Pinene Polymers; Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance, 28447-28452 [05-9479]
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 95 / Wednesday, May 18, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
the distribution of power and
responsibilities between the Federal
Government and Indian tribes.’’ This
rule will not have substantial direct
effects on tribal governments, on the
relationship between the Federal
Government and Indian tribes, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities between the Federal
Government and Indian tribes, as
specified in Executive Order 13175.
Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not
apply to this rule.
XIII. Congressional Review Act
The Congressional Review Act, 5
U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act of 1996, generally provides
that before a rule may take effect, the
agency promulgating the rule must
submit a rule report, which includes a
copy of the rule, to each House of the
Congress and to the Comptroller General
of the United States. EPA will submit a
report containing this rule and other
required information to the U.S. Senate,
the U.S. House of Representatives, and
the Comptroller General of the United
States prior to publication of this final
rule in the Federal Register. This final
rule is not a ‘‘major rule’’ as defined by
5 U.S.C. 804(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection,
Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides
and pests, Reporting and record keeping
requirements.
Dated: April 29, 2005.
Lois Rossi,
Director, Registration Division, Office of
Pesticide Programs.
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
amended as follows:
I
PART 180—[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for part 180
continues to read as follows:
I
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
2. In § 180.950, the table in paragraph
(e) is amended by adding alphabetically
the following entry to read as follows:
I
§ 180.950 Tolerance exemptions for
minimal risk active and inert ingredients.
*
*
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(e)* * *
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Chemical Name
*
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CAS No.
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Red cabbage color, expressed
from edible red cabbage
heads via a pressing process
using only acidified water.
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None
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Chemical Name
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CAS No.
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[FR Doc. 05–9482 Filed 5–17–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–S
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
Pinene Polymers; Exemption from the
Requirement of a Tolerance
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes
exemptions from the requirement of a
tolerance for residues of several alphaand/or beta-pinene polymers when used
as inert ingredients in or on growing
crops and when applied to raw
agricultural commodities after harvest.
Hercules, Inc. submitted a petition to
EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), as amended by
the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996
(FQPA), requesting an exemption from
the requirement of a tolerance. This
regulation eliminates the need to
establish a maximum permissible level
for residues of alpha and/or beta-pinene
polymers.
DATES: This regulation is effective May
18, 2005. Objections and requests for
hearings must be received on or before
July 18, 2005.
ADDRESSES: To submit a written
objection or hearing request follow the
detailed instructions as provided in
Unit XI. of the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION. EPA has established a
docket for this action under Docket
identification (ID) number OPP–2005–
0110. All documents in the docket are
listed in the EDOCKET index at
https://www.epa.gov/edocket. Although
listed in the index, some information is
not publicly available, i.e., CBI or other
information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute. Certain other
material, such as copyrighted material,
is not placed on the Internet and will be
publicly available only in hard copy
form. Publicly available docket
materials are available either
electronically in EDOCKET or in hard
copy at the Public Information and
Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Rm.
119, Crystal Mall #2, 1801 S. Bell St.,
Arlington, VA. This docket facility is
open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday
through Friday, excluding legal
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holidays. The docket telephone number
is (703) 305–5805.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kathryn Boyle, Registration Division
(7505C), Office of Pesticide Programs,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington,
DC 20460–0001; telephone number:
(703) 305–6304; e-mail address:
boyle.kathryn@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. General Information
[OPP–2005–0110; FRL–7710–3]
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A. Does this Action Apply to Me?
You may be potentially affected by
this action if you are an agricultural
producer, food manufacturer, or
pesticide manufacturer. Potentially
affected entities may include, but are
not limited to:
• Crop production (NAICS code 111)
• Animal production (NAICS code
112)
• Food manufacturing (NAICS code
311)
• Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS
code 32532)
This listing is not intended to be
exhaustive, but rather provides a guide
for readers regarding entities likely to be
affected by this action. Other types of
entities not listed in this unit could also
be affected. The North American
Industrial Classification System
(NAICS) codes have been provided to
assist you and others in determining
whether this action might apply to
certain entities. If you have any
questions regarding the applicability of
this action to a particular entity, consult
the person listed under FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT.
B. How Can I Get Electronic Documents
and Other Related Information?
In addition to using EDOCKET at
(https://www.epa.gov/edocket/), you may
access this Federal Register document
electronically through the EPA Internet
under the ‘‘Federal Register’’ listings at
https://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/. A
frequently updated electronic version of
40 CFR part 180 is available on E-CFR
Beta Site Two at https://
www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/.
II. Background and Statutory Findings
In the Federal Register of November
20, 1998 (63 FR 64494) (FRL–6027–6),
EPA issued a notice pursuant to section
408 of FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 346a, as
amended by FQPA (Public Law 104–
170), announcing the filing of a
pesticide petition (PP 6E4782) by
Hercules, Inc. 1313 North Market St.,
Wilmington, DE 19894–0001. The
petition requested that 40 CFR part 180
be amended by establishing an
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exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance for residues of alpha- and/or
beta-pinene polymers for use as an inert
ingredient in pesticide products. That
notice included a summary of the
petition prepared by the petitioner.
The Agency interpreted the
petitioner’s request for an exemption for
alpha- and/or beta-pinene polymers, as
a request to amend the existing
exemption for beta-pinene polymers to
include alpha- and/or beta-pinene
polymers. In the Notice of Filing the
petitioner used only the generalized
term alpha- and/or beta-pinene
polymers and did not specifically
identify the chemicals by CAS Reg. No.
or Name. The alpha- and/or beta-pinene
polymers considered by the Agency are
in the following Table.
CHEMICALS CONSIDERED
Common chemical name
CAS Nomenclature
CAS No.
Alpha-pinene polymer
Bicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene, 2,6,6-trimethyl-, homopolymer
25766–18–1
Beta-pinene polymer
Bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane, 6,6-dimethyl-2-methylene-, homopolymer (9CI)
25719–60–2
Copolymer of alpha- and beta-pinene
Bicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene, 2,6,6trimethyl, polymer with 6,6- dimethyl-2methylenebicyclo [3.1.1]heptane (9CI)
31393–98–3
Polymerized alpha- pinene fraction
from turpentine
Terpenes and Terpenoids, turpentine oil, alpha-pinene fraction, polymd.
70750–57–1
There were no comments received in
response to the notice of filing.
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of the FFDCA
allows EPA to establish an exemption
from the requirement for a tolerance (the
legal limit for a pesticide chemical
residue in or on a food) only if EPA
determines that the tolerance is ‘‘safe.’’
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the FFDCA
defines ‘‘safe’’ to mean that ‘‘there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will
result from aggregate exposure to the
pesticide chemical residue, including
all anticipated dietary exposures and all
other exposures for which there is
reliable information.’’ This includes
exposure through drinking water and in
residential settings, but does not include
occupational exposure. Section
408(b)(2)(C) of the FFDCA requires EPA
to give special consideration to
exposure of infants and children to the
pesticide chemical residue in
establishing a tolerance and to ‘‘ensure
that there is a reasonable certainty that
no harm will result to infants and
children from aggregate exposure to the
pesticide chemical residue * * *.’’
