Powdered corn cob

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Powdered corn cob (PCC) is a rodenticide, marketed as a natural and environmentally-friendly alternative to anticoagulant types. The preparation was approved in July 2013 under the European Biocide Directive Program (Annex 1/1A BPD 98/8EEC). It works by causing acute and ultimately lethal dehydration.

Contents

History

Formulated and manufactured by Zea Sciences [1] over 15 years, PCC was granted EU under the European Biocide Directive Program, known as Annex 1/1A BPD 98/8EEC, in July 2013. [2] [3] The patent covers the principle of using any suitable natural dehydrant to kill rodents. [4]

"Cellulose from powdered corn cob" is proposed for approval in Canada in 2007. [5]

In 2005, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a warning letter regarding the sale of corn cob rodenticide with a misrepresented ingredient list. [6] In 2012, the EPA received a pesticide application for "cellulose" for the "Rode-Trol" rodenticide. [7] In 2022, the EPA received a pesticide application for "cellulose from corn cob". [8]

Effect

Similar to other rodenticides, the preparation requires 3–7 days to be effective. Rather than killing rodents through internal haemorrhaging as anticoagulants do, [9] PCC affects a rodent’s digestive system, causing acute dehydration due to its extremely absorptive nature (corn cob has been used in applications such as oil spills in water bodies, seed drying and de-icing). [10] Physiological digestive pathways are disrupted, preventing normal regulation of water and salt levels, leading to hypovolemic circulatory shock through reduced blood volume and blood pressure, oxygen deprivation of the blood, and ultimately death. [11]

It is by nature biodegradable, thus not an environmental pollutant. It poses no risk of contamination to crops, nor to the food chain. There is little threat of toxicity to children, pets, livestock or birds—including through secondary poisoning. [12] [13]

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References

  1. ↑ "Zea Sciences". Archived from the original on 25 June 2013. Retrieved 22 August 2013.
  2. ↑ Health and Safety Executive (HSE). "Powdered corn cob - Annex I Directive". HSE. Retrieved 22 August 2013.
  3. ↑ "EU approves powdered corn cob as biocidal active". Chemical Watch: Global Risk & Regulation News. 15 August 2013. Retrieved 22 August 2013.
  4. ↑ "IFI Claims Patent Services (Google)" . Retrieved 4 April 2015.
  5. ↑ Government of Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada (2 February 2007). "PROPOSED REGISTRATION DECISION Cellulose From Powdered Corn Cobs" (PDF). publications.gc.ca.
  6. ↑ "Rodenticides Marketed as Exempt Under 25(b) Active In gredient: Corn Oi" (PDF).
  7. ↑ "Regulations.gov". www.regulations.gov.
  8. ↑ "Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Active Ingredients-April 2022". federalregister.gov. May 20, 2022.
  9. ↑ The Barn Owl Trust. "Rodent Control" (PDF). Leaflet. The Barn Owl Trust. Retrieved 22 August 2013.
  10. ↑ Ribey, Margaret. "The Many Faces of the Corn Cob" (PDF). Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario. Retrieved 22 August 2013.
  11. ↑ Zea Sciences. "Mode of Action" . Retrieved 22 August 2013.
  12. ↑ European Union (2013-07-31). "Commission Directive 2013/44/EU of 30 July 2013". Official Journal of the European Union (204): 49–50. Retrieved 22 August 2013.
  13. ↑ "Corn Cellulose Poisoning in Animals - Toxicology". MSD Veterinary Manual.
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