Prometryn; Pesticide Tolerances, 67104-67108 [E9-30040]
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67104
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 242 / Friday, December 18, 2009 / Rules and Regulations
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2008–0773; FRL–8801–8]
available in hard copy, at the OPP
Regulatory Public Docket in Rm. S–
4400, One Potomac Yard (South Bldg.),
2777 S. Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA. The
Docket Facility is open from 8:30 a.m.
to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday,
excluding legal holidays. The Docket
Facility telephone number is (703) 305–
5805.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Barbara Madden, Registration Division
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington,
DC 20460–0001; telephone number:
(703) 305-6463; e-mail address:
madden.barbara@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Prometryn; Pesticide Tolerances
I. General Information
PART 180—[AMENDED]
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
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 those engaged in the
following activities:
• 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 to provide 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.
commodities listed in the following
table. Compliance with the tolerance
levels specified below is to be
determined by measuring only the sum
of dinotefuran, (RS)-1-methyl-2-nitro-3((tetrahydro-3-furanyl)methyl)guanidine
in or on the commodities listed in the
table below:
*
*
*
*
*
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: December 10, 2009.
G. Jeffrey Herndon,
Acting Director, Registration Division, Office
of Pesticide Programs.
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
amended as follows:
BILLING CODE 6560–50–S
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
AGENCY:
1. The authority citation for part 180
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
2. Section 180.603 is amended by
revising the introductory text in
paragraphs (a)(1) and (2); and
alphabetically adding ‘‘Brassica, leafy
greens subgroup 5B’’ and ‘‘Turnip,
greens’’ to the table in paragraph (a)(1)
to read as follows:
■
§ 180.603 Dinotefuran; tolerances for
residues.
(a) * * * (1) Tolerances are established
for residues of dinotefuran, (RS)-1methyl-2-nitro-3-((tetrahydro-3furanyl)methyl)guanidine, including its
metabolites and degradates, in or on the
commodities listed in the following
table. Compliance with the tolerance
levels specified below is to be
determined by measuring only the sum
of dinotefuran and its metabolites DN,
1-methyl-3-(tetrahydro-3furylmethyl)guanidine, and UF, 1methyl-3-(tetrahydro-3furylmethyl)urea, calculated as the
stoichiometric equivalent of
dinotefuran, in or on the commodities
listed in the table below:
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[FR Doc. E9–30131 Filed 12–17–09; 8:45 am]
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes
tolerances for the residues of prometryn
in or on celeriac, roots; celeriac, tops;
cilantro, leaves; coriander, dried leaves;
leaf petioles subgroup 4B; okra; parsley,
leaves; parsley, dried leaves; and
increases the tolerance level for carrot,
root. Additionally, the tolerance for
celery is removed since it is included in
the leafy petioles subgroup 4B and the
regional tolerance for parsley leaves is
removed since it is superseded by the
tolerance established in this action.
Interregional Research Project No. 4 (IR4) requested these tolerances under the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
(FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective
December 18, 2009. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received
on or before February 16, 2010, and
must be filed in accordance with the
instructions provided in 40 CFR part
178 (see also Unit I.C. of the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).
ADDRESSES: EPA has established a
docket for this action under docket
identification (ID) number EPA–HQ–
OPP–2008–0773. All documents in the
docket are listed in the docket index
Commodity
Parts per million
available at https://www.regulations.gov.
Although listed in the index, some
*
*
*
*
*
information is not publicly available,
Brassica, leafy greens,
subgroup 5B ................
15.0 e.g., Confidential Business Information
(CBI) or other information whose
*
*
*
*
*
Turnip, greens ................
15.0 disclosure is restricted by statute.
Certain other material, such as
*
*
*
*
*
copyrighted material, is not placed on
(2) Tolerances are established for
the Internet and will be publicly
residues of dinotefuran, (RS)-1-methylavailable only in hard copy form.
2-nitro-3-((tetrahydro-3Publicly available docket materials are
furanyl)methyl)guanidine, including its available in the electronic docket at
metabolites and degradates, in or on the https://www.regulations.gov, or, if only
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B. How Can I Access Electronic Copies
of this Document?
In addition to accessing electronically
available documents at https://
www.regulations.gov, you may access
this Federal Register document
electronically through the EPA Internet
under the ‘‘Federal Register’’ listings at
https://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr. You may
also access a frequently updated
electronic version of EPA’s tolerance
regulations at 40 CFR part 180 through
the Government Printing Office’s e-CFR
cite at https://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr.
To access the OPPTS harmonized test
guidelines referenced in this document
electronically, please go to https://
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www.epa.gov/oppts and select ‘‘Test
Methods & Guidelines’’ on the left-side
navigation menu.
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C. Can I File an Objection or Hearing
Request?
Under section 408(g) of FFDCA, 21
U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an
objection to any aspect of this regulation
and may also request a hearing on those
objections. You must file your objection
or request a hearing on this regulation
in accordance with the instructions
provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure
proper receipt by EPA, you must
identify docket ID number EPA–HQ–
OPP–2008–0773 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
as required by 40 CFR part 178 on or
before February 16, 2010.
In addition to filing an objection or
hearing request with the Hearing Clerk
as described in 40 CFR part 178, please
submit a copy of the filing that does not
contain any CBI for inclusion in the
public docket that is described in
ADDRESSES. Information not marked
confidential pursuant to 40 CFR part 2
may be disclosed publicly by EPA
without prior notice. Submit this copy,
identified by docket ID number EPA–
HQ–OPP–2008–0773, by one of the
following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line
instructions for submitting comments.
• Mail: Office of Pesticide Programs
(OPP) Regulatory Public Docket (7502P),
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington,
DC 20460–0001.
• Delivery: OPP Regulatory Public
Docket (7502P), Environmental
Protection Agency, Rm. S–4400, One
Potomac Yard (South Bldg.), 2777 S.
Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA. Deliveries
are only accepted during the Docket
Facility’s normal hours of operation
(8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through
Friday, excluding legal holidays).
Special arrangements should be made
for deliveries of boxed information. The
Docket Facility telephone number is
(703) 305–5805.