EPA performs a number of analyses to
determine the risks from aggregate
exposure to pesticide residues. First,
EPA determines the toxicity of
pesticides. Second, EPA examines
exposure to the pesticide through food,
drinking water, and through other
exposures that occur as a result of
pesticide use in residential settings.
III. Inert Ingredient Definition
Inert ingredients are all ingredients
that are not active ingredients as defined
in 40 CFR 153.125 and include, but are
not limited to, the following types of
ingredients (except when they have a
pesticidal efficacy of their own):
Solvents such as alcohols and
hydrocarbons; surfactants such as
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polyoxyethylene polymers and fatty
acids; carriers such as clay and
diatomaceous earth; thickeners such as
carrageenan and modified cellulose;
wetting, spreading, and dispersing
agents; propellants in aerosol
dispensers; microencapsulating agents;
and emulsifiers. The term ‘‘inert’’ is not
intended to imply nontoxicity; the
ingredient may or may not be
chemically active. Generally, EPA has
exempted inert ingredients from the
requirement of a tolerance based on the
low toxicity of the individual inert
ingredients.
IV. Toxicological Profile
Consistent with section 408(b)(2)(D)
of the FFDCA, EPA has reviewed the
available scientific data and other
relevant information in support of this
action and considered its validity,
completeness and reliability and the
relationship of this information to
human risk. EPA has also considered
available information concerning the
variability of the sensitivities of major
identifiable subgroups of consumers,
including infants and children. The
nature of the toxic effects caused by
alpha- and/or beta-pinene polymers are
discussed in this unit.
Alpha- and beta-pinene are bicyclic
terpene hydrocarbons. They are the
major components of turpentine. The
two chemicals are closely related,
having the same empirical formula of
C10H16 and the same basic ring
structure. Alpha- and/or beta-pinene
polymers are manufactured by various
processes that increase the molecular
weight beyond that of alpha- or betapinene and include formation of a dimer
(two ‘‘pinenes’’ in a single molecule),
formation of a trimer (three ‘‘pinenes’’
in a single molecule), or polymerization.
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The data considered in this
assessment included information
submitted by the petitioner, and
information located by OPP on the
internet, primarily information prepared
by the National Toxicology Program
(NTP) and the robust summaries for
bicyclic terpene hydrocarbons
submitted in 2002 to EPA by the
Terpene Consortium of the Flavor and
Fragrance High Production Volume
Consortia (FFHPVC). The Agency
evaluated first the toxicity of the alphaand beta-pinene chemicals.
The toxicity of alpha- and beta-pinene
is defined by studies from openliterature conducted with alpha-pinene,
beta-pinene and various alpha- and
beta-pinene mixtures. There is also a
structure-activity-relationship (SAR)
assessment for alpha-pinene. The
findings of the SAR assessment are
consistent with the studies from openliterature. The overall conclusions are
the following; however, greater detail on
the Agency’s review and evaluation of
the submitted studies and articles from
open literature are in the Alpha- and
Beta-Pinene Science Assessment in
EDOCKET at (https://www.epa.gov/
edocket/).
Alpha- and beta-pinene are of low
acute toxicity via the oral, dermal and
inhalation routes. Both alpha-and betapinene are irritants to the skin, eye and
mucous membranes. Alpha- and betapinene are well-absorbed by all routes of
exposure.
The subchronic toxicity of alpha- and
beta-pinene compounds appears to be
low. A subchronic oral toxicity study
indicated minor changes in liver and
thryoid weights at the two higher dose
levels, which were not considered
treatment related. There were no effects
at approximately 800 mg/kg/day.
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Genotoxicity study summaries
indicated no evidence of mutagenicity
in several Salmonella typhimurium
reverse mutation assays, one
unscheduled DNA assay, and one sister
chromatid exchange assay. No chronic/
carcinogenicity studies were identified;
however, alpha- and beta-pinene are not
structurally related to any known
carcinogens.
A mixture primarily of alpha- and
beta-pinene was tested in three
developmental toxicity studies.
Summaries of the results of these
studies report that no maternal or
developmental effects were noted in
mice, hamsters, or rats at the highest
dose levels, 560, 600, or 260 mg/kg/day,
respectively. Alpha- and beta-pinene are
not structurally related to any known
developmental/reproductive toxicants.
The available information does not
indicate that any of these chemicals are
of higher toxicity. For alpha- and betapinene, the irritation effects are the
effects of concern. Such effects are
handled through use of personal
protective equipment. Most of the
turpentine produced in the United
States is made up primarily of alphapinene (75 to 85%). Turpentine is
known to act as a central nervous
system (CNS) depressant, as is typical of
certain organic chemicals. Given the
relationship of turpentine to alphapinene, and the relationship of alpha- to
beta-pinene, by extrapolation, there
could be neurotoxicity concerns for
pinene chemicals from dermal and
inhalation exposures. Such exposures
generally need to be ‘‘high’’ and/or
‘‘prolonged’’ for such toxicity effects to
occur. Also, for acute exposures, such
effects, generally, are reversible.
Concerns are for occupational exposures
since the potential for day in/day out
exposure can occur in the workplace.
Few toxicity studies conducted with
alpha- and/or beta-pinene polymers
were located. A structure activity
relationship (SAR) assessment indicated
an overall low concern. The toxicity
information on alpha- and beta- pinene
indicate that these are not substances of
high toxicity. Polymers composed of
alpha and beta-pinene monomers are of
a low molecular weight, and thus
cannot be exempted from the
requirement of a tolerance using the
criteria specified for defining a low-risk
polymer in 40 CFR 723.250. As
previously explained, processes used to
form an alpha- and/or beta-pinene
polymer would increase the molecular
weight. Greater molecular weight means
decreased absorption. Alpha- and/or
beta-pinene dimers, trimers, or
polymers should therefore be of even
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lower toxicity than pure alpha- and
beta-pinene.
V. Aggregate Exposures
In examining aggregate exposure,
section 408 of the FFDCA directs EPA
to consider available information
concerning exposures from the pesticide
residue in food and all other nonoccupational exposures, including
drinking water from ground water or
surface water and exposure through
pesticide use in gardens, lawns, or
buildings (residential and other indoor
uses).
EPA establishes exemptions from the
requirement of a tolerance only in those
cases where it can be clearly
demonstrated that the risks from
aggregate exposure to pesticide
chemical residues under reasonably
foreseeable circumstances will pose no
appreciable risks to human health. In
order to determine the risks from
aggregate exposure to pesticide inert
ingredients, the Agency considers the
toxicity of the inert in conjunction with
possible exposure to residues of the
inert ingredient through food, drinking
water, and through other exposures that
occur as a result of pesticide use in
residential settings. If EPA is able to
determine that a finite tolerance is not
necessary to ensure that there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will
result from aggregate exposure to the
inert ingredient, an exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance may be
established.
