EPA Pesticide Program Updates: July 12, 2001

IN THIS UPDATE:

• Toxicity Determination for Methyl Carbamates and Chloroacetanilides

EPA Opens 60-Day Pubic Comment Period on Common Mechanism of Toxicity Determination for Methyl Carbamates and Chloroacetanilides

The two classes of pesticides are a group of chemicals known as N-methyl carbamates, and certain members of the group of chemicals known as chloroacetanilides. A cumulative risk assessment considers the combined risks from exposure to different pesticides that act the same way in the body, known as a common mechanism of toxicity.

High Priority. EPA made these two independent "determinations of common mechanism of toxicity" based on evidence that pesticides in each class may affect the body through the same major pathway. Both classes of pesticides have been given high priority in EPA's review of older pesticides and associated tolerances (maximum allowable limits of pesticide residue in food or animal feed) according to the mandates of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA). Under FQPA, EPA must consider available information concerning the cumulative effects of pesticides and other substances that have common mechanisms of toxicity when establishing, modifying, revoking or deciding to leave a tolerance in place.

First Step. Identifying pesticides and other substances that share a common mechanism of toxicity is the first step of the cumulative risk assessment process. Cumulative risk assessments help EPA make regulatory decisions that fully protect public health—especially the health of infants and children.

The carbamate pesticides (with three distinct subgroups: N-methyl carbamates, thiocarbamates, and dithiocarbamates) are widely used in homes, gardens and in agriculture. They have the capacity to inhibit cholinesterase enzymes in the body which affect the nervous system. The chloroacetanilides group of chemicals are herbicides used in agriculture for general weed control in food and feed crops, and they are also used around the home on lawns and gardens. OPP has grouped together three of the chloroacetanilides: acetochlor, alachlor, and butachlor, based on their ability to cause nasal tumors.

Deadline. Interested parties have until September 10, 2001, to submit comments. EPA has established a separate public docket for the two chemical groups: "A Common Mechanism of Toxicity Determination for N-Methyl Carbamate Pesticides" and "A Common Mechanism of Toxicity Determination for Chloroacetanilides."

These public dockets, including printed, paper versions of electronic comments, are available for inspection from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. EPA's Office of Pesticide Program Public Docket is located in the Public Information and Records Integrity Branch of the Information Resources and Services Division, Room 119, Crystal Mall 2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia.

You may bring comments to the docket or submit written comments to:

Public Information and Records Integrity Branch
Information Resources and Services Division (7502C)
Office of Pesticide Programs
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Ave.
NW, Washington, DC 20460.

You may send comments via e-mail.