II. Petition for Tolerance
In the Federal Register of December 3,
2008 (73 FR 73640) (FRL–8390–4), EPA
issued a notice pursuant to section
408(d)(3) of FFDCA, 21 U.S.C.
346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of
pesticide petitions (PP 8E7434 and
8E7436) by IR-4, 500 College Road East,
Suite 201W, Princeton, New Jersey
08540. The petition requested that 40
CFR 180.222 be amended by
establishing tolerances for residues of
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the herbicide prometryn, 2,4bis(isopropylamino)-6-methylthio-striazine, in or on carrots at 0.7 parts per
million (ppm); celeriac, roots at 0.05
ppm; celeriac, tops at 0.05 ppm;
cilantro, fresh at 4.0 ppm, cilantro, dried
at 15 ppm; okra at 0.05 ppm; parsley,
leaves at 0.7 ppm, (all the preceding in
PP 8E7434); and leaf petiole subgroup
4B at 0.5 ppm (PP 8E7436). That notice
referenced a summary of the petition
prepared by Syngenta Crop Protection,
Inc., the registrant, on behalf of IR-4,
which is available to the public in the
docket, https://www.regulations.gov.
There were no comments received in
response to the notice of filing.
Based upon review of the data
supporting the petition, EPA has
modified carrot, roots from 0.7 ppm to
0.45 ppm; celeriac, tops from 0.05 ppm
to 0.20 ppm; cilantro, leaves from 4.0
ppm to 3.5 ppm; coriander, dried leaves
from 15.0 ppm to 9.0 ppm; parsley,
leaves from 0.7 ppm to 0.60 ppm. EPA
also revised several commodity terms
and determined that a tolerance is
required for parsley, dried leaves at 1.5
ppm.The reasons for these changes are
explained in Unit IV.C.
III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and
Determination of Safety
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....’’
Consistent with section 408(b)(2)(D)
of FFDCA, and the factors specified in
section 408(b)(2)(D) of FFDCA, EPA has
reviewed the available scientific data
and other relevant information in
support of this action. EPA has
sufficient data to assess the hazards of
and to make a determination on
aggregate exposure for the petitioned-for
tolerances for residues of prometryn on
carrot, roots at 0.45 ppm; celeriac, roots
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at 0.05 ppm; celeriac, tops at 0.20 ppm;
cilantro, leaves at 3.5 ppm; coriander,
dried leaves at 9.0 ppm; leaf petioles
subgroup 4B at 0.50 ppm; okra at 0.05
ppm; parsley, leaves at 0.60 ppm; and
parsley, dried leaves at 1.5 ppm. EPA’s
assessment of exposures and risks
associated with establishing tolerances
follows.
A. Toxicological Profile
EPA has evaluated the available
toxicity data and considered its validity,
completeness, and reliability as well as
the relationship of the results of the
studies 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.
Prometryn demonstrated minimal
acute toxicity via the oral, dermal, and
inhalation routes. Prometryn is mildly
irritating to the eyes, slightly irritating
to the skin, and is not a skin sensitizer.
In a 28–day feeding study in mice,
prometryn caused decreased body
weight and/or mortality at doses that
exceed the limit dose. No evidence of
local or systemic toxicity was observed
in a 21–day dermal toxicity study in
rabbits. In a chronic oncogenicity study
in mice, decreased body-weight gain at
the highest dose tested was the only
adverse effect observed. In a combined
chronic toxicity/carcinogenicity study
in rats, decreased body weight, bodyweight gains, and renal toxicity
(mineralized concretions) were observed
at the highest dose only. There was no
evidence of carcinogenicity in either
study and prometryn was nonmutagenic when tested in a battery of
genotoxicity assays. Following longterm exposure of dogs to prometryn,
multi-organ toxicity (degenerative
hepatic changes, renal tubule
degeneration, bone marrow atrophy)
was observed at the highest dose tested.
Prometryn is neither a developmental
nor a reproductive toxicant. Adverse
effects were observed primarily at the
highest doses tested; offspring toxicity
was observed at the same doses as
maternal/parental toxicity. In the
developmental toxicity study in the rat,
decreased body weight and food
consumption, and clinical signs of
toxicity were observed in dams;
decreased fetal body weight, and
incomplete ossification of sternebrae
and metacarpals were observed at the
same dose in offspring. In the
developmental toxicity study in rabbits,
decreased food consumption and
increased incidence of resorptions,
abortions, and post-implantation loss
were observed in maternal animals that
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led to a decreased number of viable
litters and live fetuses at the highest
dose tested. In the 2-generation rat
production study, decreased food
consumption, body weight, and bodyweight gain were observed in parental
animals, and decreased body weight
was observed in offspring at the same
dose. There was no evidence of toxicity
to the reproductive organs in the study.
Specific information on the studies
received and the nature of the adverse
effects caused by prometryn as well as
the no-observed-adverse-effect-level
(NOAEL) and the lowest-observedadverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from the
toxicity studies can be found at https://
www.regulations.gov in the document
‘‘Section 3 Registration Request to Add
New Uses on Carrot, Celeriac, Cilantro,
Okra, Parsley, and Leaf Petioles (Crop
Subgroup 4B). Human–Health Risk
Assessment,’’ at page 36 in docket ID
number EPA–HQ–OPP–2008–0773.
B. Toxicological Endpoints
For hazards that have a threshold
below which there is no appreciable
risk, a toxicological point of departure
(POD) is identified as the basis for
derivation of reference values for risk
assessment. The POD may be defined as
the highest dose at which no adverse
effects are observed (the NOAEL) in the
toxicology study identified as
appropriate for use in risk assessment.
However, if a NOAEL cannot be
determined, the lowest dose at which
adverse effects of concern are identified
(the LOAEL) or a Benchmark Dose
(BMD) approach is sometimes used for
risk assessment. Uncertainty/safety
factors (UFs) are used in conjunction
with the POD to take into account
uncertainties inherent in the
extrapolation from laboratory animal
data to humans and in the variations in
sensitivity among members of the
human population as well as other
unknowns. Safety is assessed for acute
and chronic dietary risks by comparing
aggregate food and water exposure to
the pesticide to the acute population
adjusted dose (aPAD) and chronic
population adjusted dose (cPAD). The
aPAD and cPAD are calculated by
dividing the POD by all applicable UFs.
