Prothioconazole; Pesticide Tolerances, 67048-67052 [2013-26772]
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 217 / Friday, November 8, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
VII. Congressional Review Act
Pursuant to the Congressional Review
Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), 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 the rule in the Federal
Register. This action is not a ‘‘major
rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
Parts per
million
Commodity
Fruit, citrus, group 10–10 .....
Fruit, pome, group 11–10 .....
Fruit, small vine climbing, except fuzzy kiwifruit, subgroup 13–07F ....................
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5.0
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Oilseed group 20 ..................
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Persimmon ............................
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Environmental protection,
Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides
and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
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Turnip, greens ......................
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40.0
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Vegetable, bulb, group 3–07
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Dated: October 29, 2013.
Lois Rossi,
Director, Registration Division, Office of
Pesticide Programs.
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Vegetable, fruiting, group 8–
10 ......................................
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List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
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Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
amended as follows:
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I. General Information
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[FR Doc. 2013–26765 Filed 11–7–13; 8:45 am]
PART 180—[AMENDED]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
1. The authority citation for part 180
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
2. In § 180.589:
a. Remove from the table in paragraph
(a)(1) the commodities bushberry
subgroup 13B; caneberry subgroup 13A;
canola, seed; cotton, undelinted seed;
fruit, citrus, group 10; fruit, pome, group
11; grape; strawberry; sunflower, seed;
vegetable, bulb, group 3; and vegetable,
fruiting, group 8.
■ b. Remove from the table in paragraph
(d) the commodities cotton, gin
byproducts; cotton, undelinted seed,
and flax, seed.
■ c. Add alphabetically the following
commodities to the table in paragraph
(a)(1). The additions read as follows:
■
■
§ 180.589 Boscalid; tolerances for
residues.
(a) * * *
(1) * * *
Parts per
million
Commodity
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Artichoke, globe ....................
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Berry, low growing, subgroup
13–07G, except cranberry
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Bushberry subgroup 13–07B
Caneberry subgroup 13–07A
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13.0
10.0
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Endive, Belgium ....................
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Jkt 232001
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2012–0876; FRL–9400–4]
Prothioconazole; Pesticide Tolerances
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This regulation establishes
tolerances for residues of
prothioconozole in or on bushberries
(crop subgroup 13–07B); low growing
berries, except strawberry (crop
subgroup 13–07H); and cucurbit
vegetables (crop group 9). Bayer
CropScience requested these tolerances
under the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective
November 8, 2013. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received
on or before January 7, 2014, 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: The docket for this action,
identified by docket identification (ID)
number EPA–HQ–OPP–2012–0876, is
available at https://www.regulations.gov
or at the Office of Pesticide Programs
Regulatory Public Docket (OPP Docket)
in the Environmental Protection Agency
Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West
Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave.
SUMMARY:
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NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001. The
Public Reading Room is open from 8:30
a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through
Friday, excluding legal holidays. The
telephone number for the Public
Reading Room is (202) 566–1744, and
the telephone number for the OPP
Docket is (703) 305–5805. Please review
the visitor instructions, and additional
information about the docket available
at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lois
Rossi, Registration Division (RD), Office
of Pesticide Programs, Environmental
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania
Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001;
telephone number: (703) 305–7090;
email address: RDFRNotices@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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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. The following
list of North American Industrial
Classification System (NAICS) codes is
not intended to be exhaustive, but rather
provides a guide to help readers
determine whether this document
applies to them. Potentially affected
entities may include:
• Crop production (NAICS code 111).
• Animal production (NAICS code
112).
• Food manufacturing (NAICS code
311).
• Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS
code 32532).
B. How can I get electronic access to
other related information?
You may access a frequently updated
electronic version of EPA’s tolerance
regulations at 40 CFR part 180 through
the Government Printing Office’s e-CFR
site at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/textidx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/
40tab_02.tpl.
C. How can I file an objection or hearing
request?
Under FFDCA section 408(g), 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–2012–0876, in the subject line on
the first page of your submission. All
objections and requests for a hearing
must be in writing, and must be
received by the Hearing Clerk on or
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before January 7, 2014. Addresses for
mail and hand delivery of objections
and hearing requests are provided in 40
CFR 178.25(b).