Human beings are exposed to a background level of naturally-occurring
alpha- and beta-pinene. The two
chemicals occur together, but betapinene occurs at lower levels than
alpha-pinene. Atmospheric
concentrations of alpha-pinene have
been detected in deciduous and
coniferous forests, and suburban and
urban areas. Alpha-pinene has been
detected in filberts, chicken, mangos,
fresh grapefruit juice (0.054 ppm),
guava, carrots, pistachio, safflower,
sorghum, tomato, walnut, ginger, celery,
unpasteurized orange juice (0.10–1.09
ppm), shrimp, and crab.
Neither alpha- nor beta-pinene are
persistent in the environment. Given the
ready volatilization and rapid
degradation of alpha- and beta-pinene, it
is unlikely to be present in any
significant amounts in sources of
drinking water.
Exposure to alpha- and beta-pinene
can occur from use as a fragrance in
consumer products (both are
components of many essential oils) and
as a flavoring in foods. However, the
naturally-occurring exposures to alphaand beta-pinene are more extensive than
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28449
such anthropogenic exposures. The uses
regulated by EPA are much smaller than
the naturally-occurring exposures.
For greater detail see the Alpha- and
Beta-Pinene Science Assessment in
EDOCKET at (https://www.epa.gov/
edocket/).
VI. Cumulative Effects
Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of the FFDCA
requires that, when considering whether
to establish, modify, or revoke a
tolerance, the Agency consider
‘‘available information’’ concerning the
cumulative effects of a particular
pesticide’s residues and ‘‘other
substances that have a common
mechanism of toxicity.’’
Unlike other pesticides for which EPA
has followed a cumulative risk approach
based on a common mechanism of
toxicity, EPA has not made a common
mechanism of toxicity finding as to
alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, or any alphaand/or beta-pinene polymers. These
chemicals do not appear to produce a
toxic metabolite produced by other
substances. These are lower toxicity
chemicals; therefore, the resultant risks
separately and/or combined should also
be low. For the purposes of this action,
therefore, EPA has not assumed that
alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, or any alphaand/or beta-pinene polymers have a
common mechanism of toxicity with
other substances. For information
regarding EPA’s efforts to determine
which chemicals have a common
mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate
the cumulative effects of such
chemicals, see the policy statements
released by EPA’s Office of Pesticide
Programs concerning common
mechanism determinations and
procedures for cumulating effects from
substances found to have a common
mechanism on EPA’s website at https://
www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative/.
VII. Safety Factor for Infants and
Children
FFDCA section 408 provides that EPA
shall apply an additional tenfold margin
of safety for infants and children in the
case of threshold effects to account for
prenatal and postnatal toxicity and the
completeness of the data unless EPA
concludes that a different margin of
safety will be safe for infants and
children. Three developmental toxicity
studies (rat, mouse and hamster)
conducted using a mixture of alpha- and
beta-pinenes at high dose levels did not
identify either maternal or
developmental no observed adverse
effect levels (NOAELs). There are no
indications of increased susceptibility.
These pinene chemicals are not
structurally related to any known
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developmental/reproductive toxicants.
Therefore, EPA has not used a safety
factor analysis to assess the risk. For the
same reasons a tenfold safety factor is
unnecessary.
VIII. Determination of Safety for U.S.
Population, and Infants and Children
The database considered for this
action included mostly toxicity data
derived using alpha- and beta-pinene.
Alpha- and beta-pinene exhibit low
acute toxicity by the oral, dermal and
inhalation routes, and low subchronic
toxicity. Polymers composed of alpha
and beta-pinene monomers, even those
of low molecular weight, should be even
less toxic than alpha- and beta-pinene
considering that their absorption is
decreased. Based on the available
information on toxicity and exposure,
EPA concludes that there is a reasonable
certainty of no harm from aggregate
exposure to residues of alpha-pinene,
beta-pinene, and alpha- and/or betapinene polymers. EPA finds that
amending the existing exemption from
the requirement of a tolerance for betapinene polymers to include alpha- and/
or beta-pinene polymers will be safe for
the general population including infants
and children.
IX. Other Considerations
A. Endocrine Disruptors
FQPA requires EPA to develop a
screening program to determine whether
certain substances, including all
pesticide chemicals (both inert and
active ingredients), ‘‘may have an effect
in humans that is similar to an effect
produced by a naturally occurring
estrogen, or such other endocrine effect
* * *’’ EPA has been working with
interested stakeholders to develop a
screening and testing program as well as
a priority setting scheme. As the Agency
proceeds with implementation of this
program, further testing of products
containing alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, or
any alpha- and/or beta-pinene polymers
for endocrine effects may be required.
B. Analytical Method(s)
An analytical method is not required
for enforcement purposes since the
Agency is establishing an exemption
from the requirement of a tolerance
without any numerical limitation.
C. Existing Exemptions
There is an existing tolerance
exemption for B-pinene polymers in 40
CFR 180.910 when applied to growing
crops or to raw agricultural
commodities after harvest.
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D. International Tolerances
The Agency is not aware of any
country requiring a tolerance for alphaand/or beta-pinene polymers nor have
any CODEX Maximum Residue Levels
(MRLs) been established for any food
crops at this time.
X. Conclusions
Therefore, exemptions from the
requirement for a tolerance are
established for alpha-pinene polymer
(CAS Reg. No. 25766–18–1), beta-pinene
polymer (CAS Reg. No. 25719–60–2),
copolymer of alpha- and beta-pinene
(CAS Reg. No. 31393–98–3), and
terpenes and terpenoids, turpentine oil,
alpha-pinene fraction, polymd. (CAS
Reg. No. 70750–57–1).
XI. Objections and Hearing Requests
Under section 408(g) of FFDCA, as
amended by FQPA, any person may file
an objection to any aspect of this
regulation and may also request a
hearing on those objections. The EPA
procedural regulations which govern the
submission of objections and requests
for hearings appear in 40 CFR part 178.
Although the procedures in those
regulations require some modification to
reflect the amendments made to the
FFDCA by FQPA, EPA will continue to
use those procedures, with appropriate
adjustments, until the necessary
modifications can be made. The new
section 408(g) of FFDCA provides
essentially the same process for persons
to ‘‘object’’ to a regulation for an
exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance issued by EPA under new
section 408(d) of FFDCA, as was
provided in the old FFDCA sections 408
and 409 of FFDCA. However, the period
for filing objections is now 60 days,
rather than 30 days.
A. What Do I Need to Do to File an
Objection or Request a Hearing?
You must file your objection or
request a hearing on this regulation in
accordance with the instructions
provided in this unit and in 40 CFR part
178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA,
you must identify docket ID number
OPP–2005–0110 in the subject line on
the first page of your submission. All
requests must be in writing, and must be
mailed or delivered to the Hearing Clerk
on or before July 18, 2005.
1. Filing the request. Your objection
must specify the specific provisions in
the regulation that you object to, and the
grounds for the objections (40 CFR
178.25). If a hearing is requested, the
objections must include a statement of
the factual issues(s) on which a hearing
is requested, the requestor’s contentions
on such issues, and a summary of any
PO 00000
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evidence relied upon by the objector (40
CFR 178.27). Information submitted in
connection with an objection or hearing
request may be claimed confidential by
marking any part or all of that
information as CBI. Information so
marked will not be disclosed except in
accordance with procedures set forth in
40 CFR part 2. A copy of the
information that does not contain CBI
must be submitted for inclusion in the
public record. Information not marked
confidential may be disclosed publicly
by EPA without prior notice.