Aggregate short-, intermediate-, and
chronic-term risks are evaluated by
comparing food, water, and residential
exposure to the POD to ensure that the
margin of exposure (MOE) called for by
the product of all applicable UFs is not
exceeded. This latter value is referred to
as the Level of Concern (LOC).
For non-threshold risks, the Agency
assumes that any amount of exposure
will lead to some degree of risk. Thus,
the Agency estimates risk in terms of the
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probability of an occurrence of the
adverse effect greater than that expected
in a lifetime. For more information on
the general principles EPA uses in risk
characterization and a complete
description of the risk assessment
process, see https://www.epa.gov/
pesticides/factsheets/riskassess.htm.
A summary of the toxicological
endpoints for prometryn used for
human risk assessment can be found at
https://www.regulations.gov in the
document ‘‘Section 3 Registration
Request to Add New Uses on Carrot,
Celeriac, Cilantro, Okra, Parsley, and
Leaf Petioles (Crop Subgroup 4B).
Human–Health Risk Assessment,’’ at
page 19 in docket ID number EPA–HQ–
OPP–2008–0773.
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and
feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to prometryn, EPA considered
exposure under the petitioned-for
tolerances as well as all existing
prometryn tolerances in 40 CFR
180.222. EPA assessed dietary
exposures from prometryn in food as
follows:
i. Acute exposure. Quantitative acute
dietary exposure and risk assessments
are performed for a food-use pesticide if
a toxicological study has indicated the
possibility of an effect of concern
occurring as a result of a 1–day or single
exposure. Such effects (increased
incidence of resorptions, abortions, and
post-implantation loss and decreased
number of live fetuses) were identified
in the toxicological studies for
prometryn for the population subgroup
females 13 to 49 years old; no such
effects were identified for the general
population or other population
subgroups.
In estimating acute dietary exposure,
EPA used food consumption
information from the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) 1994–1996
Nationwide Continuing Surveys of Food
Intake by Individuals (CSFII). As to
residue levels in food, EPA assumed
that all food commodities contain
tolerance level residues and that 100%
of all crops are treated with prometryn.
EPA also used the default processing
factors for all processed commodities.
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting
the chronic dietary exposure assessment
EPA used the food consumption data
from the USDA 1994–1996 and 1998
CSFII. As to residue levels in food, EPA
assumed that all food commodities
contain tolerance level residues and that
100% of all crops are treated with
prometryn. EPA also used the default
processing factors for all processed
commodities.
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iii. Cancer. Prometryn was classified
by the Agency in Group E (‘‘Evidence of
non-carcinogenicity for humans’’),
based on the lack of oncogenic effects at
any dose in both rats and mice.
Therefore an exposure assessment to
evaluate cancer risks is not needed for
this chemical.
iv. Anticipated residue and percent
crop treated (PCT) information. EPA did
not use anticipated residue or PCT
information in the dietary assessment
for prometryn. Tolerance level residues
and 100% CT were assumed for all food
commodities.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking
water. The Agency used screening level
water exposure models in the dietary
exposure analysis and risk assessment
for prometryn in drinking water. These
simulation models take into account
data on the physical, chemical, and fate/
transport characteristics of prometryn.
Further information regarding EPA
drinking water models used in pesticide
exposure assessment can be found at
https://www.epa.gov/oppefed1/models/
water/index.htm.
Based on the First Index Reservoir
Screening Tool (FIRST), and Screening
Concentration in Ground Water (SCIGROW) models, the estimated drinking
water concentrations (EDWCs) of
prometryn for acute exposures are
estimated to be 377.4 parts per billion
(ppb) for surface water and 23.2 ppb for
ground water. For chronic exposures for
non-cancer assessments are estimated to
be 157.9 ppb for surface water and 23.2
ppb for ground water.
For acute dietary risk assessment, the
water concentration value of 377.4 ppb
was used to assess the contribution to
drinking water. For chronic dietary risk
assessment, the water concentration
value of 157.9 ppb was used to assess
the contribution to drinking water.
3. From non-dietary exposure. The
term ‘‘residential exposure’’ is used in
this document to refer to nonoccupational, non-dietary exposure
(e.g., for lawn and garden pest control,
indoor pest control, termiticides, and
flea and tick control on pets).
Prometryn is not registered for any
specific use patterns that would result
in residential exposure.
4. Cumulative effects from substances
with a common mechanism of toxicity.
Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of 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.’’
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EPA has not found prometryn to share
a common mechanism of toxicity with
any other substances, and prometryn
does not appear to produce a toxic
metabolite produced by other
substances. For the purposes of this
tolerance action, therefore, EPA has
assumed that prometryn does not 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 EPA’s website at https://
www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.
D. Safety Factor for Infants and
Children
1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of
FFDCA provides that EPA shall apply
an additional tenfold (10X) 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 database on toxicity
and exposure unless EPA determines
based on reliable data that a different
margin of safety will be safe for infants
and children. This additional margin of
safety is commonly referred to as the
FQPA SF. In applying this provision,
EPA either retains the default value of
10X, or uses a different additional safety
factor when reliable data available to
EPA support the choice of a different
factor.
2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity.
Developmental toxicity studies showed
no increased sensitivity of fetuses when
compared to maternal animals following
in utero exposures of rats or rabbits. The
multi-generation reproduction study in
rats showed no increased sensitivity of
offspring when compared to parental
animals. No evidence of developmental
anomalies of the fetal nervous system
was observed in the prenatal
developmental toxicity studies in either
rats or rabbits up to maternally toxic
dose levels.