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 (excluding
any Confidential Business Information
(CBI)) for inclusion in the public docket.
Information not marked confidential
pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be
disclosed publicly by EPA without prior
notice. Submit the non-CBI copy of your
objection or hearing request, identified
by docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–
2012–0876, by one of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
instructions for submitting comments.
Do not submit electronically any
information you consider to be CBI or
other information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute.
• Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental
Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/
DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave.
NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001.
• Hand Delivery: To make special
arrangements for hand delivery or
delivery of boxed information, please
follow the instructions at https://
www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
Additional instructions on commenting
or visiting the docket, along with more
information about dockets generally, is
available at https://www.epa.gov/
dockets.
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II. Summary of Petitioned-For
Tolerance
In the Federal Register of December
19, 2012 (77 FR 75082) (FRL–9372–6),
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 2F8044 by Bayer
CropScience, 2 T.W. Alexander Drive,
P.O. Box 12014, Research Triangle Park,
NC 27709. The petition requested that
40 CFR 180.626 be amended by
establishing tolerances for residues of
the fungicide prothioconazole, (2-(2-(1chlorocyclpropyl)-3-(2-chlorophenyl)2hydroxypropyl]-1,2-dihydro-3H-1,2,4triazole-3-thione), in or on bushberry,
subgroup 13–07B at 2.0 ppm; berry, low
growing, except strawberry subgroup
13–07H at 0.15 ppm; and vegetables,
cucurbit, crop group 9 at 0.30 parts per
million (ppm). That document
referenced a summary of the petition
prepared by Bayer CropScience, the
registrant, which is available in the
docket, https://www.regulations.gov.
There were no comments received in
response to the notice of filing.
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Based upon review of the data
supporting the petition, EPA has
increased the 13–07H berry requested
tolerance from 0.15 to 0.20 ppm. The
reason for this change is 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 FFDCA section
408(b)(2)(D), and the factors specified in
FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), 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 prothioconazole
including exposure resulting from the
tolerances established by this action.
EPA’s assessment of exposures and risks
associated with prothioconazole
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.
Prothioconazole has low acute
toxicity by oral, dermal, and inhalation
routes. It is not a dermal sensitizer, or
a skin or eye irritant. Prothioconazole’s
metabolite, prothioconazole-desthio,
also has low acute toxicity by oral,
dermal, and inhalation routes. This
metabolite is not a dermal sensitizer, or
skin irritant, but it is a slight eye
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irritant. The subchronic and chronic
studies show that the target organs at
the lowest observable adverse effects
level (LOAEL) include the liver, kidney,
urinary bladder, thyroid, and blood. In
addition, the chronic studies showed
body weight and food consumption
changes, and toxicity to the lymphatic
and gastrointestinal systems.
Prothioconazole and its metabolites
may be developmental toxicants
producing effects including
malformations in the conceptus at levels
equal to or below maternally toxic levels
in some studies, particularly those
studies conducted using
prothioconazole-desthio. Reproduction
studies in the rat with prothioconazole
and prothioconazole-desthio suggest
that these chemicals may not be
reproductive toxicants.
The available data show that the
prothioconazole-desthio metabolite
produces toxicity at lower dose levels in
subchronic developmental,
reproductive, and neurotoxicity studies
as compared with prothioconazole and
the two additional metabolites that were
tested.
The available carcinogenicity and/or
chronic studies in the mouse and rat,
using both prothioconazole and
prothioconazole-desthio, show no
increase in tumor incidence. Therefore,
EPA has concluded that
prothioconazole and its metabolites are
not carcinogenic, and are classified as
‘‘Not likely to be carcinogenic to
humans’’ according to the 2005 Cancer
Guidelines.
Specific information on the studies
received and the nature of the adverse
effects caused by prothioconazole as
well as the no-observed-adverse-effectlevel (NOAEL) and the LOAEL from the
toxicity studies can be found at https://
www.regulations.gov in document
‘‘Prothioconazole: Human Health Risk
Assessment for Proposed Used on Low
Growing Berry Subgroup (except
Strawberry), Bushberry, Subgroup, and
Cucurbit Vegetables’’ dated June 15,
2013 in docket ID number EPA–HQ–
OPP–2012–0876.
