ASTM E654

Test Method for Effectiveness of Aerosol and Pressurized Spray Insecticides Against Cockroaches

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Quick understanding of the test

ASTM E654 - Test Method for Effectiveness of Aerosol and Pressurized Spray Insecticides Against Cockroaches

ASTM E654 evaluates the effectiveness of aerosol and pressurized spray insecticides against cockroaches.

Application

Applicable to products such as aerosol and pressurized spray intended for cockroach control applications.
  • Cockroaches are acclimated, and the insecticide is applied in controlled chambers for a set duration.
  • Following exposure, the chambers are sealed, and the cockroaches are observed for mortality effects over an extended period. 
  • Mortality data is recorded and analyzed to assess insecticideโ€™s efficacy.

Turnaround Time

It typically takes a few days to several weeks.
Results are evaluated by measuring the mortality and incapacitation of cockroaches compared to control groups.

Passing criteria

To pass the test, the insecticide must achieve a consistent mortality rate within the specified observation period.

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Abstract

The ASTM E654 method tests the efficacy of aerosol and pressurized spray insecticides against cockroach populations: Blattella germanica (German cockroach) and Periplaneta americana (American cockroach). Cockroaches are exposed to the insecticides in controlled laboratory environments within enclosed chambers. Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity are regulated. After exposure, the test assesses the lethality and incapacitation of the cockroaches within a specified time frame, usually 24 to 48 hours, to examine the effectiveness of the product. This kind of assessment helps manufacturers design reliable and safe formulations before marketing the product.

ASTM E654 Test Conditions

  1. Temperature: 25ยฐC to 30ยฐC
  2. Humidity: Between 50% and 60%
  3. Lighting Conditions: low-light or dark conditions
  4. Exposure Time: Between 5 and 10 minutes.
  5. Cockroach Activity Levels: The test ensures that the cockroaches used are active and in their normal health state

ASTM E654 Test Requirements

  1. Cockroach Number: 20 to 50 cockroaches of the same age. 
  2. Test Chambers: Typically made of transparent or semi-transparent plastic to observe cockroaches during the test.
  3. Application methods : Aerosol or pressurized spray methods are used depending upon the manufacturer’s instruction.

ASTM E654 Test Methodology

The test methods are:

  1. Preparation of Test Subjects: Cockroaches are acclimated to the test chambers for a minimum of 24 hours to ensure that they are in their normal state of activity during the test.
  2. Application of Insecticide: The aerosol or spray insecticide is applied into the test chamber in such a way that the chemical has uniform coverage in all areas of the test space. In most cases, the spray is usually applied from a predefined distance in order to simulate realistic conditions.
  3. Exposed Duration: The time period for the exposure of cockroaches is predetermined. Such durations are typically in the range of 5-10 minutes. For this, the chambers are sealed up following the exposure period so that cockroaches do not escape from those chambers.
  4. Observation Period: The cockroaches are observed immediately after exposure for any incapacitation or death effects and extended to last up to 48 hours in order to pick up latent effects due to the insecticide.
  5. Analysis and Documentation: After the observation period, the mortality data are tabulated and evaluated to establish whether the insecticide meets the required standards of efficacy for commercial application.

Importance of ASTM E654 Test

This test standard is important since it ensures that aerosol and pressurized spray insecticides have the capability of controlling cockroaches, which are disease carriers and represent hygiene concerns. It provides manufacturers with a standard means for validation of the effectiveness of products, compliance with regulatory standards, and establishing consumer confidence. Moreover, the test yields useful information to manufacturers for further improvements in formulations. This contributes to public health by ensuring safety and effectiveness in pest control.

Conclusion

This test standard is important in evaluating the effectiveness of aerosol and pressurized spray insecticides against cockroach infestations. Such standardized procedures not only assure that the producers would comply with the requirements of the industry but would also provide the producers with an idea on improving the performance of the product. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

DR. Martinoz Scholtz

MIS Labs
1. What is ASTM E654 test?

The test is the standard procedure of determining the effectiveness of aerosol and pressurized spray insecticides against cockroaches under controlled laboratory conditions.

2. What are the Products that can be tested with ASTM E654 test?

Products that can be tested under this standard are aerosol and pressurized spray insecticides intended for cockroach control applications.

3. What is the Turnaround Time for ASTM E654 test?

The turnaround time typically ranges from a few days to several weeks.

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