3. Conclusion. EPA has determined
that reliable data show the safety of
infants and children would be
adequately protected if the FQPA SF
were reduced to 1X. That decision is
based on the following findings:
i. The toxicity database for prometryn
is complete except for acute and
subchronic neurotoxicity studies and
immunotoxicity testing. Recent changes
to 40 CFR part 158 make these studies
(OPPTS Guideline 870.7800) required
for pesticide registration; however, the
toxicology database for prometryn does
not show any evidence of treatmentrelated effects on the nervous or
immune system. The overall weight-ofevidence suggests that this chemical
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does not directly target the nervous or
the immune system. In addition,
prometryn does not belong to a class of
chemicals (e.g., the organotins, heavy
metals, halogenated aromatic
hydrocarbons) that would be expected
to be immunotoxic. Although an
immunotoxicity study and acute and
subchronic neurotoxicity studies are
required as a part of new data
requirements in the 40 CFR part 158 for
conventional pesticide registration, the
Agency does not believe that conducting
a functional immunotoxicity study or
acute and subchronic neurotoxicity
studies will result in a lower POD than
that currently use for overall risk
assessment, and therefore, a database
uncertainty factor is not needed to
account for lack of these studies.
ii. There is no indication that
prometryn is a neurotoxic chemical and
there is no need for a developmental
neurotoxicity study or additional UFs to
account for neurotoxicity.
iii. There is no evidence that
prometryn results in increased
susceptibility in in utero rats or rabbits
in the prenatal developmental studies or
in young rats in the 2–generation
reproduction study.
iv. There are no residual uncertainties
identified in the exposure databases.
The dietary food exposure assessments
were performed based on 100% CT and
tolerance-level residues. EPA made
conservative (protective) assumptions in
the ground and surface water modeling
used to assess exposure to prometryn in
drinking water. These assessments will
not underestimate the exposure and
risks posed by prometryn.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of
Safety
EPA determines whether acute and
chronic pesticide exposures are safe by
comparing aggregate exposure estimates
to the aPAD and cPAD. The aPAD and
cPAD represent the highest safe
exposures, taking into account all
appropriate SFs. EPA calculates the
aPAD and cPAD by dividing the POD by
all applicable UFs. For linear cancer
risks, EPA calculates the probability of
additional cancer cases given the
estimated aggregate exposure. Short-,
intermediate-, and chronic-term risks
are evaluated by comparing the
estimated aggregate food, water, and
residential exposure to the POD to
ensure that the MOE called for by the
product of all applicable UFs is not
exceeded.
1. Acute risk. Using the exposure
assumptions discussed in this unit for
acute exposure, the acute dietary
exposure from food and water to
prometryn will occupy 16% of the
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aPAD for females 13 to 49 years old, the
population group receiving the greatest
exposure. No adverse effect resulting
from a single-oral exposure was
identified for the remaining population
groups and no acute dietary endpoint
was selected. Therefore, prometryn is
not expected to pose an acute risk.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure
assumptions described in this unit for
chronic exposure, EPA has concluded
that chronic exposure to prometryn
from food and water will utilize 30% of
the cPAD for all infants < 1 year old, the
population group receiving the greatest
exposure. There are no residential uses
for prometryn.
3. Short- and intermediate-term risk.
Short- and intermediate-term aggregate
exposure takes into account short-term
and intermediate-term residential
exposure plus chronic exposure to food
and water (considered to be a
background exposure level).
Prometryn is not registered for any
use patterns that would result in
residential exposure. Therefore, the
short- and intermediate-term aggregate
risk is the sum of the risk from exposure
to prometryn through food and water
and will not be greater than the chronic
aggregate risk.
4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S.
population. As discussed in Unit
III.C.1.iii., the Agency has concluded
that prometryn is not likely to be
carcinogenic to humans, therefore, a
cancer risk is not of concern for this
chemical.
5. Determination of safety. Based on
these risk assessments, EPA concludes
that there is a reasonable certainty that
no harm will result to the general
population, or to infants and children
from aggregate exposure to prometryn
residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodology
(gas chromatography/flame photometric
detection/sulfur (GC/FPD/S)) is
available to enforce the tolerance
expression. The method may be
requested from: Chief, Analytical
Chemistry Branch, Environmental
Science Center, 701 Mapes Rd., Ft.
Meade, MD 20755–5350; telephone
number: (410) 305–2905; e-mail address:
residuemethods@epa.gov.
B. International Residue Limits
There are currently no established
Codex MRLs for prometryn.
C. Revisions to Petitioned-for Tolerances
Based upon review of the data
supporting the petition, EPA has
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modified carrot, roots from 0.7 ppm to
0.45 ppm; celeriac, tops from 0.05 ppm
to 0.20 ppm; cilantro, leaves from 4.0
ppm to 3.5 ppm; coriander, dried leaves
from 15.0 ppm to 9.0 ppm; parsley,
leaves from 0.7 ppm to 0.60 ppm. EPA
revised these tolerance levels based on
analysis of the residue field trial data
using the Agency’s tolerance
spreadsheet in accordance with the
Agency’s Guidance for Setting Pesticide
Tolerances Based on Field Trial Data.
EPA also revised the commodity term
for cilantro dried to coriander, dried
leaves, to be in compliance with correct
commodity definition. Additionally,
EPA determined that a tolerance is
required for parsley, dried leaves at 1.5
ppm. Additionally, the tolerance for
celery is removed since it is included in
the leaf petioles subgroup 4B and the
regional tolerance for parsley leaves is
removed since it is superseded by the
tolerance established in this action.
erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with RULES
V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established
for residues of prometryn, 2,4bis(isopropylamino)-6-methylthio-striazine, in or on celeriac, roots at 0.05
ppm; celeriac, tops at 0.20 ppm;
cilantro, leaves at 3.5 ppm; coriander,
dried leaves at 9.0 ppm; leaf petioles
subgroup 4B at 0.50 ppm; okra at 0.05
ppm; parsley, leaves at 0.60 ppm;
parsley, dried leaves at 1.5 ppm and
increases the tolerance level for carrot,
root to 0.45 ppm. Additionally, the
tolerance for celery is removed since it
is included in the leafy petioles
subgroup 4B and the regional tolerance
for parsley leaves is removed since it is
superseded by the tolerance established
in this action.
VI. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
This final rule establishes tolerances
under section 408(d) of 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 final rule
has been exempted from review under
Executive Order 12866, this final rule is
not subject to Executive Order 13211,
entitled Actions Concerning Regulations
That Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use (66 FR 28355, May
22, 2001) or Executive Order 13045,
entitled Protection of Children from
Environmental Health Risks and Safety
Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997).
This final rule does not contain any
information collections subject to OMB
approval under the Paperwork
VerDate Nov<24>2008
14:11 Dec 17, 2009
Jkt 220001
Reduction Act (PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et
seq., 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).