B. Toxicological Points of Departure/
Levels of Concern
Once a pesticide’s toxicological
profile is determined, EPA identifies
toxicological points of departure (POD)
and levels of concern to use in
evaluating the risk posed by human
exposure to the pesticide. For hazards
that have a threshold below which there
is no appreciable risk, the toxicological
POD is used as the basis for derivation
of reference values for risk assessment.
PODs are developed based on a careful
analysis of the doses in each
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toxicological study to determine the
dose at which the NOAEL and the
lowest dose at which adverse effects of
concern are identified. Uncertainty/
safety factors are used in conjunction
with the POD to calculate a safe
exposure level—generally referred to as
a population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a
reference dose (RfD)—and a safe margin
of exposure (MOE). 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
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 prothioconazole used for
human risk assessment is discussed in
Unit III. of the final rule published in
the Federal Register of October 5, 2011
(76 FR 61587) (FRL–8884–2).
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and
feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to prothioconazole, EPA
considered exposure under the
petitioned-for tolerances as well as all
existing prothioconazole tolerances in
40 CFR 180.626. EPA assessed dietary
exposures from prothioconazole 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 were identified
prothioconazole
In estimating acute dietary exposure,
EPA used food consumption
information from the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
2003–2008, Nationwide Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey. As to
residue levels in food, EPA conducted a
moderately refined acute dietary
exposure assessment. The acute
assessment utilized EPA-recommended
tolerance values for all of the proposed
uses, average field trial residue levels
for the existing uses, empirical
processing factors, and livestock
commodity residues derived from
feeding studies and a balanced dietary
burden. The assessment assumed 100
percent crop treated (PCT).
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting
the chronic dietary exposure assessment
EPA used the food consumption data
from the USDA 2003–2008, National
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Health and Nutrition Survey. As to
residue levels in food, EPA conducted a
moderately refined chronic dietary
exposure assessment. Empirical
processing factors, average field trial
residues for existing uses, EPArecommended tolerance values for all of
the proposed uses, and livestock
commodity residues derived from
feeding studies and a reasonably
balanced dietary burden were
incorporated into the chronic
assessment which assumed 100 PCT.
iii. Cancer. Based on the data
summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has
concluded that prothioconazole is ‘‘Not
Likely to be Carcinogenic to Humans.’’
Therefore a dietary exposure assessment
for the purpose of assessing cancer risk
is unnecessary.
iv. Anticipated residue. Section
408(b)(2)(E) of FFDCA authorizes EPA
to use available data and information on
the anticipated residue levels of
pesticide residues in food and the actual
levels of pesticide residues that have
been measured in food. If EPA relies on
such information, EPA must require
pursuant to FFDCA section 408(f)(1)
that data be provided 5 years after the
tolerance is established, modified, or
left in effect, demonstrating that the
levels in food are not above the levels
anticipated. For the present action, EPA
will issue such data call-ins as are
required by FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(E)
and authorized under FFDCA section
408(f)(1). Data will be required to be
submitted no later than 5 years from the
date of issuance of these tolerances.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking
water. The Agency used screening level
water exposure models in the dietary
exposure analysis and risk assessment
for prothioconazole in drinking water.
These simulation models take into
account data on the physical, chemical,
and fate/transport characteristics of
prothioconazole. 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 Pesticide Root Zone
Model/Exposure Analysis Modeling
System (PRZM/EXAMS) and Tier 1 Rice
Model and the Screening Concentration
in Ground Water (SCI–GROW) models,
the estimated drinking water
concentrations (EDWCs) of
prothioconazole for acute exposures are
estimated to be 99.0 parts per billion
(ppb) for surface water and 0.83 ppb for
ground water.
Chronic exposures for non-cancer
assessments are estimated to be 0.83
ppb for surface water and 91.9 ppb for
ground water.
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Modeled estimates of drinking water
concentrations were directly entered
into the dietary exposure model.
For acute dietary risk assessment, the
water concentration value of 99.0 ppb
was used to assess the contribution to
drinking water.
For chronic dietary risk assessment,
the water concentration of value 91.9
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).
Prothioconazole 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.’’
Prothioconazole is a member of the
conazole (triazole) class of pesticides.
