Weeping paperbark oil |

Last updated: 22/08/2025
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(Also known as: Melaleuca leucodendron oil ; melaleuca oil; longleaved paperbark oil; cajeput oil; cajeputi leaf oil ) |
The following alerts are based on the data in the tables below. An absence of an alert does not imply the substance has no implications for human health, biodiversity or the environment but just that we do not have the data to form a judgement. These hazard alerts do not take account of usage patterns or exposure, thus do not represent risk.
Environmental fate |
Ecotoxicity |
Human health |
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An essential oil extracted from the weeping paperbark tree that has insecticidal and antiparasitic properties |
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Greenhouse whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum; The parasite Leishmania amazonensis |
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Tomato; Melon; Strawberry; Raspberry; Pepper; Cucumber; Lettuce; Citrus; Bean; Cotton |
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Class: Magnoliopsida; Order: Myrtales, Family: Myrtaceae |
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Not approved |
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Not applicable |
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No UK approval for use as a plant protection agent |
EC Regulation 1107/2009 (repealing 91/414) |
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Not approved |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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No |
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ATAustria |
BEBelgium |
BGBulgaria |
CYCyprus |
CZCzech Republic |
DEGermany |
DKDenmark |
EEEstonia |
ELGreece |
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ESSpain |
FIFinland |
FRFrance |
HRCroatia |
HUHungary |
IEIreland |
ITItaly |
LTLithuania |
LULuxembourg |
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LVLatvia |
MTMalta |
NLNetherlands |
PLPoland |
PTPortugal |
RORomania |
SESweden |
SISlovenia |
SKSlovakia |
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ISIceland |
NONorway |
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Weeping paperbark oil is a complex mixture and contains a rich blend of terpenoid compounds that exhibit various forms of isomerism. These include 1,8-Cineole which is a major component of the oil and can exist in different stereoisomeric forms depending on its source and distillation method. The oil also contains the structural isomers of alpha-terpineol, D- and L-isomers of limonene as well as terpinolene, gamma-terpinene, and para-cymene which are monoterpenes with isomeric relationships. |
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No |
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Insecticide |
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Plant-derived substance; Plant oil |
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Natural; Complex mixture |
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Non-toxic mode of action - repellency |
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Oil is extracted from Melaleuca leucadendra tree, commonly known as weeping paperbark tree, that is widespread in northern Australia, Southeast Asia, New Guinea and the Torres Strait Islands. |
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Crop protection |
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Greenhouse whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum; The parasite Leishmania amazonensis |
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Tomato; Melon; Strawberry; Raspberry; Pepper; Cucumber; Lettuce; Citrus; Bean; Cotton |
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85480-37-1 |
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287-316-4 |
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weeping paperbark oil |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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A pale yellow to green oily liquid comprised of many volatile organic compounds including eugenol, methyl eugenol, 1,8-cineole, eucalyptol and pinene |
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Current |
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- Augustus Oils Ltd, UK
- Nature In Bottle, Australia
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- White Tea Tree Oil
- Melaleuca Leucadendron Oil
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Ready-to-use formulations |
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Commercial production of weeping paperbark oil is extracted from the leaves and twigs of Melaleuca leucadendra. Harvesting typically occurs when the leaves are mature and rich in essential oil content. The plant material is then subjected to steam distillation, which extracts volatile compounds such as cineole, alpha-terpineol, and limonene. After distillation, the oil is filtered and tested for purity before being packaged for use. |
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Data for specific plant oils is scarce. However, from publicly available data the carbon footprint of plant oils has been estimated at between 1.0 and 4.0 kg CO₂e per kg of oil. This depends on the plant oil content, agricultural practices and processing methods used. |
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48 |
Q3 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources 3 = Unverified data of known source |
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0.91 |
Q3 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources 3 = Unverified data of known source |
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As this parameter is not normally measured directly, a surrogate measure is used: ‘Photochemical oxidative DT₅₀’. Where data is available, this can be found in the Fate Indices section below. |
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Soil adsorption and mobility |
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None
Terrestrial ecotoxicology |
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30.4 |
Q3 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources 3 = Unverified data of known source Daphnia magna |
Low |
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HUMAN HEALTH AND PROTECTION |
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Carcinogen |
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Endocrine disruptor |
No data found |
A0 A = Chromosome aberration (EFSA database) 0 = No data ; B0 B = DNA damage/repair (EFSA database) 0 = No data ; C0 C = Gene mutation (EFSA database) 0 = No data ; D0 D = Genome mutation (EFSA database) 0 = No data ; E0 E = Unspecified genotoxicity type (miscellaneous data source) 0 = No data |
No data found |
Reproduction / development effects |
Acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor |
Neurotoxicant |
✓Yes, known to cause a problem |
No data found |
No data found |
Respiratory tract irritant |
Skin irritant |
Skin sensitiser |
No data found |
✓Yes, known to cause a problem |
?Possibly, status not identified |
Eye irritant |
Phototoxicant |
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✓Yes, known to cause a problem |
No data found |
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No information available |
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Flammable IMDG Transport Hazard Class 3 |
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Handling: H226 Health: H304, H315, H317, H319, H361 Environment: H400, H410 |
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Not listed (Not listed) |
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UN1169 |
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Packaging group III (minor danger) |
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weeping paperbark oil |
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Record last updated: |
22/08/2025 |
Contact: |
aeru@herts.ac.uk |
Please cite as: |
Lewis, K.A., Tzilivakis, J., Warner, D. and Green, A. (2016) An international database for pesticide risk assessments and management. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal, 22(4), 1050-1064. DOI: 10.1080/10807039.2015.1133242 |