WHO Review of chemicals for aircraft disinsection
WHO is undertaking a re-evaluation of chemicals currently used and proposed for use in aircraft disinsection. This aims to assist Member States to implement the International Health Regulations (2005), Annex 5, Specific Measures for Vector-Borne Diseases, which states that where there are methods and materials advised by WHO for disinsection, these should be employed (Annex 5, clause 2) and that States should accept disinsection if methods and materials advised by WHO have been employed (Annex 5, clause 3).
The importance of aircraft disinsection for disease vector control is described in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization.
The current WHO publication on aircraft disinsection dates from 1995. An update regarding the use of pyrethroids in aircraft disinsection has also been published. The advice in these documents is adopted by many countries.
Following a period of public comment and peer review, a draft generic human health risk assessment model for aircraft disinsection insecticides has been developed. WHO is currently inviting stakeholders to submit information on their aircraft disinsection products (either currently in use or proposed for use) to be assessed against the risk assessment model.
The outcomes of these assessments, together with the finalized model, will be published by WHO to assist countries in their national decision making, following a Meeting of technical experts to be held in January 2012.
Stakeholders wishing to submit information on aircraft disinsection products for consideration in this re-evaluation, are invited to contact IPCS via e-mail (IPCSMAIL) for details. The deadline for submissions will be 5 December 2011.
In parallel, WHO is developing guidelines for efficacy testing of insecticide products for aircraft disinsection. The development of these guidelines is being co-ordinated by the World Health Organization Pesticide Evaluation Scheme (WHOPES).
Please note that an independent evaluation of the efficacy of aircraft disinsection insecticides is not being conducted. The World Health Organization does not maintain a list of insecticide products "approved" for use in aircraft disinsection. The regulatory approval of insecticide products is within the jurisdiction of national authorities.