Although conazoles act similarly in
plants (fungi) by inhibiting ergosterol
biosynthesis, there is not necessarily a
relationship between their pesticidal
activity and their mechanism of toxicity
in mammals. Structural similarities do
not constitute a common mechanism of
toxicity. Evidence is needed to establish
that the chemicals operate by the same,
or essentially the same sequence of
major biochemical events (EPA, 2002).
In conazoles, however, a variable
pattern of toxicological responses are
found; some are heptotoxic and
hepatocarconogenic in mice. Some
induce thyroid tumors in rats. Some
induce developmental, reproductive,
and neurological effects in rodents.
Furthermore, the conazoles produce a
diverse range of biochemical events
including altered cholesterol levels,
stress responses, and altered DNA
methylation. It is not clearly understood
whether these biochemical events are
directly connected to their toxicological
outcomes. Thus, there is currently no
evidence to indicate that conazoles
share common mechanism of toxicity.
For information regarding EPA’s
procedures for cumulating effects from
substances found to have a common
mechanism of toxicity, see EPA’s Web
site at http//www.epa.gov/pesticides/
cumulative.
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Prothioconazole is a triazole-derived
pesticide. Triazole-derived pesticides
can form the common metabolite, 2,3,4triazole and three triazole conjugates
(triazole alanine, triazole acetic acid,
and triazolylpyruvic acid). To support
existing tolerances and to establish new
tolerances for triazole-derivative
pesticides, including prothioconazole,
EPA conducted a health risk assessment
for the exposure to 1,2,4-triazole,
triazole alanine and triazole acetic acid
resulting from the use of all current and
pending uses of any triazole-derived
fungicide. The risk assessment is a
highly conservative, screening-level
evaluation in terms of hazards
associated with common metabolites
(e.g., use of a maximum combination of
uncertainty factors) and potential
dietary and non-dietary exposures). In
addition, the Agency retained the
additional 10X Food Quality Protection
Act (FQPA) safety factor (SF) for the
protection of infants and children. The
Agency’s prior risk assessment can be
found in the propiconazole registration
docket at https://www.regulations.gov.
Updates to assess the addition of the
commodities included in this rule may
be found in docket ID number EPA–
HQ–OPP–2012–0876 in the document
titled ‘‘Common Triazole Metabolites:
Updated Dietary (Food + Water)
Exposure and Risk Assessment to
Address The New Section 3
Registrations For Use of Prothioconazole
on Bushberry crop Subgroup 13–07B,
Low Growing Berry, Except Strawberry,
Crop Subgroup 13–07H, and Cucurbit
Vegetables Crop Group 9; Use of
Flutriafol on Coffee; and Ipconazole on
Crop Group 6’’ dated May 12, 2013.
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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.
There is evidence of increased
susceptibility following prenatal/or
postnatal exposure in:
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i. Rat developmental toxicity studies
with prothioconazole as well as its
prothioconozole-desthio and sulfonic
acid K salt metabolites.
ii. Rabbit developmental toxicity
studies with prothioconazole-desthio.
iii. A rat developmental neurotoxicity
study with prothioconazole-desthio.
iv. Multi-generation reproduction
studies in the rat with prothioconazoledestio effects, include skeletal structural
abnormalities, such as cleft palate,
deviated snout, malocclusion, extra ribs,
and developmental delays. Available
data also show that the skeletal effects
such as extra ribs are not completely
reversible after birth in the rat, but
persist as development continues.
Although increased susceptibility was
seen in these studies, the Agency
concluded there is a low concern and no
residual uncertainties for prenatal and/
or postnatal toxicity effects of
prothioconazole because:
Developmental toxicity NOAELs and
LOAELs from prenatal exposure are
well characterized after oral and dermal
exposure; the off-spring toxicity
NOAELs and LOAELs from postnatal
exposures are well characterized; and
the lowest NOAEL from the
developmental studies, the NOAEL for
the fetal effect malformed vertebral body
and ribs in the rat dermal
developmental study, is used for
assessing acute risk of females 13 years
and older.
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
prothioconazole is considered complete.
ii. Evidence of quantitative and
qualitative susceptibility of offspring
were observed in the developmental
studies. However, basing the POD on
the offspring in the most sensitive of
these studies provides the needed
protection of offspring.
iii. There are no residual uncertainties
identified in the exposure databases.
