(Also known as: banol 50; paraffinic oil; white mineral oil; paraffine oil; crop oil)
Hazard alerts
The following Pesticide Hazard Tricolour (PHT) 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. The alerts for Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) are based on applying the FAO/WHO (Type 1) and the PAN (Type II) criteria to PPDB data. Further details on the HHP indicators are given in the tables below. Neither the PHT nor the HHP hazard alerts take account of usage patterns or exposure, thus they do not represent risk.
Ecotoxicity High alert: Fish acute ecotoxicity: High; Daphnia acute ecotoxicity: High
Human health High alert: Carcinogen
Highly Hazardous Pesticide (HHP) Type I alert
Highly Hazardous Pesticide (HHP) Type II alert
GENERAL INFORMATION
Description
A complex mixture of saturated hydrocarbons used in the field and under glass to control sucking and chewing insects on fruit and other crops. It also demonstrates some fungicidal activity. Also used as a commodity chemical and as an adjuvant.
Example pests/issues controlled
Scale; Mites; Thrips; Aphids, Powdery mildew.
Example applications
Fruit including apple, pear, peach, cherry, apricot, plum; Vines; Ornamentals
Efficacy & activity
Effectiveness demonstrated via extensive use and field trials
Appearance and life cycle
-
Taxonomic classification
-
GB regulatory status
GB COPR regulatory status
Approved
Date COPR inclusion expires
31/12/2029
GB LERAP status
-
EC Regulation 1107/2009 (repealing 91/414)
EC Regulation 1107/2009 status
Approved
Dossier rapporteur/co-rapporteur
Greece/France
Date EC 1107/2009 inclusion expires
31/03/2027
EU Candidate for substitution (CfS)
No
Listed in EU database
Yes
Approved for use (✓) under EC 1107/2009 in the following EU Member States
ATAustria
BEBelgium
BGBulgaria
CYCyprus
CZCzech Republic
DEGermany
DKDenmark
EEEstonia
ELGreece
✓
✓
ESSpain
FIFinland
FRFrance
HRCroatia
HUHungary
IEIreland
ITItaly
LTLithuania
LULuxembourg
✓
✓
✓
✓
LVLatvia
MTMalta
NLNetherlands
PLPoland
PTPortugal
RORomania
SESweden
SISlovenia
SKSlovakia
✓
✓
Approved for use (✓) under EC 1107/2009 by Mutual Recognition of Authorisation and/or national regulations in the following EEA countries
ISIceland
NONorway
Additional information
Also used in
-
Chemical structure
Isomerism
Not applicable
Chemical formula
-
Canonical SMILES
-
Isomeric SMILES
-
International Chemical Identifier key (InChIKey)
-
International Chemical Identifier (InChI)
-
2D structure diagram/image available?
No
General status
Biopesticide type
Acaricide; Insecticide; Fungicide; Other substance
C2 Criterion 2: Pesticide active ingredients that meet the criteria of carcinogenicity Categories 1A and 1B of the Globally Harmonized System on Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) (those with a CLP classification of H350)
]
Type II
Yes [
R02 Rule 2: Pesticide active ingredients that meet the criteria of carcinogenicity Categories 1A and 1B of the Globally Harmonized System on Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) (those with a CLP classification of H350)
;
R04 Rule 4: Pesticide active ingredients that meet the criteria of reproductive toxicity Categories 1A and 1B of the Globally Harmonized System on Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) (those with a CLP classification of H360)
;
R09 Rule 9: Pesticide active ingredients that have demonstrated a high aquatic toxicity (where acute ecotoxicity for fish, invertebrates or algae =< 0.1 mg l⁻¹)
;
R11 Rule 11: Pesticide active ingredients that are environmentally persistent (where sediment phase only DT₅₀ => 90 days or water phase only DT₅₀ => 90 days or DT₅₀ (field) => 60 days (note lab values are used when field values are not available))
1890s, first recorded use of paraffin oils in agriculture; 1990s, first registrations in USA
Example manufacturers & suppliers of products using this active now or historically
TotalEnergies
Rashin Company
Example products using this active
Formulation and application details
Usually supplied as an oil miscible liquid
Commercial production
Paraffin oil, also known as mineral oil, is produced through a series of refining processes from crude oil. The process begins with extracting crude oil from underground reservoirs through drilling. The extracted crude oil undergoes distillation to separate it into various components based on their boiling points. Paraffin oil is derived from the heavier fractions of crude oil. This step involves using a solvent to remove waxy compounds from the paraffin, resulting in a purer form of the oil. Different solvents are used to isolate different hydrocarbon chains. The final refining process, hydro finishing, treats the paraffin with hydrogen to remove impurities and stabilize the oil, improving its colour, odour, and stability.