Since tolerances and exemptions that
are established on the basis of a petition
under section 408(d) of FFDCA, such as
the tolerance 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.
This final rule directly regulates
growers, food processors, food handlers,
and food retailers, not States or tribes,
nor does this action alter the
relationships or distribution of power
and responsibilities established by
Congress in the preemption provisions
of section 408(n)(4) of FFDCA. As such,
the Agency has determined that this
action will not have a substantial direct
effect on States or tribal governments,
on the relationship between the national
government and the States or tribal
governments, or on the distribution of
power and responsibilities among the
various levels of government or between
the Federal Government and Indian
tribes. Thus, the Agency has determined
that Executive Order 13132, entitled
Federalism (64 FR 43255, August 10,
1999) and Executive Order 13175,
entitled Consultation and Coordination
with Indian Tribal Governments (65 FR
67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply
to this final rule. In addition, this final
rule does not 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).
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).
VII. Congressional Review Act
The Congressional Review Act, 5
U.S.C. 801 et seq., generally provides
that before a rule may take effect, the
agency promulgating the rule must
submit a rule report 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
PO 00000
Frm 00058
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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: December 8, 2009.
Lois Rossi,
Director, Registration Division, Office of
Pesticide Programs.
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
amended as follows:
■
PART 180—[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for part 180
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
2. In § 180.222, in the table to
paragraph (a) by revising the entry for
‘‘carrot, roots’’; by removing footnote 1,
and the entry for ‘‘celery,’’ and by
adding alphabetically entries for
‘‘celeriac, roots’’; ‘‘celeriac, tops’’;
‘‘cilantro, leaves’’; ‘‘coriander, dried
leaves’’; ‘‘leaf petioles subgroup 4B’’;
‘‘okra’’; ‘‘parsley, leaves’’; and ‘‘parsley,
dried leaves’’ to read as follows, and in
the table to paragraph (c) by removing
the entry for ‘‘parsley, leaves.’’
■
§ 180.222 Prometryn; tolerances for
residues.
(a) *
*
*
Commodity
Parts per million
Carrot, roots ....................
Celeriac, roots ................
Celeriac, tops ..................
Cilantro, leaves ...............
Coriander, dried leaves ..
*
*
*
Leaf petioles subgroup
4B ................................
Okra ................................
Parsley, dried leaves ......
Parsley, leaves ...............
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
0.45
0.05
0.20
3.5
9.0
*
*
0.50
0.05
1.5
0.60
*
*
*
[FR Doc. E9–30040 Filed 12–17–09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–S
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2008–0704; FRL–8803–4]
Fluoxastrobin; Pesticide Tolerances
AGENCY: Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 242 (Friday, December 18, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67104-67108]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-30040]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0773; FRL-8801-8]
Prometryn; Pesticide Tolerances
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances for the residues of
prometryn in or on celeriac, roots; celeriac, tops; cilantro, leaves;
coriander, dried leaves; leaf petioles subgroup 4B; okra; parsley,
leaves; parsley, dried leaves; and increases the tolerance level for
carrot, root. Additionally, the tolerance for celery is removed since
it is included in the leafy petioles subgroup 4B and the regional
tolerance for parsley leaves is removed since it is superseded by the
tolerance established in this action. Interregional Research Project
No. 4 (IR-4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug,
and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective December 18, 2009. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before February 16, 2010,
and must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40
CFR part 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).
ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under docket
identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0773. All documents in the
docket are listed in the docket index available at https://www.regulations.gov. Although listed in the index, some information is
not publicly available, e.g., Confidential Business Information (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 in the electronic
docket at https://www.regulations.gov, or, if only available in hard
copy, at the OPP Regulatory Public Docket in Rm. S-4400, One Potomac
Yard (South Bldg.), 2777 S. Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA. The Docket
Facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday,
excluding legal holidays. The Docket Facility telephone number is (703)
305-5805.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Madden, Registration Division
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency,
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone
number: (703) 305-6463; e-mail address: madden.barbara@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 those
engaged in the following activities:
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 to
provide 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?
In addition to accessing electronically available documents at
https://www.regulations.gov, you may access this Federal Register
document electronically through the EPA Internet under the ``Federal
Register'' listings at https://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr. You may also access
a frequently updated electronic version of EPA's tolerance regulations
at 40 CFR part 180 through the Government Printing Office's e-CFR cite
at https://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr. To access the OPPTS harmonized test
guidelines referenced in this document electronically, please go to
https://
[[Page 67105]]
www.epa.gov/oppts and select ``Test Methods & Guidelines'' on the left-
side navigation menu.
C. Can I File an Objection or Hearing Request?
Under section 408(g) of FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 346a, any person may file
an objection to any aspect of this regulation and may also request a
hearing on those objections. You must file your objection or request a
hearing on this regulation in accordance with the instructions provided
in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must identify
docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0773 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 as required by 40 CFR part 178
on or before February 16, 2010.
In addition to filing an objection or hearing request with the
Hearing Clerk as described in 40 CFR part 178, please submit a copy of
the filing that does not contain any CBI for inclusion in the public
docket that is described in ADDRESSES. Information not marked
confidential pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be disclosed publicly by EPA
without prior notice. Submit this copy, identified by docket ID number
EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0773, by one of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.
Mail: Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) Regulatory Public
Docket (7502P), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania
Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001.
Delivery: OPP Regulatory Public Docket (7502P),
Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. S-4400, One Potomac Yard (South
Bldg.), 2777 S. Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA. Deliveries are only
accepted during the Docket Facility's normal hours of operation (8:30
a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays).
Special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed
information. The Docket Facility telephone number is (703) 305-5805.