The dietary food exposure assessments
were performed based on 100 PCT and
EPA-recommended tolerance values for
all of the proposed uses, average field
trial residue levels for the existing uses,
empirical processing factors, and
livestock commodity residues derived
from feeding studies and a balanced
dietary burden. EPA made conservative
(protective) assumptions in the ground
and surface water modeling used to
assess exposure to prothioconazole in
drinking water. EPA used similarly
conservative assumptions to assess
postapplication exposure of children as
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67051
well as incidental oral exposure of
toddlers. These assessments will not
underestimate the exposure and risks
posed by prothioconazole.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of
Safety
EPA determines whether acute and
chronic dietary pesticide exposures are
safe by comparing aggregate exposure
estimates to the acute PAD (aPAD) and
chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer
risks, EPA calculates the lifetime
probability of acquiring cancer 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 appropriate
PODs to ensure that an adequate MOE
exists.
Based on the proposed and existing
crop uses for prothioconazole, dietary
aggregate exposures (i.e., food plus
drinking water) are anticipated. There
are no residential uses for
prothioconazole and, therefore, no
residential exposures are anticipated.
Consequently, only dietary (food plus
drinking water) exposures were
aggregated for this assessment.
1. Acute risk. Using the exposure
assumptions discussed in this unit for
acute exposure, the acute dietary
exposure from food and water to
prothioconazole will occupy 30% of the
aPAD for females, 13–49 years of age,
the population group receiving the
greatest exposure.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure
assumptions described in this unit for
chronic exposure, EPA has concluded
that chronic exposure to
prothioconazole from food and water
will utilize 57% of the cPAD for all
infants (<1 year of age) the population
group receiving the greatest exposure.
There are no residential uses for
prothioconazole.
3. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S.
population. Based on lack of evidence of
carcinogenicity in two adequate rodent
carcinogenicity studies, prothioconazole
is not expected to pose a cancer risk to
humans.
4. 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
prothioconazole residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodologies,
liquid chromatography methods with
tandem mass spectrometry detection
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08NOR1
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 217 / Friday, November 8, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
(LC/MS/MS), are 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;
email address: residuemethods@
epa.gov.
B. International Residue Limits
In making its tolerance decisions, EPA
seeks to harmonize U.S. tolerances with
international standards whenever
possible, consistent with U.S. food
safety standards and agricultural
practices. EPA considers the
international maximum residue limits
(MRLs) established by the Codex
Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as
required by FFDCA section 408(b)(4).
The Codex Alimentarius is a joint
United Nations Food and Agriculture
Organization/World Health
Organization food standards program,
and it is recognized as an international
food safety standards-setting
organization in trade agreements to
which the United States is a party. EPA
may establish a tolerance that is
different from a Codex MRL; however,
FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that
EPA explain the reasons for departing
from the Codex level.
There are no Canadian, Codex, or
Mexican maximum residue limits
(MRLs) in/on the proposed
commodities. Canada will be
establishing the same tolerances for
members of the subject groups or
subgroups. Therefore, harmonization is
not an issue for this petition.
C. Revisions to Petitioned-For
Tolerances
The petitioned-for tolerance for the
low growing berry, except strawberry,
crop subgroup 13–07H was requested at
0.15 ppm. The Agency modified the
requested 0.15 ppm tolerance to 0.20
ppm which is appropriate based on an
evaluation of the crop field trial data
with the Organization of Economic
Cooperation and Development (OECD)
Maximum Residue Level (MRL)
Calculation Procedures.
wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES
V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established
for residues of prothioconazole, (2-(2-(1chlorocyclpropyl)-3-(2-chlorophenyl)-2hydroxypropyl]-1,2-dihydro-3H-1,2,4triazole-3-thione), in or on bushberry,
subgroup 13–07B at 2.0 ppm; berry, low
growing, except strawberry, subgroup
13–07H at 0.20 ppm; and vegetables,
cucurbit, crop group 9 at 0.30 ppm.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:17 Nov 07, 2013
Jkt 232001
VI. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
This final rule establishes tolerances
under FFDCA section 408(d) 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 FFDCA section 408(d), 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 FFDCA section 408(n)(4). 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
PO 00000
Frm 00058
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 9990
as described under Title II of the
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
(UMRA) (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.).
