Available data indicate that lambda cyhalothrin is moderately toxic via the oral route in test animals. Reported oral LD50 values are 79 mg/kg and 56 mg/kg for male and female rats, respectively (1, 3). The vehicle used was corn oil. The rat oral LD50 has also been reported as 144 mg/kg (4). The reported rat LD50 for the technical product is similar, 64 mg/kg (3). These indicate moderate acute toxicity via the oral route of exposure. No data were available regarding the acute toxicity of the technical compound via the inhalation route, but for Karate the reported 4-hour inhalation LC50s were 0.175 mg/L and 0.315 mg/L for female and male rats, respectively (3). These data indicate a moderate to high toxicity via the inhalation route for the formulated product Karate. The technical product has reported dermal LD50s of 632 mg/kg and 696 mg/kg for male and female rats (vehicle used was propane-1,2-diol) (1, 3). It has also been found to be non-irritating to the skin of rabbits (1, 3) and non-sensitizing to the skin of guinea pigs (3) but may cause mild eye irritation in rabbits (1). The formulated product, Karate, however, causes severe primary skin irritation in rabbits and mild skin sensitization in guinea pigs (3). Primary eye irritation also was observed with the technical product (3). In addition to the corrosive effects to skin and eyes, other acute effects due to exposure to lambda cyhalothrin, like those of other pyrethroids, will be mainly neuropathy (effects on the nervous system) (3, 4). Cyhalothrin may act on ion channels within the nerve cells (neurons) to disrupt proper function of the cells of both the peripheral and central nervous systems (4). At lower doses, this may take the form of stable, repetitive firing of the neuron, but high doses may result in depolarization of the nerve cell and blockage of conduction (4). These effects may result in observable effects such as: tingling, burning or numbness sensations (particularly at the point of skin contact); tremors, incoordination of movement , paralysis or other disrupted motor function; and confusion or loss of consciousness (4). Since most pyrethroids are generally absorbed only poorly through the skin (4, 5), the latter two systemic effects are unlikely unless the compound has been ingested. Effects are generally reversible due to rapid breakdown of the compound in the body (4, 5). Like many compounds of the pyrethroid family, the observed toxicity of lambda cyhalothrin may vary according to not only the concentration of the active ingredient, but also according to the solvent vehicle (2).

Chronic Toxicity:

The principal toxic effects noted in chronic studies were decreased body weight gain and decreased food consumption. These effects occurred in rats at oral doses of 1.5 mg/kg/day (the highest dose tested) in a three-generational study conducted in 1984 (3, 110). In a two-year study in rats, no effects were observed at oral doses of 2.5 mg/kg/day and doses of up to 8.5 mg/kg/day produced no observable changes in the function or structure of the liver or nervous system (3, 110). In this study, decreased body weight gain and decreased food consumption occurred at doses of 12.5 mg/kg/day as did elevation of plasma triglycerides (3, 110). In a 26 week feeding study on dogs, doses of 2.5 mg/kg/day disrupted water absorption from the small intestine resulting in liquid feces (3, 110), and at doses of 3.5 mg/kg/day and higher, neurological effects were noted (5). In two teratology studies, no maternal toxicity was observed at doses of 10 mg/kg/day in both rats and rabbits (3, 110 ). It is unlikely that lambda cyhalothrin would cause chronic effects in humans under normal conditions.

Reproductive Effects:

In two studies, lambda cyhalothrin caused reduced body weight gain at doses of 15 mg/kg/day in pregnant rats (highest dose tested) and at doses of 30 mg/kg/day in pregnant rabbits (also the highest dose tested) (3, 110), but these doses produced no observable reproductive effects. There were reduced numbers of viable offspring at doses of 50 mg/kg/day in the second and third generations in the three-generational rat study noted above (3, 110). It is unlikely that lambda cyhalothrin would cause reproductive effects in humans under normal conditions.

Teratogenic Effects:

No teratogenic or fetotoxic effects were observed in teratology studies of lambda cyhalothrin in rats and rabbits at the highest doses tested in both species (15 mg/kg/day and 30 mg/kg/day, respectively;(3, 110). Based on these data, it is unlikely that lambda cyhalothrin causes teratogenic effects.

Mutagenic Effects:

Lambda cyhalothrin produced negative results in all Ames mutagenicity assays using five different test strains, both with and without metabolic activation (1, 5). Results of other in-vitro cytogenetic assays and chromosomal structural aberration tests indicated no mutagenic or genotoxic effects were caused by lambda cyhalothrin (3, 5). The available evidence suggests that lambda cyhalothrin is non-mutagenic and non-genotoxic.

Carcinogenic Effects:

No carcinogenic effects have been noted in studies of lambda cyhalothrin on various test animals (rats, rabbits, dogs) (3). The evidence regarding the carcinogenicity of lambda cyhalothrin is inconclusive, but suggests that it is probably not carcinogenic. Organ Toxicity: No specific target organs or organ systems have been identified in the available studies of chronic toxicity. The nervous system may be affected after acute exposure.

Fate in Humans & Animals:

In rat studies, lambda cyhalothrin is rapidly metabolized and excreted via the urine and feces (1). Hydrolytic cleavage of the ester bond occurs, forming more polar, water-soluble compounds which are less toxic and more easily eliminated (1, 2?).

ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS

Effects on Birds:

Lambda cyhalothrin's toxicity to birds ranges from slightly toxic to practically non-toxic. In the mallard duck, the reported oral LD50 is greater than 3,950 mg/kg (1, 3), and the reported dietary LC50 is 3,948 ppm (3). In bobwhite quail the reported dietary LC50 is greater than 500 ppm (1, 3). There is evidence that it does not accumulate in the eggs or tissues of birds (1).

Effects on Aquatic Organisms:

Lambda cyhalothrin is very highly toxic to many fish and aquatic invertebrate species. Reported LC50s in these species are as follows: bluegill sunfish, 0.21 ug/L (1, 3); rainbow trout, 0.24 ug/L (1, 3); Daphnia magna, 0.36 ug/L (3); mysid shrimp, 4.9 ng/L (3); sheepshead minnow, 0.807 ng/L (3). A median effect concentration, EC50 (i.e. the concentration at which the effect occurs in 50% of the test population), for the eastern oyster of 0.59 ng/L has been reported (3). Bioconcentration is possible in aquatic species, but bioaccumulation is not likely. Bioconcentration in channel catfish has been reported as minimal, with rapid depuration (elimination) (6). A bioconcentration factor of 858 has been reported in fish (4, species unspecified), but concentration was confined to non-edible tissues and rapid depuration was observed (3).

Effects on Other Animals (Nontarget species):

Lambda cyhalothrin is highly toxic to bees, with a reported oral LD50 of 38 ng/bee and reported contact LD50 of 909 ng/bee (0.9 ug/bee) (3).

ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS

Effects on Aquatic Organisms:

Lambda cyhalothrin is very highly toxic to many fish and aquatic invertebrate species. Reported LC50s in these species are as follows: bluegill sunfish, 0.21 ug/L (1, 3); rainbow trout, 0.24 ug/L (1, 3); Daphnia magna, 0.36 ug/L (3); mysid shrimp, 4.9 ng/L (3); sheepshead minnow, 0.807 ng/L (3). A median effect concentration, EC50 (i.e. the concentration at which the effect occurs in 50% of the test population), for the eastern oyster of 0.59 ng/L has been reported (3). Bioconcentration is possible in aquatic species, but bioaccumulation is not likely. Bioconcentration in channel catfish has been reported as minimal, with rapid depuration (elimination) (6). A bioconcentration factor of 858 has been reported in fish (4, species unspecified), but concentration was confined to non-edible tissues and rapid depuration was observed (3).

Effects on Other Animals (Nontarget species):

Lambda cyhalothrin is highly toxic to bees, with a reported oral LD50 of 38 ng/bee and reported contact LD50 of 909 ng/bee (0.9 ug/bee) (3).

ENVIRONMENTAL FATE

Breakdown of Chemical in Soil and Groundwater:

Lambda cyhalothrin is moderately persistent in the soil environment. Reported field half-lives range from four to 12 weeks (3, 6, 7). Its field half-life is probably close to 30 days in most soils (7). It shows a high affinity for soil; the reported Koc is 180,000 (7). Lambda cyhalothrin is not expected to be appreciably mobile in most soils. There is little potential for groundwater contamination. Soils with high sand content or with very low organic matter content may tend to retain the compound to a lesser degree. In field studies of Karate, leaching of lambda cyhalothrin and its degradates from the soil were minimal (1, 3). Breakdown products formed in the soil environment are similar to those formed in mammalian systems, via the hydrolysis of the central ester bond and oxidation (1). Breakdown rates of both the technical product and Karate were similar under aerobic and anaerobic conditions (3, 6).

Breakdown of Chemical in Surface Water:

Lambda cyhalothrin has extremely low water solubility and is tightly bound to soil, it is therefore not expected to be prevalent in surface waters. One possible source of infiltration into surface waters would be surface runoff. In this event, the compound would most probably remain bound to the solid particle and settle to the bottom.

Breakdown of Chemical in Vegetation:

No data were available regarding the breakdown of lambda cyhalothrin in vegetation.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES AND GUIDELINES

Physical Properties:

Exposure Guidelines:

References

(1) Kidd, H. and James, D. R., Eds. The Agrochemicals Handbook, Third Edition. Royal Society of Chemistry Information Services, Cambridge, UK, 1991 (as updated).2-13

(2) Meister, R.T. 1992. Farm Chemicals Handbook 1992. Meister Publishing Company. Willoghby, OH.

(3) US Environmental Protection Agency. 1988. Fact Sheet Number 171: Karate (PP321). Washington, DC.

(4) Ray, D.E. 1991. Pesticides Derived from Plants and Other Organisms In Hayes Jr., Wayland, and Edward R. Laws, Jr. (eds.) Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology. Academic Press, Inc. New York, NY.

(5) US Environmental Protection Agency. 1995. File: Cyhalothrin, Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB). National Library of Medicine Toxnet Database, 4/95.

(6) US Environmental Protection Agency. 1992. Environmental Fate and Effects Division. Pesticide Environmental Fate One Line Summary: Lambdacyhalothrin. Washington, DC.

(7) Wauchope, R.D., Buttler, T.M., Hornsby A.G., Augustijn-Beckers, P.W.M. and Burt, J.P. 1992. SCS/ARS/CES Pesticide Properties Database for Environmental Decisionmaking. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, Vol. 123.

source: http://ace.ace.orst.edu/info/extoxnet/pips/lambdacy.htm 16apr03

Other References:

all accessed 16apr03

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