II. Petition for Tolerance
In the Federal Register of December 3, 2008 (73 FR 73640) (FRL-
8390-4), EPA issued a notice pursuant to section 408(d)(3) of FFDCA, 21
U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of pesticide petitions (PP
8E7434 and 8E7436) by IR-4, 500 College Road East, Suite 201W,
Princeton, New Jersey 08540. The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.222
be amended by establishing tolerances for residues of the herbicide
prometryn, 2,4-bis(isopropylamino)-6-methylthio-s-triazine, in or on
carrots at 0.7 parts per million (ppm); celeriac, roots at 0.05 ppm;
celeriac, tops at 0.05 ppm; cilantro, fresh at 4.0 ppm, cilantro, dried
at 15 ppm; okra at 0.05 ppm; parsley, leaves at 0.7 ppm, (all the
preceding in PP 8E7434); and leaf petiole subgroup 4B at 0.5 ppm (PP
8E7436). That notice referenced a summary of the petition prepared by
Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc., the registrant, on behalf of IR-4,
which is available to the public in the docket, https://www.regulations.gov. There were no comments received in response to the
notice of filing.
Based upon review of the data supporting the petition, EPA has
modified carrot, roots from 0.7 ppm to 0.45 ppm; celeriac, tops from
0.05 ppm to 0.20 ppm; cilantro, leaves from 4.0 ppm to 3.5 ppm;
coriander, dried leaves from 15.0 ppm to 9.0 ppm; parsley, leaves from
0.7 ppm to 0.60 ppm. EPA also revised several commodity terms and
determined that a tolerance is required for parsley, dried leaves at
1.5 ppm.The reasons for these changes are explained in Unit IV.C.
III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety
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....''
Consistent with section 408(b)(2)(D) of FFDCA, and the factors
specified in section 408(b)(2)(D) of FFDCA, EPA has reviewed the
available scientific data and other relevant information in support of
this action. EPA has sufficient data to assess the hazards of and to
make a determination on aggregate exposure for the petitioned-for
tolerances for residues of prometryn on carrot, roots at 0.45 ppm;
celeriac, roots at 0.05 ppm; celeriac, tops at 0.20 ppm; cilantro,
leaves at 3.5 ppm; coriander, dried leaves at 9.0 ppm; leaf petioles
subgroup 4B at 0.50 ppm; okra at 0.05 ppm; parsley, leaves at 0.60 ppm;
and parsley, dried leaves at 1.5 ppm. EPA's assessment of exposures and
risks associated with establishing tolerances follows.
A. Toxicological Profile
EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data and considered its
validity, completeness, and reliability as well as the relationship of
the results of the studies 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.
Prometryn demonstrated minimal acute toxicity via the oral, dermal,
and inhalation routes. Prometryn is mildly irritating to the eyes,
slightly irritating to the skin, and is not a skin sensitizer.
In a 28-day feeding study in mice, prometryn caused decreased body
weight and/or mortality at doses that exceed the limit dose. No
evidence of local or systemic toxicity was observed in a 21-day dermal
toxicity study in rabbits. In a chronic oncogenicity study in mice,
decreased body-weight gain at the highest dose tested was the only
adverse effect observed. In a combined chronic toxicity/carcinogenicity
study in rats, decreased body weight, body-weight gains, and renal
toxicity (mineralized concretions) were observed at the highest dose
only. There was no evidence of carcinogenicity in either study and
prometryn was non-mutagenic when tested in a battery of genotoxicity
assays. Following long-term exposure of dogs to prometryn, multi-organ
toxicity (degenerative hepatic changes, renal tubule degeneration, bone
marrow atrophy) was observed at the highest dose tested.
Prometryn is neither a developmental nor a reproductive toxicant.
Adverse effects were observed primarily at the highest doses tested;
offspring toxicity was observed at the same doses as maternal/parental
toxicity. In the developmental toxicity study in the rat, decreased
body weight and food consumption, and clinical signs of toxicity were
observed in dams; decreased fetal body weight, and incomplete
ossification of sternebrae and metacarpals were observed at the same
dose in offspring. In the developmental toxicity study in rabbits,
decreased food consumption and increased incidence of resorptions,
abortions, and post-implantation loss were observed in maternal animals
that
[[Page 67106]]
led to a decreased number of viable litters and live fetuses at the
highest dose tested. In the 2-generation rat production study,
decreased food consumption, body weight, and body-weight gain were
observed in parental animals, and decreased body weight was observed in
offspring at the same dose. There was no evidence of toxicity to the
reproductive organs in the study.
Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the
adverse effects caused by prometryn as well as the no-observed-adverse-
effect-level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level
(LOAEL) from the toxicity studies can be found at https://www.regulations.gov in the document ``Section 3 Registration Request to
Add New Uses on Carrot, Celeriac, Cilantro, Okra, Parsley, and Leaf
Petioles (Crop Subgroup 4B). Human-Health Risk Assessment,'' at page 36
in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0773.
B. Toxicological Endpoints
For hazards that have a threshold below which there is no
appreciable risk, a toxicological point of departure (POD) is
identified as the basis for derivation of reference values for risk
assessment. The POD may be defined as the highest dose at which no
adverse effects are observed (the NOAEL) in the toxicology study
identified as appropriate for use in risk assessment. However, if a
NOAEL cannot be determined, the lowest dose at which adverse effects of
concern are identified (the LOAEL) or a Benchmark Dose (BMD) approach
is sometimes used for risk assessment. Uncertainty/safety factors (UFs)
are used in conjunction with the POD to take into account uncertainties
inherent in the extrapolation from laboratory animal data to humans and
in the variations in sensitivity among members of the human population
as well as other unknowns. Safety is assessed for acute and chronic
dietary risks by comparing aggregate food and water exposure to the
pesticide to the acute population adjusted dose (aPAD) and chronic
population adjusted dose (cPAD). The aPAD and cPAD are calculated by
dividing the POD by all applicable UFs. Aggregate short-, intermediate-
, and chronic-term risks are evaluated by comparing food, water, and
residential exposure to the POD to ensure that the margin of exposure
(MOE) called for by the product of all applicable UFs is not exceeded.
This latter value is referred to as the Level of Concern (LOC).
For non-threshold risks, the Agency assumes that any amount of
exposure will lead to some degree of risk. Thus, the Agency estimates
risk in terms of the probability of an occurrence of the adverse effect
greater than that expected in a lifetime. For more information on the
general principles EPA uses in risk characterization and a complete
description of the risk assessment process, see https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/riskassess.htm.
A summary of the toxicological endpoints for prometryn used for
human risk assessment can be found at https://www.regulations.gov in the
document ``Section 3 Registration Request to Add New Uses on Carrot,
Celeriac, Cilantro, Okra, Parsley, and Leaf Petioles (Crop Subgroup
4B). Human-Health Risk Assessment,'' at page 19 in docket ID number
EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0773.