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) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).
VII. Congressional Review Act
Pursuant to the Congressional Review
Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), 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 the rule in the Federal
Register. This action 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: October 22, 2013.
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 § 180.626, add alphabetically the
following new entries to the table in
paragraph (a)(1) to read as follows:
■
§ 180.626 Prothioconazole; tolerances for
residues.
(a)(1) * * *
Parts per
million
Commodity
*
*
*
*
Berry, low growing, except
strawberry, subgroup 13–
07H ......................................
Bushberry, subgroup 13–07B
*
*
*
*
Vegetable, cucurbit, crop
group 9 ................................
*
*
*
*
*
[FR Doc. 2013–26772 Filed 11–7–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
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0.20
2.0
*
0.30
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 217 (Friday, November 8, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67048-67052]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-26772]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0876; FRL-9400-4]
Prothioconazole; Pesticide Tolerances
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of
prothioconozole in or on bushberries (crop subgroup 13-07B); low
growing berries, except strawberry (crop subgroup 13-07H); and cucurbit
vegetables (crop group 9). Bayer CropScience requested these tolerances
under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective November 8, 2013. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before January 7, 2014,
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: The docket for this action, identified by docket
identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0876, is available at https://www.regulations.gov or at the Office of Pesticide Programs Regulatory
Public Docket (OPP Docket) in the Environmental Protection Agency
Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301 Constitution
Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001. The Public Reading Room is open
from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal
holidays. The telephone number for the Public Reading Room is (202)
566-1744, and the telephone number for the OPP Docket is (703) 305-
5805. Please review the visitor instructions, and additional
information about the docket available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lois Rossi, Registration Division
(RD), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency,
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone
number: (703) 305-7090; email address: RDFRNotices@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.
The following list of North American Industrial Classification System
(NAICS) codes is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a
guide to help readers determine whether this document applies to them.
Potentially affected entities may include:
Crop production (NAICS code 111).
Animal production (NAICS code 112).
Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311).
Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532).
B. How can I get electronic access to other related information?
You may access a frequently updated electronic version of EPA's
tolerance regulations at 40 CFR part 180 through the Government
Printing Office's e-CFR site at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/40tab_02.tpl.
C. How can I file an objection or hearing request?
Under FFDCA section 408(g), 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-2012-0876, in the subject line on the first
page of your submission. All objections and requests for a hearing must
be in writing, and must be received by the Hearing Clerk on or
[[Page 67049]]
before January 7, 2014. Addresses for mail and hand delivery of
objections and hearing requests are provided in 40 CFR 178.25(b).
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 (excluding any Confidential Business Information (CBI)) for
inclusion in the public docket. Information not marked confidential
pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be disclosed publicly by EPA without
prior notice. Submit the non-CBI copy of your objection or hearing
request, identified by docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0876, by one of
the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit
electronically any information you consider to be CBI or other
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket
Center (EPA/DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC
20460-0001.
Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand
delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the
instructions at https://www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along
with more information about dockets generally, is available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
II. Summary of Petitioned-For Tolerance
In the Federal Register of December 19, 2012 (77 FR 75082) (FRL-
9372-6), 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 2F8044
by Bayer CropScience, 2 T.W. Alexander Drive, P.O. Box 12014, Research
Triangle Park, NC 27709. The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.626 be
amended by establishing tolerances for residues of the fungicide
prothioconazole, (2-(2-(1-chlorocyclpropyl)-3-(2-chlorophenyl)2-
hydroxypropyl]-1,2-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione), in or on
bushberry, subgroup 13-07B at 2.0 ppm; berry, low growing, except
strawberry subgroup 13-07H at 0.15 ppm; and vegetables, cucurbit, crop
group 9 at 0.30 parts per million (ppm). That document referenced a
summary of the petition prepared by Bayer CropScience, the registrant,
which is available 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
increased the 13-07H berry requested tolerance from 0.15 to 0.20 ppm.
The reason for this change is 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 FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), and the factors
specified in FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), 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 prothioconazole including
exposure resulting from the tolerances established by this action.
EPA's assessment of exposures and risks associated with prothioconazole
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.