Mail your written request to: Office of
the Hearing Clerk (1900L),
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington,
DC 20460–0001. You may also deliver
your request to the Office of the Hearing
Clerk in Suite 350, 1099 14th St., NW.,
Washington, DC 20005. The Office of
the Hearing Clerk is open from 8 a.m.
to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday,
excluding legal holidays. The telephone
number for the Office of the Hearing
Clerk is (202) 564–6255.
2. Copies for the Docket. In addition
to filing an objection or hearing request
with the Hearing Clerk as described in
Unit XI.A., you should also send a copy
of your request to the PIRIB for its
inclusion in the official record that is
described in ADDRESSES. Mail your
copies, identified by docket ID number
OPP–2005–0110, to: Public Information
and Records Integrity Branch,
Information Resources and Services
Division (7502C), Office of Pesticide
Programs, Environmental Protection
Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW.,
Washington, DC 20460–0001. In person
or by courier, bring a copy to the
location of the PIRIB described in
ADDRESSES. You may also send an
electronic copy of your request via email to: opp-docket@epa.gov. Please use
an ASCII file format and avoid the use
of special characters and any form of
encryption. Copies of electronic
objections and hearing requests will also
be accepted on disks in WordPerfect
6.1/8.0 or ASCII file format. Do not
include any CBI in your electronic copy.
You may also submit an electronic copy
of your request at many Federal
Depository Libraries.
B. When Will the Agency Grant a
Request for a Hearing?
A request for a hearing will be granted
if the Administrator determines that the
material submitted shows the following:
There is a genuine and substantial issue
of fact; there is a reasonable possibility
that available evidence identified by the
requestor would, if established resolve
one or more of such issues in favor of
the requestor, taking into account
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uncontested claims or facts to the
contrary; and resolution of the factual
issues(s) in the manner sought by the
requestor would be adequate to justify
the action requested (40 CFR 178.32).
XII. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
This final rule establishes an
exemption from the tolerance
requirement under section 408(d) of the
FFDCA in response to a petition
submitted to the Agency. The Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) has
exempted these types of actions from
review under Executive Order 12866,
entitled Regulatory Planning and
Review (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993).
Because this rule has been exempted
from review under Executive Order
12866 due to its lack of significance,
this rule is not subject to Executive
Order 13211, Actions Concerning
Regulations That Significantly Affect
Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use (66
FR 28355, May 22, 2001). This final rule
does not contain any information
collections subject to OMB approval
under the Paperwork Reduction Act
(PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., or impose
any enforceable duty or contain any
unfunded mandate as described under
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates
Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) (Public
Law 104–4). Nor does it require any
special considerations under Executive
Order 12898, entitled Federal Actions to
Address Environmental Justice in
Minority Populations and Low-Income
Populations (59 FR 7629, February 16,
1994); or OMB review or any Agency
action under Executive Order 13045,
entitled Protection of Children from
Environmental Health Risks and Safety
Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997).
This action does not involve any
technical standards that would require
Agency consideration of voluntary
consensus standards pursuant to section
12(d) of the National Technology
Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995
(NTTAA), Public Law 104–113, section
12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272 note). Since
tolerances and exemptions that are
established on the basis of a petition
under section 408(d) of the FFDCA,
such as the exemption in this final rule,
do not require the issuance of a
proposed rule, the requirements of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5
U.S.C. 601 et seq.) do not apply. In
addition, the Agency has determined
that this action will not have a
substantial direct effect on States, on the
relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government, as specified in
Executive Order 13132, entitled
Federalism (64 FR 43255, August 10,
1999). Executive Order 13132 requires
EPA to develop an accountable process
to ensure ‘‘meaningful and timely input
by State and local officials in the
development of regulatory policies that
have federalism implications.’’ ‘‘Policies
that have federalism implications’’ is
defined in the Executive Order to
include regulations that have
‘‘substantial direct effects on the States,
on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.’’ This final rule
directly regulates growers, food
processors, food handlers and food
retailers, not States. This action does not
alter the relationships or distribution of
power and responsibilities established
by Congress in the preemption
provisions of section 408(n)(4) of the
FFDCA. For these same reasons, the
Agency has determined that this rule
does not have any ‘‘tribal implications’’
as described in Executive Order 13175,
entitled Consultation and Coordination
with Indian Tribal Governments (65 FR
67249, November 6, 2000). Executive
Order 13175, requires EPA to develop
an accountable process to ensure
‘‘meaningful and timely input by tribal
officials in the development of
regulatory policies that have tribal
implications.’’ ‘‘Policies that have tribal
implications’’ is defined in the
Executive Order to include regulations
that have ‘‘substantial direct effects on
one or more Indian tribes, on the
relationship between the Federal
Government and the Indian tribes, or on
the distribution of power and
responsibilities between the Federal
Government and Indian tribes.’’ This
rule will not have substantial direct
effects on tribal governments, on the
relationship between the Federal
Government and Indian tribes, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities between the Federal
Government and Indian tribes, as
specified in Executive Order 13175.
Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not
apply to this rule.
XIII. Congressional Review Act
The Congressional Review Act, 5
U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act of 1996, generally provides
that before a rule may take effect, the
agency promulgating the rule must
submit a rule report, which includes a
copy of the rule, to each House of the
Congress and to the Comptroller General
of the United States. EPA will submit a
report containing this rule and other
required information to the U.S. Senate,
the U.S. House of Representatives, and
the Comptroller General of the United
States prior to publication of this final
rule in the Federal Register. This final
rule is not a ‘‘major rule’’ as defined by
5 U.S.C. 804(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection,
Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides
and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
Dated: April 27, 2005.
Betty Shackleford,
Acting Director, Registration Division, Office
of Pesticide Programs.
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
amended as follows:
I
PART 180—[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for part 180
continues to read as follows:
I
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
2. In § 180.910, the table is amended by
removing the current B-pinene polymer
entry and by alphabetically adding the
following entries to read as follows:
I
§ 180.910 Inert ingredients used pre- and
post-harvest; exemptions from the
requirement of a tolerance.
*
Inert ingredients
*
*
.............................................................
*
Limits
*
*
*
Bicyclo[3.1.1]hept–2–ene,
2,6,6–trimethyl–,
homopolymer
(Alpha-pinene, homopolymer )(CAS Reg. No. 25766–18–1),.
Bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane,
6,6–dimethyl–2–methylene–,
homopolymer (Beta-pinene, homopolymer) (CAS Reg. No.
25719–60–2),.
*
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surfactants
Surfactants, related
surfactants
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adjuvants
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28452
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 95 / Wednesday, May 18, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
Inert ingredients
Limits
Bicyclo[3.1.1]hept–2–ene, 2,6,6–trimethyl–, polymer with 6,6–
dimethyl–2– methylenebicyclo [3.1.1] heptane (Copolymer of
alpha- and beta-pinene) (CAS Reg. No. 31393–98–3),.
*
*
*
Terpenes and terpenoids, turpentine oil, alpha-pinene fraction,
polymd. (CAS Reg. No. 70750–57–1)..