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to prometryn, EPA considered exposure under the petitioned-for
tolerances as well as all existing prometryn tolerances in 40 CFR
180.222. EPA assessed dietary exposures from prometryn in food as
follows:
i. Acute exposure. Quantitative acute dietary exposure and risk
assessments are performed for a food-use pesticide if a toxicological
study has indicated the possibility of an effect of concern occurring
as a result of a 1-day or single exposure. Such effects (increased
incidence of resorptions, abortions, and post-implantation loss and
decreased number of live fetuses) were identified in the toxicological
studies for prometryn for the population subgroup females 13 to 49
years old; no such effects were identified for the general population
or other population subgroups.
In estimating acute dietary exposure, EPA used food consumption
information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 1994-1996
Nationwide Continuing Surveys of Food Intake by Individuals (CSFII). As
to residue levels in food, EPA assumed that all food commodities
contain tolerance level residues and that 100% of all crops are treated
with prometryn. EPA also used the default processing factors for all
processed commodities.
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure
assessment EPA used the food consumption data from the USDA 1994-1996
and 1998 CSFII. As to residue levels in food, EPA assumed that all food
commodities contain tolerance level residues and that 100% of all crops
are treated with prometryn. EPA also used the default processing
factors for all processed commodities.
iii. Cancer. Prometryn was classified by the Agency in Group E
(``Evidence of non-carcinogenicity for humans''), based on the lack of
oncogenic effects at any dose in both rats and mice. Therefore an
exposure assessment to evaluate cancer risks is not needed for this
chemical.
iv. Anticipated residue and percent crop treated (PCT) information.
EPA did not use anticipated residue or PCT information in the dietary
assessment for prometryn. Tolerance level residues and 100% CT were
assumed for all food commodities.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The Agency used screening
level water exposure models in the dietary exposure analysis and risk
assessment for prometryn in drinking water. These simulation models
take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/transport
characteristics of prometryn. Further information regarding EPA
drinking water models used in pesticide exposure assessment can be
found at https://www.epa.gov/oppefed1/models/water/index.htm.
Based on the First Index Reservoir Screening Tool (FIRST), and
Screening Concentration in Ground Water (SCI-GROW) models, the
estimated drinking water concentrations (EDWCs) of prometryn for acute
exposures are estimated to be 377.4 parts per billion (ppb) for surface
water and 23.2 ppb for ground water. For chronic exposures for non-
cancer assessments are estimated to be 157.9 ppb for surface water and
23.2 ppb for ground water.
For acute dietary risk assessment, the water concentration value of
377.4 ppb was used to assess the contribution to drinking water. For
chronic dietary risk assessment, the water concentration value of 157.9
ppb was used to assess the contribution to drinking water.
3. From non-dietary exposure. The term ``residential exposure'' is
used in this document to refer to non-occupational, non-dietary
exposure (e.g., for lawn and garden pest control, indoor pest control,
termiticides, and flea and tick control on pets).
Prometryn is not registered for any specific use patterns that
would result in residential exposure.
4. Cumulative effects from substances with a common mechanism of
toxicity. Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of 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.''
[[Page 67107]]
EPA has not found prometryn to share a common mechanism of toxicity
with any other substances, and prometryn does not appear to produce a
toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the purposes of this
tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that prometryn does not
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 EPA's website at https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.
D. Safety Factor for Infants and Children
1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA provides that EPA
shall apply an additional tenfold (10X) 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 database on toxicity
and exposure unless EPA determines based on reliable data that a
different margin of safety will be safe for infants and children. This
additional margin of safety is commonly referred to as the FQPA SF. In
applying this provision, EPA either retains the default value of 10X,
or uses a different additional safety factor when reliable data
available to EPA support the choice of a different factor.
2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. Developmental toxicity
studies showed no increased sensitivity of fetuses when compared to
maternal animals following in utero exposures of rats or rabbits. The
multi-generation reproduction study in rats showed no increased
sensitivity of offspring when compared to parental animals. No evidence
of developmental anomalies of the fetal nervous system was observed in
the prenatal developmental toxicity studies in either rats or rabbits
up to maternally toxic dose levels.
3. Conclusion. EPA has determined that reliable data show the
safety of infants and children would be adequately protected if the
FQPA SF were reduced to 1X. That decision is based on the following
findings:
i. The toxicity database for prometryn is complete except for acute
and subchronic neurotoxicity studies and immunotoxicity testing. Recent
changes to 40 CFR part 158 make these studies (OPPTS Guideline
870.7800) required for pesticide registration; however, the toxicology
database for prometryn does not show any evidence of treatment-related
effects on the nervous or immune system. The overall weight-of-evidence
suggests that this chemical does not directly target the nervous or the
immune system. In addition, prometryn does not belong to a class of
chemicals (e.g., the organotins, heavy metals, halogenated aromatic
hydrocarbons) that would be expected to be immunotoxic. Although an
immunotoxicity study and acute and subchronic neurotoxicity studies are
required as a part of new data requirements in the 40 CFR part 158 for
conventional pesticide registration, the Agency does not believe that
conducting a functional immunotoxicity study or acute and subchronic
neurotoxicity studies will result in a lower POD than that currently
use for overall risk assessment, and therefore, a database uncertainty
factor is not needed to account for lack of these studies.
ii. There is no indication that prometryn is a neurotoxic chemical
and there is no need for a developmental neurotoxicity study or
additional UFs to account for neurotoxicity.
iii. There is no evidence that prometryn results in increased
susceptibility in in utero rats or rabbits in the prenatal
developmental studies or in young rats in the 2-generation reproduction
study.
iv. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure
databases. The dietary food exposure assessments were performed based
on 100% CT and tolerance-level residues. EPA made conservative
(protective) assumptions in the ground and surface water modeling used
to assess exposure to prometryn in drinking water. These assessments
will not underestimate the exposure and risks posed by prometryn.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety
EPA determines whether acute and chronic pesticide exposures are
safe by comparing aggregate exposure estimates to the aPAD and cPAD.
