Pesticide Registrations and Actions

Other Actions

• The EPA is due to release proposed crop deletions for aldicarb (Temik®) and endosulfan.  For aldicarb, crops proposed for deletion off of the label include coffee, ornamentals, pecan, sugarcane, sorghum, tobacco, and alfalfa grown for seed.  There are also rate reductions proposed for aldicarb.  For endosulfan, succulent bean and pea, spinach, grape, and pecan are proposed for deletion off the label.  Also some of the REIs will increase (melon/cucurbit to three days, lettuce, celery, and radish to four days).  There are a number of other minor changes regarding formulation, application, and rate.  If you have any questions or want to provide information regarding your use of these materials, call the PIO.  (SRIPMC email, 10/12/07). 
•  The new label for dicofol has restricted entry intervals (REIs) that will greatly reduce the availability of this material in Florida crops that utilize it.  The REI for strawberry is 31 days, cucurbits are 21 days, peppers and tomatoes are 25 days, and citrus is now 87 days.  Old materials can be used as labeled.  (Jim Price and Cutis Nagle, 10/2/07). 
•  The EPA has completed its cumulative human health risk assessment for the N-methyl carbamate class of pesticides, which includes: aldicarb, carbaryl, carbofuran, formetanate, methiocarb, methomyl, oxamyl, pirimicarb, propoxur, and thiodicarb.  The Agency has concluded that when considered together with the risk mitigation steps identified in the individual risk management decisions for these pesticides, the cumulative risks associated with this class of pesticides are below the regulatory level of concern established by the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA).  EPA also evaluated tolerances - residue limits in food and feed - for cumulative risk and found that tolerances for the N-methyl carbamates meet the FQPA safety standard.  The risks associated with the pesticide residues represent a reasonable certainty of no harm.  With the reassessment of the remaining tolerances for N-methyl carbamates, EPA has met the goal established by FQPA to ensure that all pesticides used on food in the United States meet the stringent safety standard.  All 9,721 tolerances that required reassessment have now been re-evaluated, and related risk management decisions are being implemented.  (OPP Update, 9/28/07). 
•  The EPA is proposing to terminate Special Review for the pesticide dichlorvos (DDVP).  When the DDVP Special Review was initiated in 1988, EPA identified concerns for cancer and liver effects as well as cholinesterase inhibition.  Through the comprehensive reregistration process, the Agency resolved the concerns regarding cancer and cholinesterase effects.  The Agency determined that the few remaining uses of DDVP do not present risks that exceed levels of concern, and therefore no additional risk mitigation measures are necessary.  (OPP Update, 9/28/07). 

•  In October, the EPA will be presenting to the FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) the analysis of the latest data from laboratory and field studies investigating a perceived connection between amphibian gonadal development and the herbicide atrazine.  Based on this analysis, EPA finds that atrazine does not adversely affect amphibian gonadal development, and believes there is no compelling reason to pursue additional testing of atrazine for amphibian gonadal effects at this time.  The Agency is seeking comments and recommendations from the SAP on the analysis of the studies and the conclusions.  (OPP Update, 9/25/07). 
•  The EPA has clarified its position on the distinction between devices and pesticides with regard to ion-generating equipment and explains why such equipment (such as a silver-generating washing machine) is regulated as a pesticide.  The Agency has also invited all interested parties to collaborate with it in identifying data and other information that would be needed to support registration of these products.  (OPP Update, 9/21/07).