*
*
*
.............................................................
Surfactants, related
surfactants
adjuvants
of
*
*
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*
Surfactants, related
surfactants
*
*
adjuvants
of
*
*
*
*
*
Uses
*
BILLING CODE 6560–50–S
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[OPP–2005–0095; FRL–7711–9]
holidays. The docket telephone number
is (703) 305–5805.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Shaja R. Brothers, Registration Division
(7505C), Office of Pesticide Programs,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington,
DC 20460–0001; telephone number:
(703) 308–3194; e-mail address:
brothers.shaja@epa.gov.
access this Federal Register document
electronically through the EPA Internet
under the ‘‘Federal Register’’ listings at
https://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/. A
frequently updated electronic version of
40 CFR part 180 is available at E-CFR
Beta Site Two at https://
www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
*
[FR Doc. 05–9479 Filed 5–17–05; 8:45 am]
In the Federal Register of March 17,
2004 (69 FR 12680) (FRL–7347–3), EPA
issued a notice pursuant to section
408(d)(3) of FFDCA, 21 U.S.C.
346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a
pesticide petition (PP 3E6803) by IR-4,
681 US Highway #1 South, North
Brunswick, NJ 08902–3390. The petition
requested that 40 CFR 180.516 be
amended by establishing a tolerance for
residues of the fungicide fludioxonil (4(2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-4-yl)-Hpyrrole-3-carbonitrile) in or on
pomegranate at 2.0 parts per million
(ppm). This petition has subsequently
been amended to propose pomegranate
(post-harvest) at 5.0 ppm. That notice
included a summary of the petition
prepared by Syngenta Crop Protection,
the registrant. There were no comments
received in response to the notice of
filing.
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA
allows EPA to establish a tolerance (the
legal limit for a pesticide chemical
residue in or on a food) only if EPA
determines that the tolerance is ‘‘safe.’’
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA
defines ‘‘safe’’ to mean that ‘‘there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will
result from aggregate exposure to the
pesticide chemical residue, including
all anticipated dietary exposures and all
other exposures for which there is
reliable information.’’ This includes
exposure through drinking water and in
residential settings, but does not include
occupational exposure. Section
408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to
give special consideration to exposure
of infants and children to the pesticide
chemical residue in establishing a
tolerance and to ‘‘ensure that there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will
result to infants and children from
aggregate exposure to the pesticide
chemical residue * * *.’’
Fludioxonil; Pesticide Tolerance
I. General Information
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
A. Does this Action Apply to Me?
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes a
tolerance for residues of fludioxonil (4(2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-4-yl)-Hpyrrole-3-carbonitrile) in or on
pomegranate. Interregional Research
Project Number 4 (IR-4) requested this
tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug,
and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), as amended
by the Food Quality Protection Act of
1996 (FQPA).
DATES: This regulation is effective May
18, 2005. Objections and requests for
hearings must be received on or before
July 18, 2005.
ADDRESSES: To submit a written
objection or hearing request follow the
detailed instructions as provided in
Unit VI. of the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION. EPA has established a
docket for this action under docket
identification (ID) number OPP–2005–
0095. All documents in the docket are
listed in the EDOCKET index at
https://www.epa.gov/edocket. Although
listed in the index, some information is
not publicly available, i.e., CBI or other
information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute. Certain other
material, such as copyrighted material,
is not placed on the Internet and will be
publicly available only in hard copy
form. Publicly available docket
materials are available either
electronically in EDOCKET or in hard
copy at the Public Information and
Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Rm.
119, Crystal Mall #2, 1801 S. Bell St.,
Arlington, VA. This docket facility is
open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday
through Friday, excluding legal
VerDate jul<14>2003
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*
You may be potentially affected by
this action if you are an agricultural
producer, food manufacturer, or
pesticide manufacturer. Potentially
affected entities may include, but are
not limited to:
• Crop production (NAICS 111), e.g.,
agricultural workers; greenhouse,
nursery, and floriculture workers;
farmers.
• Animal production (NAICS 112),
e.g., cattle ranchers and farmers, dairy
cattle farmers, livestock farmers.
• Food manufacturing (NAICS 311),
e.g., agricultural workers; farmers;
greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture
workers; ranchers; pesticide applicators.
• Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS
32532), e.g., agricultural workers;
commercial applicators; farmers;
greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture
workers; residential users.
This listing is not intended to be
exhaustive, but rather provides a guide
for readers regarding entities likely to be
affected by this action. Other types of
entities not listed in this unit could also
be affected. The North American
Industrial Classification System
(NAICS) codes have been provided to
assist you and others in determining
whether this action might apply to
certain entities. If you have any
questions regarding the applicability of
this action to a particular entity, consult
the person listed under FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT.
B. How Can I Access Electronic Copies
of this Document and Other Related
Information?
In addition to using EDOCKET
(https://www.epa.gov/edocket/), you may
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E:\FR\FM\18MYR1.SGM
18MYR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 95 (Wednesday, May 18, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 28447-28452]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-9479]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[OPP-2005-0110; FRL-7710-3]
Pinene Polymers; Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes exemptions from the requirement of
a tolerance for residues of several alpha- and/or beta-pinene polymers
when used as inert ingredients in or on growing crops and when applied
to raw agricultural commodities after harvest. Hercules, Inc. submitted
a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
(FFDCA), as amended by the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA),
requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This
regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level
for residues of alpha and/or beta-pinene polymers.
DATES: This regulation is effective May 18, 2005. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before July 18, 2005.
ADDRESSES: To submit a written objection or hearing request follow the
detailed instructions as provided in Unit XI. of the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION. EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket
identification (ID) number OPP-2005-0110. All documents in the docket
are listed in the EDOCKET index at https://www.epa.gov/edocket. Although
listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, i.e.,
CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, is not placed on
the Internet and will be publicly available only in hard copy form.
Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically
in EDOCKET or in hard copy at the Public Information and Records
Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Rm. 119, Crystal Mall 2, 1801 S.
Bell St., Arlington, VA. This docket facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to
4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The docket
telephone number is (703) 305-5805.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathryn Boyle, Registration Division
(7505C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency,
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone
number: (703) 305-6304; e-mail address: boyle.kathryn@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. General Information
A. Does this Action Apply to Me?
You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an
agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer.
Potentially affected entities may include, but are not limited to:
Crop production (NAICS code 111)
Animal production (NAICS code 112)
Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311)
Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532)
This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides
a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this
action. Other types of entities not listed in this unit could also be
affected. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS)
codes have been provided to assist you and others in determining
whether this action might apply to certain entities. If you have any
questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular
entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT.
B. How Can I Get Electronic Documents and Other Related Information?
In addition to using EDOCKET at (https://www.epa.gov/edocket/), you
may access this Federal Register document electronically through the
EPA Internet under the ``Federal Register'' listings at https://
www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/. A frequently updated electronic version of 40
CFR part 180 is available on E-CFR Beta Site Two at https://
www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/.