The aPAD and cPAD represent the highest safe exposures, taking into
account all appropriate SFs. EPA calculates the aPAD and cPAD by
dividing the POD by all applicable UFs. For linear cancer risks, EPA
calculates the probability of additional cancer cases given the
estimated aggregate exposure. Short-, intermediate-, and chronic-term
risks are evaluated by comparing the estimated aggregate food, water,
and residential exposure to the POD to ensure that the MOE called for
by the product of all applicable UFs is not exceeded.
1. Acute risk. Using the exposure assumptions discussed in this
unit for acute exposure, the acute dietary exposure from food and water
to prometryn will occupy 16% of the aPAD for females 13 to 49 years
old, the population group receiving the greatest exposure. No adverse
effect resulting from a single-oral exposure was identified for the
remaining population groups and no acute dietary endpoint was selected.
Therefore, prometryn is not expected to pose an acute risk.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to
prometryn from food and water will utilize 30% of the cPAD for all
infants < 1 year old, the population group receiving the greatest
exposure. There are no residential uses for prometryn.
3. Short- and intermediate-term risk. Short- and intermediate-term
aggregate exposure takes into account short-term and intermediate-term
residential exposure plus chronic exposure to food and water
(considered to be a background exposure level).
Prometryn is not registered for any use patterns that would result
in residential exposure. Therefore, the short- and intermediate-term
aggregate risk is the sum of the risk from exposure to prometryn
through food and water and will not be greater than the chronic
aggregate risk.
4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. As discussed in Unit
III.C.1.iii., the Agency has concluded that prometryn is not likely to
be carcinogenic to humans, therefore, a cancer risk is not of concern
for this chemical.
5. Determination of safety. Based on these risk assessments, EPA
concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result
to the general population, or to infants and children from aggregate
exposure to prometryn residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodology (gas chromatography/flame
photometric detection/sulfur (GC/FPD/S)) is available to enforce the
tolerance expression. The method may be requested from: Chief,
Analytical Chemistry Branch, Environmental Science Center, 701 Mapes
Rd., Ft. Meade, MD 20755-5350; telephone number: (410) 305-2905; e-mail
address: residuemethods@epa.gov.
B. International Residue Limits
There are currently no established Codex MRLs for prometryn.
C. Revisions to Petitioned-for Tolerances
Based upon review of the data supporting the petition, EPA has
[[Page 67108]]
modified carrot, roots from 0.7 ppm to 0.45 ppm; celeriac, tops from
0.05 ppm to 0.20 ppm; cilantro, leaves from 4.0 ppm to 3.5 ppm;
coriander, dried leaves from 15.0 ppm to 9.0 ppm; parsley, leaves from
0.7 ppm to 0.60 ppm. EPA revised these tolerance levels based on
analysis of the residue field trial data using the Agency's tolerance
spreadsheet in accordance with the Agency's Guidance for Setting
Pesticide Tolerances Based on Field Trial Data. EPA also revised the
commodity term for cilantro dried to coriander, dried leaves, to be in
compliance with correct commodity definition. Additionally, EPA
determined that a tolerance is required for parsley, dried leaves at
1.5 ppm. Additionally, the tolerance for celery is removed since it is
included in the leaf petioles subgroup 4B and the regional tolerance
for parsley leaves is removed since it is superseded by the tolerance
established in this action.
V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established for residues of prometryn,
2,4-bis(isopropylamino)-6-methylthio-s-triazine, in or on celeriac,
roots at 0.05 ppm; celeriac, tops at 0.20 ppm; cilantro, leaves at 3.5
ppm; coriander, dried leaves at 9.0 ppm; leaf petioles subgroup 4B at
0.50 ppm; okra at 0.05 ppm; parsley, leaves at 0.60 ppm; parsley, dried
leaves at 1.5 ppm and increases the tolerance level for carrot, root to
0.45 ppm. Additionally, the tolerance for celery is removed since it is
included in the leafy petioles subgroup 4B and the regional tolerance
for parsley leaves is removed since it is superseded by the tolerance
established in this action.
VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
This final rule establishes tolerances under section 408(d) of
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 final rule has been
exempted from review under Executive Order 12866, this final rule is
not subject to Executive Order 13211, entitled Actions Concerning
Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or
Use (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive Order 13045, entitled
Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks
(62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997). 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., 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).
Since tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis
of a petition under section 408(d) of FFDCA, such as the tolerance 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.
This final rule directly regulates growers, food processors, food
handlers, and food retailers, not States or tribes, nor does this
action alter the relationships or distribution of power and
responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions
of section 408(n)(4) of FFDCA. As such, the Agency has determined that
this action will not have a substantial direct effect on States or
tribal governments, on the relationship between the national government
and the States or tribal governments, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government or between
the Federal Government and Indian tribes. Thus, the Agency has
determined that Executive Order 13132, entitled Federalism (64 FR
43255, August 10, 1999) and Executive Order 13175, entitled
Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments (65 FR
67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply to this final rule. In addition,
this final rule does not 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).
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).
VII. Congressional Review Act
The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., generally
provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating
the rule must submit a rule report 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: December 8, 2009.
Lois Rossi,
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. 180.222, in the table to paragraph (a) by revising the
entry for ``carrot, roots''; by removing footnote 1, and the entry for
``celery,'' and by adding alphabetically entries for ``celeriac,
roots''; ``celeriac, tops''; ``cilantro, leaves''; ``coriander, dried
leaves''; ``leaf petioles subgroup 4B''; ``okra''; ``parsley, leaves'';
and ``parsley, dried leaves'' to read as follows, and in the table to
paragraph (c) by removing the entry for ``parsley, leaves.''
Sec. 180.222 Prometryn; tolerances for residues.
(a) * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commodity Parts per million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carrot, roots........................................ 0.45
Celeriac, roots...................................... 0.05
Celeriac, tops....................................... 0.20
Cilantro, leaves..................................... 3.5
Coriander, dried leaves.............................. 9.0
* * * * *
Leaf petioles subgroup 4B............................ 0.50
Okra................................................. 0.05
Parsley, dried leaves................................ 1.5
Parsley, leaves...................................... 0.60
* * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
[FR Doc. E9-30040 Filed 12-17-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S