EPA Pesticide Program Updates: April 19, 2002

IN THIS UPDATE:

• Sodium Acifluorfen Risk Assessments Released; Comments Requested on Risk
  Mitigation (Comments Due May 28, 2002)

Sodium Acifluorfen Risk Assessments Released; Comments Requested on Risk Mitigation (Comments Due May 28, 2002)

Through a Federal Register notice published on April 12, 2002, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of the revised human health and ecological risk assessments for sodium acifluorfen, and opened a 45-day comment period for the public to submit risk mitigation proposals for this pesticide.

Sodium acifluorfen, trade name Blazer, is a broad spectrum herbicide registered on agricultural crops (soybeans, peanuts and rice) for post-emergent weed control, and for use by homeowners as a spot treatment on driveways, sidewalks, and patios. EPA classifies sodium acifluorfen as a probable human carcinogen; however, the registrant is developing additional carcinogenicity data.

The Agency has possible concerns regarding drinking water and aggregate risks, chronic risks for some bird species at high-use rates and risks to nontarget plants. The sodium acifluorfen risk assessments and related documents are available from the pesticide docket or from the Agency's web site. The Federal Register notice, which provides more detailed information on providing comments is also online. Comments are due to the Agency on May 28, 2002. EPA plans to complete a sodium acifluorfen Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) this year.

For information about ongoing activities in the Office of Pesticide Programs, visit OPPs home page.

Or call or write OPP directly at:

Communication Services Branch
Office of Pesticide Programs (7506C)
US Environmental Protection Agency
Ariel Rios Building
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004-2403
703-305-5017