II. Background and Statutory Findings
In the Federal Register of November 20, 1998 (63 FR 64494) (FRL-
6027-6), EPA issued a notice pursuant to section 408 of FFDCA, 21
U.S.C. 346a, as amended by FQPA (Public Law 104-170), announcing the
filing of a pesticide petition (PP 6E4782) by Hercules, Inc. 1313 North
Market St., Wilmington, DE 19894-0001. The petition requested that 40
CFR part 180 be amended by establishing an
[[Page 28448]]
exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of alpha-
and/or beta-pinene polymers for use as an inert ingredient in pesticide
products. That notice included a summary of the petition prepared by
the petitioner.
The Agency interpreted the petitioner's request for an exemption
for alpha- and/or beta-pinene polymers, as a request to amend the
existing exemption for beta-pinene polymers to include alpha- and/or
beta-pinene polymers. In the Notice of Filing the petitioner used only
the generalized term alpha- and/or beta-pinene polymers and did not
specifically identify the chemicals by CAS Reg. No. or Name. The alpha-
and/or beta-pinene polymers considered by the Agency are in the
following Table.
Chemicals Considered
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common chemical name CAS Nomenclature CAS No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alpha-pinene polymer Bicyclo[3.1.1]he 25766-18-1
pt-2-ene, 2,6,6-
trimethyl-,
homopolymer
------------------------------
------------------------------
------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
There were no comments received in response to the notice of
filing.
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of the FFDCA allows EPA to establish an
exemption from the requirement for a tolerance (the legal limit for a
pesticide chemical residue in or on a food) only if EPA determines that
the tolerance is ``safe.'' Section 408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the FFDCA
defines ``safe'' to mean that ``there is a reasonable certainty that no
harm will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical
residue, including all anticipated dietary exposures and all other
exposures for which there is reliable information.'' This includes
exposure through drinking water and in residential settings, but does
not include occupational exposure. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of the FFDCA
requires EPA to give special consideration to exposure of infants and
children to the pesticide chemical residue in establishing a tolerance
and to ``ensure that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will
result to infants and children from aggregate exposure to the pesticide
chemical residue * * *.''
EPA performs a number of analyses to determine the risks from
aggregate exposure to pesticide residues. First, EPA determines the
toxicity of pesticides. Second, EPA examines exposure to the pesticide
through food, drinking water, and through other exposures that occur as
a result of pesticide use in residential settings.
III. Inert Ingredient Definition
Inert ingredients are all ingredients that are not active
ingredients as defined in 40 CFR 153.125 and include, but are not
limited to, the following types of ingredients (except when they have a
pesticidal efficacy of their own): Solvents such as alcohols and
hydrocarbons; surfactants such as polyoxyethylene polymers and fatty
acids; carriers such as clay and diatomaceous earth; thickeners such as
carrageenan and modified cellulose; wetting, spreading, and dispersing
agents; propellants in aerosol dispensers; microencapsulating agents;
and emulsifiers. The term ``inert'' is not intended to imply
nontoxicity; the ingredient may or may not be chemically active.
Generally, EPA has exempted inert ingredients from the requirement of a
tolerance based on the low toxicity of the individual inert
ingredients.
IV. Toxicological Profile
Consistent with section 408(b)(2)(D) of the FFDCA, EPA has reviewed
the available scientific data and other relevant information in support
of this action and considered its validity, completeness and
reliability and the relationship of this information to human risk. EPA
has also considered available information concerning the variability of
the sensitivities of major identifiable subgroups of consumers,
including infants and children. The nature of the toxic effects caused
by alpha- and/or beta-pinene polymers are discussed in this unit.
Alpha- and beta-pinene are bicyclic terpene hydrocarbons. They are
the major components of turpentine. The two chemicals are closely
related, having the same empirical formula of
C10H16 and the same basic ring structure. Alpha-
and/or beta-pinene polymers are manufactured by various processes that
increase the molecular weight beyond that of alpha- or beta-pinene and
include formation of a dimer (two ``pinenes'' in a single molecule),
formation of a trimer (three ``pinenes'' in a single molecule), or
polymerization.
The data considered in this assessment included information
submitted by the petitioner, and information located by OPP on the
internet, primarily information prepared by the National Toxicology
Program (NTP) and the robust summaries for bicyclic terpene
hydrocarbons submitted in 2002 to EPA by the Terpene Consortium of the
Flavor and Fragrance High Production Volume Consortia (FFHPVC). The
Agency evaluated first the toxicity of the alpha- and beta-pinene
chemicals.
The toxicity of alpha- and beta-pinene is defined by studies from
open-literature conducted with alpha-pinene, beta-pinene and various
alpha- and beta-pinene mixtures. There is also a structure-activity-
relationship (SAR) assessment for alpha-pinene. The findings of the SAR
assessment are consistent with the studies from open-literature. The
overall conclusions are the following; however, greater detail on the
Agency's review and evaluation of the submitted studies and articles
from open literature are in the Alpha- and Beta-Pinene Science
Assessment in EDOCKET at (https://www.epa.gov/edocket/).
Alpha- and beta-pinene are of low acute toxicity via the oral,
dermal and inhalation routes. Both alpha-and beta-pinene are irritants
to the skin, eye and mucous membranes. Alpha- and beta-pinene are well-
absorbed by all routes of exposure.
The subchronic toxicity of alpha- and beta-pinene compounds appears
to be low. A subchronic oral toxicity study indicated minor changes in
liver and thryoid weights at the two higher dose levels, which were not
considered treatment related. There were no effects at approximately
800 mg/kg/day.
[[Page 28449]]
Genotoxicity study summaries indicated no evidence of mutagenicity
in several Salmonella typhimurium reverse mutation assays, one
unscheduled DNA assay, and one sister chromatid exchange assay. No
chronic/carcinogenicity studies were identified; however, alpha- and
beta-pinene are not structurally related to any known carcinogens.
A mixture primarily of alpha- and beta-pinene was tested in three
developmental toxicity studies. Summaries of the results of these
studies report that no maternal or developmental effects were noted in
mice, hamsters, or rats at the highest dose levels, 560, 600, or 260
mg/kg/day, respectively. Alpha- and beta-pinene are not structurally
related to any known developmental/reproductive toxicants.
The available information does not indicate that any of these
chemicals are of higher toxicity. For alpha- and beta-pinene, the
irritation effects are the effects of concern. Such effects are handled
through use of personal protective equipment. Most of the turpentine
produced in the United States is made up primarily of alpha-pinene (75
to 85%). Turpentine is known to act as a central nervous system (CNS)
depressant, as is typical of certain organic chemicals. Given the
relationship of turpentine to alpha-pinene, and the relationship of
alpha- to beta-pinene, by extrapolation, there could be neurotoxicity
concerns for pinene chemicals from dermal and inhalation exposures.
Such exposures generally need to be ``high'' and/or ``prolonged'' for
such toxicity effects to occur. Also, for acute exposures, such
effects, generally, are reversible. Concerns are for occupational
exposures since the potential for day in/day out exposure can occur in
the workplace.