Prothioconazole has low acute toxicity by oral, dermal, and
inhalation routes. It is not a dermal sensitizer, or a skin or eye
irritant. Prothioconazole's metabolite, prothioconazole-desthio, also
has low acute toxicity by oral, dermal, and inhalation routes. This
metabolite is not a dermal sensitizer, or skin irritant, but it is a
slight eye irritant. The subchronic and chronic studies show that the
target organs at the lowest observable adverse effects level (LOAEL)
include the liver, kidney, urinary bladder, thyroid, and blood. In
addition, the chronic studies showed body weight and food consumption
changes, and toxicity to the lymphatic and gastrointestinal systems.
Prothioconazole and its metabolites may be developmental toxicants
producing effects including malformations in the conceptus at levels
equal to or below maternally toxic levels in some studies, particularly
those studies conducted using prothioconazole-desthio. Reproduction
studies in the rat with prothioconazole and prothioconazole-desthio
suggest that these chemicals may not be reproductive toxicants.
The available data show that the prothioconazole-desthio metabolite
produces toxicity at lower dose levels in subchronic developmental,
reproductive, and neurotoxicity studies as compared with
prothioconazole and the two additional metabolites that were tested.
The available carcinogenicity and/or chronic studies in the mouse
and rat, using both prothioconazole and prothioconazole-desthio, show
no increase in tumor incidence. Therefore, EPA has concluded that
prothioconazole and its metabolites are not carcinogenic, and are
classified as ``Not likely to be carcinogenic to humans'' according to
the 2005 Cancer Guidelines.
Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the
adverse effects caused by prothioconazole as well as the no-observed-
adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and the LOAEL from the toxicity studies
can be found at https://www.regulations.gov in document
``Prothioconazole: Human Health Risk Assessment for Proposed Used on
Low Growing Berry Subgroup (except Strawberry), Bushberry, Subgroup,
and Cucurbit Vegetables'' dated June 15, 2013 in docket ID number EPA-
HQ-OPP-2012-0876.
B. Toxicological Points of Departure/Levels of Concern
Once a pesticide's toxicological profile is determined, EPA
identifies toxicological points of departure (POD) and levels of
concern to use in evaluating the risk posed by human exposure to the
pesticide. For hazards that have a threshold below which there is no
appreciable risk, the toxicological POD is used as the basis for
derivation of reference values for risk assessment. PODs are developed
based on a careful analysis of the doses in each
[[Page 67050]]
toxicological study to determine the dose at which the NOAEL and the
lowest dose at which adverse effects of concern are identified.
Uncertainty/safety factors are used in conjunction with the POD to
calculate a safe exposure level--generally referred to as a population-
adjusted dose (PAD) or a reference dose (RfD)--and a safe margin of
exposure (MOE). 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 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 prothioconazole used
for human risk assessment is discussed in Unit III. of the final rule
published in the Federal Register of October 5, 2011 (76 FR 61587)
(FRL-8884-2).
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to prothioconazole, EPA considered exposure under the
petitioned-for tolerances as well as all existing prothioconazole
tolerances in 40 CFR 180.626. EPA assessed dietary exposures from
prothioconazole 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 were identified
prothioconazole
In estimating acute dietary exposure, EPA used food consumption
information from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
2003-2008, Nationwide Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. As to
residue levels in food, EPA conducted a moderately refined acute
dietary exposure assessment. The acute assessment utilized EPA-
recommended tolerance values for all of the proposed uses, average
field trial residue levels for the existing uses, empirical processing
factors, and livestock commodity residues derived from feeding studies
and a balanced dietary burden. The assessment assumed 100 percent crop
treated (PCT).
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure
assessment EPA used the food consumption data from the USDA 2003-2008,
National Health and Nutrition Survey. As to residue levels in food, EPA
conducted a moderately refined chronic dietary exposure assessment.