Impact on climate of production and use
The GHG emissions from producing paraffin oils for agriculture vary depending on the refining process, feedstock source, and energy inputs. Assuming conventional fossil fuel energy sources, crude oil extraction typically emits around 0.3–0.6 kg CO₂e per kg, refining & distillation emits approximately 0.5–1.0 kg CO₂e and 0.2–0.4 kg CO₂e is emitted by formulation & packaging processes. Therefore total emissions are likely to be in the range 1.0–2.0 kg CO₂e per kg of paraffin oil.
A3 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 3 = Unverified data of known source
-
Degradation point (°C)
-
-
-
Flashpoint (°C)
-
-
-
Octanol-water partition coefficient at pH 7, 20 °C
P
3.16 X 1009
Calculated
-
Log P
9.5
A3 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 3 = Unverified data of known source
High
Fat solubility of residues
Solubility
-
-
-
Data type
-
-
-
Density (g ml⁻¹)
0.89
A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes
Moderately volatile. If applied directly to plants or soil, drift is a concern & mitigation is advisable
Henry's law constant at 25 °C (Pa m³ mol⁻¹)
-
-
-
Volatilisation as max % of applied dose lost
From plant surface
-
-
-
From soil surface
-
-
-
Maximum UV-vis absorption L mol⁻¹ cm⁻¹
200-400nm: no absorption observedA5
-
-
Surface tension (mN m⁻¹)
31.5
A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes
100% purity
-
Degradation
Property
Value
Source; quality score; and other information
Interpretation
General biodegradability
-
Soil degradation (days) (Aerobic conditions)
DT₅₀ (typical)
66.5
A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes
Moderately persistent
DT₅₀ (lab at 20 °C)
66.5
A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes
Moderately persistent
DT₅₀ (field)
-
-
-
DT₉₀ (lab at 20 °C)
226.5
A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes
Persistent
DT₉₀ (field)
-
-
-
DT₅₀ modelling endpoint
66.5
A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes
geometric mean
-
Note
EU 2026 dossier: Lab studies DT₅₀ (normalised) range 34.8-276 days, DT₉₀ (measured) range 126-478 days, Soils=6
Soil mineralisation
Aerobic (at 20 °C)
Not applicable
-
-
Anaerobic (at 20 °C)
Not applicable
-
Dissipation rate RL₅₀ (days) on plant matrix
Value
-
-
-
Note
-
Dissipation rate RL₅₀ (days) on and in plant matrix
Value
-
-
-
Note
-
Aqueous photolysis DT₅₀ (days) at pH 7
Value
-
-
-
Note
-
Aqueous hydrolysis DT₅₀ (days) at 20 °C and pH 7
Value
-
-
-
Note
-
Water-sediment DT₅₀ (days)
-
-
-
Water phase only DT₅₀ (days)
-
-
-
Sediment phase only DT₅₀ (days)
-
-
-
Air degradation
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.
Decay in stored produce DT₅₀
-
Soil adsorption and mobility
Property
Value
Source; quality score; and other information
Interpretation
Linear
Kd (mL g⁻¹)
-
-
-
Koc (mL g⁻¹)
-
Notes and range
-
Freundlich
Kf (mL g⁻¹)
-
-
-
Kfoc (mL g⁻¹)
-
1/n
-
Notes and range
-
pH sensitivity
-
Known metabolites
None
ECOTOXICOLOGY
Terrestrial ecotoxicology
Property
Value
Source; quality score; and other information
Interpretation
Mammals - Acute oral LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)
> 2000
A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes
Rat
Low
Mammals - Short Term Oral NOAEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)
22.0
A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes
Rat 90-day
Moderate
Mammals - Long Term (Chronic) Oral NOAEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)
1941
A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes
A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes
Raphidocelis subcapitata
High
Algae - Chronic (growth rate, fresh; mg l⁻¹)
-
-
-
Mesocosm study data
NOEAEC mg l⁻¹
-
-
-
NOEAEC mg l⁻¹
-
-
-
Marine bivalves
-
-
-
Regulatory Threshold Levels (RTLs)
Note: These RTLs have been calculated using the regulatory approach used in the European Union and based on ecotoxocity values in the PPDB.