Few toxicity studies conducted with alpha- and/or beta-pinene
polymers were located. A structure activity relationship (SAR)
assessment indicated an overall low concern. The toxicity information
on alpha- and beta- pinene indicate that these are not substances of
high toxicity. Polymers composed of alpha and beta-pinene monomers are
of a low molecular weight, and thus cannot be exempted from the
requirement of a tolerance using the criteria specified for defining a
low-risk polymer in 40 CFR 723.250. As previously explained, processes
used to form an alpha- and/or beta-pinene polymer would increase the
molecular weight. Greater molecular weight means decreased absorption.
Alpha- and/or beta-pinene dimers, trimers, or polymers should therefore
be of even lower toxicity than pure alpha- and beta-pinene.
V. Aggregate Exposures
In examining aggregate exposure, section 408 of the FFDCA directs
EPA to consider available information concerning exposures from the
pesticide residue in food and all other non-occupational exposures,
including drinking water from ground water or surface water and
exposure through pesticide use in gardens, lawns, or buildings
(residential and other indoor uses).
EPA establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance only
in those cases where it can be clearly demonstrated that the risks from
aggregate exposure to pesticide chemical residues under reasonably
foreseeable circumstances will pose no appreciable risks to human
health. In order to determine the risks from aggregate exposure to
pesticide inert ingredients, the Agency considers the toxicity of the
inert in conjunction with possible exposure to residues of the inert
ingredient through food, drinking water, and through other exposures
that occur as a result of pesticide use in residential settings. If EPA
is able to determine that a finite tolerance is not necessary to ensure
that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from
aggregate exposure to the inert ingredient, an exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance may be established.
Human beings are exposed to a back-ground level of naturally-
occurring alpha- and beta-pinene. The two chemicals occur together, but
beta-pinene occurs at lower levels than alpha-pinene. Atmospheric
concentrations of alpha-pinene have been detected in deciduous and
coniferous forests, and suburban and urban areas. Alpha-pinene has been
detected in filberts, chicken, mangos, fresh grapefruit juice (0.054
ppm), guava, carrots, pistachio, safflower, sorghum, tomato, walnut,
ginger, celery, unpasteurized orange juice (0.10-1.09 ppm), shrimp, and
crab.
Neither alpha- nor beta-pinene are persistent in the environment.
Given the ready volatilization and rapid degradation of alpha- and
beta-pinene, it is unlikely to be present in any significant amounts in
sources of drinking water.
Exposure to alpha- and beta-pinene can occur from use as a
fragrance in consumer products (both are components of many essential
oils) and as a flavoring in foods. However, the naturally-occurring
exposures to alpha- and beta-pinene are more extensive than such
anthropogenic exposures. The uses regulated by EPA are much smaller
than the naturally-occurring exposures.
For greater detail see the Alpha- and Beta-Pinene Science
Assessment in EDOCKET at (https://www.epa.gov/edocket/).
VI. Cumulative Effects
Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of the FFDCA requires that, when
considering whether to establish, modify, or revoke a tolerance, the
Agency consider ``available information'' concerning the cumulative
effects of a particular pesticide's residues and ``other substances
that have a common mechanism of toxicity.''
Unlike other pesticides for which EPA has followed a cumulative
risk approach based on a common mechanism of toxicity, EPA has not made
a common mechanism of toxicity finding as to alpha-pinene, beta-pinene,
or any alpha- and/or beta-pinene polymers. These chemicals do not
appear to produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances.
These are lower toxicity chemicals; therefore, the resultant risks
separately and/or combined should also be low. For the purposes of this
action, therefore, EPA has not assumed that alpha-pinene, beta-pinene,
or any alpha- and/or beta-pinene polymers have a common mechanism of
toxicity with other substances. For information regarding EPA's efforts
to determine which chemicals have a common mechanism of toxicity and to
evaluate the cumulative effects of such chemicals, see the policy
statements released by EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs concerning
common mechanism determinations and procedures for cumulating effects
from substances found to have a common mechanism on EPA's website at
https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative/.
VII. Safety Factor for Infants and Children
FFDCA section 408 provides that EPA shall apply an additional
tenfold margin of safety for infants and children in the case of
threshold effects to account for prenatal and postnatal toxicity and
the completeness of the data unless EPA concludes that a different
margin of safety will be safe for infants and children. Three
developmental toxicity studies (rat, mouse and hamster) conducted using
a mixture of alpha- and beta-pinenes at high dose levels did not
identify either maternal or developmental no observed adverse effect
levels (NOAELs). There are no indications of increased susceptibility.
These pinene chemicals are not structurally related to any known
[[Page 28450]]
developmental/reproductive toxicants. Therefore, EPA has not used a
safety factor analysis to assess the risk. For the same reasons a
tenfold safety factor is unnecessary.
VIII. Determination of Safety for U.S. Population, and Infants and
Children
The database considered for this action included mostly toxicity
data derived using alpha- and beta-pinene. Alpha- and beta-pinene
exhibit low acute toxicity by the oral, dermal and inhalation routes,
and low subchronic toxicity. Polymers composed of alpha and beta-pinene
monomers, even those of low molecular weight, should be even less toxic
than alpha- and beta-pinene considering that their absorption is
decreased. Based on the available information on toxicity and exposure,
EPA concludes that there is a reasonable certainty of no harm from
aggregate exposure to residues of alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, and alpha-
and/or beta-pinene polymers. EPA finds that amending the existing
exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for beta-pinene polymers
to include alpha- and/or beta-pinene polymers will be safe for the
general population including infants and children.
IX. Other Considerations
A. Endocrine Disruptors
FQPA requires EPA to develop a screening program to determine
whether certain substances, including all pesticide chemicals (both
inert and active ingredients), ``may have an effect in humans that is
similar to an effect produced by a naturally occurring estrogen, or
such other endocrine effect * * *'' EPA has been working with
interested stakeholders to develop a screening and testing program as
well as a priority setting scheme. As the Agency proceeds with
implementation of this program, further testing of products containing
alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, or any alpha- and/or beta-pinene polymers
for endocrine effects may be required.
B. Analytical Method(s)
An analytical method is not required for enforcement purposes since
the Agency is establishing an exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance without any numerical limitation.
C. Existing Exemptions
There is an existing tolerance exemption for B-pinene polymers in
40 CFR 180.910 when applied to growing crops or to raw agricultural
commodities after harvest.
D. International Tolerances
The Agency is not aware of any country requiring a tolerance for
alpha- and/or beta-pinene polymers nor have any CODEX Maximum Residue
Levels (MRLs) been established for any food crops at this time.
X. Conclusions
Therefore, exemptions from the requirement for a tolerance are
established for alpha-pinene polymer (CAS Reg. No. 25766-18-1), beta-
pinene polymer (CAS Reg. No. 25719-60-2), copolymer of alpha- and beta-
pinene (CAS Reg. No. 31393-98-3), and terpenes and terpenoids,
turpentine oil, alpha-pinene fraction, polymd. (CAS Reg. No. 70750-57-
1).
