EPA Issues One-Year Registration for Iodomethane

On October 5, the EPA approved a one-year registration of iodomethane (methyl iodide), trade name Midas®, under highly restrictive provisions governing its use.  Iodomethane can serve as an alternative to the ozone-depleting pesticide methyl bromide.  The risk assessment process for iodomethane has been one of the most thorough analyses ever conducted on a new pesticide.  It has incorporated state-of-the-art methods and extensive chemical-specific toxicology and exposure data.   The agency's assessment evaluated the potential for cancer and special sensitivities to the most vulnerable populations.  The EPA also paid particular attention to potential exposures of those who live, work, or spend time in areas near fields where iodomethane might be used.

The risk-assessment techniques, protocols governing generation of toxicology studies, and exposure evaluation methods used to support the evaluation of iodomethane have been peer-reviewed by agency scientists, the independent Scientific Advisory Panel or both.  By using a thorough evaluation process the agency concluded that there are adequate safety margins and the registration of iodomethane does not pose significant risks to human health or the environment.

On September 25, EPA received a letter signed by 54 scientists who oppose the registration of iodomethane as a soil fumigant, citing potential human health and environmental concerns, and requested additional peer review.  EPA has discussed the assessment with some of the signatories and sent a letter to inform the scientists of the rigorous science used to support EPA's decision.

Iodomethane can be used as a pre-plant soil fumigant to control plant pathogens, nematodes, insects, and weeds on strawberry, tomato, pepper, ornamentals, turf, trees, and vines.  More information on iodomethane is available on EPA's Web site at: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/iodomethane_fs.htm  (OPP Update, 10/5/07).