Species group
RTL
Notes
Mammals
4.4
Worst case of acute and chronic mammals
Birds
500
Worst case of acute and chronic birds
Soil organisms
63.2
Worst case of acute and chronic earthworms
Terrestrial plants
No data
No data for non-target plants vegetative vigour and seedling emergence
Pollinators
4.88
Worst case of contact and oral honeybees
Arthropods
No data
No data for parasitic wasps and predatory mites
Fish
2.5E-05
Worst case of temperate acute and chronic fish
Aquatic invertebrates
2.5E-05
Worst case of temperate acute and chronic aquatic invertebrates
Aquatic plants
0.00025
Worst case of free-floating plants, rooted plants, acute and chronic algae
HUMAN HEALTH AND PROTECTION
General
Property
Value
Source; quality score; and other information
Interpretation
Threshold of Toxicological Concern (Cramer Class)
-
-
-
Mammals - Acute oral LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)
> 2000
A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes
Rat
Low
Mammals - Short Term Oral NOAEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)
22.0
A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes
Rat 90-day
Moderate
Mammals - Long Term (Chronic) Oral NOAEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)
1941
A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes
Rat 2-yr
Low
Mammals - Dermal LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹ body weight)
> 2000
A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes
Rat
-
Mammals - Inhalation LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)
> 5.10
A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes
Rat
-
Other Mammal toxicity endpoints
-
-
-
ADI - Acceptable Daily Intake (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)
None allocated
A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes
-
ARfD - Acute Reference Dose (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)
None allocated
A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes
A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes
-
Dermal penetration studies (%)
25-70
A3 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 3 = Unverified data of known source
poor dermal penetration; concentration dependent
-
Dangerous Substances Directive 76/464
-
-
-
Exposure Routes
Public
No unacceptable exposure for bystanders is foreseen
Occupational
No unacceptable exposure for operators and other farm workers is foreseen with the use of appropriate PPE/PPC
Mammalian dose elimination route and rate
60-80% via fecal and urinary excretion
A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications ) 5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes
-
Health issues
Specific human health issues (hazard-based)
Carcinogen
Genotoxic
Endocrine disruptor
✓Yes, known to cause a problem
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
;
E3 E = Unspecified genotoxicity type (miscellaneous data source) 3 = Negative
XNo, known not to cause a problem
Reproduction / development effects
Acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor
Neurotoxicant
?Possibly, status not identified
XNo, known not to cause a problem
XNo, known not to cause a problem
Respiratory tract irritant
Skin irritant
Skin sensitiser
?Possibly, status not identified
XNo, known not to cause a problem
XNo, known not to cause a problem
Eye irritant
Phototoxicant
XNo, known not to cause a problem
No data found
General human health issues
CLP data - known human carcinogen; EFSA - no carcinogenic potenrtial at proposed pesticide dose May damage vital organs Exposure may cause microgranulomas in the liver
Handling issues
Property
Value and interpretation
General
Not explosive or oxidising Not expected to auto-ignite; Not highly flammable
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
Your use of this website and its various databases is subject to the terms detailed in the University of Hertfordshire’s copyright and IPR statement that can be found at https://www.herts.ac.uk/about-us/legal.
In addition, your use of this website and its various databases is subject to the terms of this additional Copyright Statement and the database Conditions of use document.
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the content of this website and databases are owned and controlled by the University of Hertfordshire. Site content, including its selection and arrangement, is owned by the University of Hertfordshire and is protected by copyright and other laws.
Except as otherwise expressly permitted under copyright law or within the database Conditions of Use document, the content of this site may not be copied, reproduced, republished, downloaded, posted, broadcast or transmitted in any way without first obtaining the University of Hertfordshire’s written permission.
By using our databases the user is deemed to have agreed to comply with all of the terms and conditions as described above and within all relevant documentation.
Environmental fate
Warning:
Ecotoxicity