XI. Objections and Hearing Requests
Under section 408(g) of FFDCA, as amended by FQPA, any person may
file an objection to any aspect of this regulation and may also request
a hearing on those objections. The EPA procedural regulations which
govern the submission of objections and requests for hearings appear in
40 CFR part 178. Although the procedures in those regulations require
some modification to reflect the amendments made to the FFDCA by FQPA,
EPA will continue to use those procedures, with appropriate
adjustments, until the necessary modifications can be made. The new
section 408(g) of FFDCA provides essentially the same process for
persons to ``object'' to a regulation for an exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance issued by EPA under new section 408(d) of
FFDCA, as was provided in the old FFDCA sections 408 and 409 of FFDCA.
However, the period for filing objections is now 60 days, rather than
30 days.
A. What Do I Need to Do to File an Objection or Request a Hearing?
You must file your objection or request a hearing on this
regulation in accordance with the instructions provided in this unit
and in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must
identify docket ID number OPP-2005-0110 in the subject line on the
first page of your submission. All requests must be in writing, and
must be mailed or delivered to the Hearing Clerk on or before July 18,
2005.
1. Filing the request. Your objection must specify the specific
provisions in the regulation that you object to, and the grounds for
the objections (40 CFR 178.25). If a hearing is requested, the
objections must include a statement of the factual issues(s) on which a
hearing is requested, the requestor's contentions on such issues, and a
summary of any evidence relied upon by the objector (40 CFR 178.27).
Information submitted in connection with an objection or hearing
request may be claimed confidential by marking any part or all of that
information as CBI. Information so marked will not be disclosed except
in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2. A copy of the
information that does not contain CBI must be submitted for inclusion
in the public record. Information not marked confidential may be
disclosed publicly by EPA without prior notice.
Mail your written request to: Office of the Hearing Clerk (1900L),
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW.,
Washington, DC 20460-0001. You may also deliver your request to the
Office of the Hearing Clerk in Suite 350, 1099 14\th\ St., NW.,
Washington, DC 20005. The Office of the Hearing Clerk is open from 8
a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The
telephone number for the Office of the Hearing Clerk is (202) 564-6255.
2. Copies for the Docket. In addition to filing an objection or
hearing request with the Hearing Clerk as described in Unit XI.A., you
should also send a copy of your request to the PIRIB for its inclusion
in the official record that is described in ADDRESSES. Mail your
copies, identified by docket ID number OPP-2005-0110, to: Public
Information and Records Integrity Branch, Information Resources and
Services Division (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-
0001. In person or by courier, bring a copy to the location of the
PIRIB described in ADDRESSES. You may also send an electronic copy of
your request via e-mail to: opp-docket@epa.gov. Please use an ASCII
file format and avoid the use of special characters and any form of
encryption. Copies of electronic objections and hearing requests will
also be accepted on disks in WordPerfect 6.1/8.0 or ASCII file format.
Do not include any CBI in your electronic copy. You may also submit an
electronic copy of your request at many Federal Depository Libraries.
B. When Will the Agency Grant a Request for a Hearing?
A request for a hearing will be granted if the Administrator
determines that the material submitted shows the following: There is a
genuine and substantial issue of fact; there is a reasonable
possibility that available evidence identified by the requestor would,
if established resolve one or more of such issues in favor of the
requestor, taking into account
[[Page 28451]]
uncontested claims or facts to the contrary; and resolution of the
factual issues(s) in the manner sought by the requestor would be
adequate to justify the action requested (40 CFR 178.32).
XII. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
This final rule establishes an exemption from the tolerance
requirement under section 408(d) of the FFDCA in response to a petition
submitted to the Agency. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has
exempted these types of actions from review under Executive Order
12866, entitled Regulatory Planning and Review (58 FR 51735, October 4,
1993). Because this rule has been exempted from review under Executive
Order 12866 due to its lack of significance, this rule is not subject
to Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use (66 FR 28355,
May 22, 2001). This final rule does not contain any information
collections subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act
(PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., or impose any enforceable duty or
contain any unfunded mandate as described under Title II of the
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) (Public Law 104-4). Nor
does it require any special considerations under Executive Order 12898,
entitled Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority
Populations and Low-Income Populations (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994);
or OMB review or any Agency action under Executive Order 13045,
entitled Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and
Safety Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997). This action does not
involve any technical standards that would require Agency consideration
of voluntary consensus standards pursuant to section 12(d) of the
National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (NTTAA),
Public Law 104-113, section 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272 note). Since
tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis of a
petition under section 408(d) of the FFDCA, such as the exemption in
this final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et
seq.) do not apply. In addition, the Agency has determined that this
action will not have a substantial direct effect on States, on the
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of
government, as specified in Executive Order 13132, entitled Federalism
(64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999). Executive Order 13132 requires EPA to
develop an accountable process to ensure ``meaningful and timely input
by State and local officials in the development of regulatory policies
that have federalism implications.'' ``Policies that have federalism
implications'' is defined in the Executive Order to include regulations
that have ``substantial direct effects on the States, on the
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of
government.'' This final rule directly regulates growers, food
processors, food handlers and food retailers, not States. This action
does not alter the relationships or distribution of power and
responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions
of section 408(n)(4) of the FFDCA. For these same reasons, the Agency
has determined that this rule does not have any ``tribal implications''
as described in Executive Order 13175, entitled Consultation and
Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments (65 FR 67249, November 6,
2000). Executive Order 13175, requires EPA to develop an accountable
process to ensure ``meaningful and timely input by tribal officials in
the development of regulatory policies that have tribal implications.''
``Policies that have tribal implications'' is defined in the Executive
Order to include regulations that have ``substantial direct effects on
one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal
Government and the Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.''
This rule will not have substantial direct effects on tribal
governments, on the relationship between the Federal Government and
Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities
between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, as specified in
Executive Order 13175. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to
this rule.
XIII. Congressional Review Act
The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally
provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating
the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule,
to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the
United States. EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other
required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of
Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior
to publication of this final rule in the Federal Register. This final
rule is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: April 27, 2005.
Betty Shackleford,
Acting Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.
0
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows:
PART 180--[AMENDED]
0
1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
0
2. In Sec. 180.910, the table is amended by removing the current B-
pinene polymer entry and by alphabetically adding the following entries
to read as follows:
Sec. 180.910 Inert ingredients used pre- and post-harvest; exemptions
from the requirement of a tolerance.
* * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inert ingredients Limits Uses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
Bicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene, 2,6,6- .................. Surfactants,
trimethyl-, homopolymer (Alpha- related adjuvants
pinene, homopolymer )(CAS Reg. of surfactants
No. 25766-18-1),.
Bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane, 6,6- .................. Surfactants,
dimethyl-2-methylene-, related adjuvants
homopolymer (Beta-pinene, of surfactants
homopolymer) (CAS Reg. No.
25719-60-2),.
[[Page 28452]]
Bicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene, 2,6,6- .................. Surfactants,
trimethyl-, polymer with 6,6- related adjuvants
dimethyl-2- methylenebicyclo of surfactants
[3.1.1] heptane (Copolymer of
alpha- and beta-pinene) (CAS
Reg. No. 31393-98-3),.
* * * * * * *
Terpenes and terpenoids, .................. Surfactants,
turpentine oil, alpha-pinene related adjuvants
fraction, polymd. (CAS Reg. No. of surfactants
70750-57-1)..
* * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 05-9479 Filed 5-17-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S