Empirical processing factors, average field trial residues for existing
uses, EPA-recommended tolerance values for all of the proposed uses,
and livestock commodity residues derived from feeding studies and a
reasonably balanced dietary burden were incorporated into the chronic
assessment which assumed 100 PCT.
iii. Cancer. Based on the data summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has
concluded that prothioconazole is ``Not Likely to be Carcinogenic to
Humans.'' Therefore a dietary exposure assessment for the purpose of
assessing cancer risk is unnecessary.
iv. Anticipated residue. Section 408(b)(2)(E) of FFDCA authorizes
EPA to use available data and information on the anticipated residue
levels of pesticide residues in food and the actual levels of pesticide
residues that have been measured in food. If EPA relies on such
information, EPA must require pursuant to FFDCA section 408(f)(1) that
data be provided 5 years after the tolerance is established, modified,
or left in effect, demonstrating that the levels in food are not above
the levels anticipated. For the present action, EPA will issue such
data call-ins as are required by FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(E) and
authorized under FFDCA section 408(f)(1). Data will be required to be
submitted no later than 5 years from the date of issuance of these
tolerances.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The Agency used screening
level water exposure models in the dietary exposure analysis and risk
assessment for prothioconazole in drinking water. These simulation
models take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/
transport characteristics of prothioconazole. 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 Pesticide Root Zone Model/Exposure Analysis Modeling
System (PRZM/EXAMS) and Tier 1 Rice Model and the Screening
Concentration in Ground Water (SCI-GROW) models, the estimated drinking
water concentrations (EDWCs) of prothioconazole for acute exposures are
estimated to be 99.0 parts per billion (ppb) for surface water and 0.83
ppb for ground water.
Chronic exposures for non-cancer assessments are estimated to be
0.83 ppb for surface water and 91.9 ppb for ground water.
Modeled estimates of drinking water concentrations were directly
entered into the dietary exposure model.
For acute dietary risk assessment, the water concentration value of
99.0 ppb was used to assess the contribution to drinking water.
For chronic dietary risk assessment, the water concentration of
value 91.9 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).
Prothioconazole 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.''
Prothioconazole is a member of the conazole (triazole) class of
pesticides. Although conazoles act similarly in plants (fungi) by
inhibiting ergosterol biosynthesis, there is not necessarily a
relationship between their pesticidal activity and their mechanism of
toxicity in mammals. Structural similarities do not constitute a common
mechanism of toxicity. Evidence is needed to establish that the
chemicals operate by the same, or essentially the same sequence of
major biochemical events (EPA, 2002). In conazoles, however, a variable
pattern of toxicological responses are found; some are heptotoxic and
hepatocarconogenic in mice. Some induce thyroid tumors in rats. Some
induce developmental, reproductive, and neurological effects in
rodents. Furthermore, the conazoles produce a diverse range of
biochemical events including altered cholesterol levels, stress
responses, and altered DNA methylation. It is not clearly understood
whether these biochemical events are directly connected to their
toxicological outcomes. Thus, there is currently no evidence to
indicate that conazoles share common mechanism of toxicity. For
information regarding EPA's procedures for cumulating effects from
substances found to have a common mechanism of toxicity, see EPA's Web
site at http//www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.
[[Page 67051]]
Prothioconazole is a triazole-derived pesticide. Triazole-derived
pesticides can form the common metabolite, 2,3,4-triazole and three
triazole conjugates (triazole alanine, triazole acetic acid, and
triazolylpyruvic acid). To support existing tolerances and to establish
new tolerances for triazole-derivative pesticides, including
prothioconazole, EPA conducted a health risk assessment for the
exposure to 1,2,4-triazole, triazole alanine and triazole acetic acid
resulting from the use of all current and pending uses of any triazole-
derived fungicide. The risk assessment is a highly conservative,
screening-level evaluation in terms of hazards associated with common
metabolites (e.g., use of a maximum combination of uncertainty factors)
and potential dietary and non-dietary exposures). In addition, the
Agency retained the additional 10X Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA)
safety factor (SF) for the protection of infants and children. The
Agency's prior risk assessment can be found in the propiconazole
registration docket at https://www.regulations.gov. Updates to assess
the addition of the commodities included in this rule may be found in
docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0876 in the document titled ``Common
Triazole Metabolites: Updated Dietary (Food + Water) Exposure and Risk
Assessment to Address The New Section 3 Registrations For Use of
Prothioconazole on Bushberry crop Subgroup 13-07B, Low Growing Berry,
Except Strawberry, Crop Subgroup 13-07H, and Cucurbit Vegetables Crop
Group 9; Use of Flutriafol on Coffee; and Ipconazole on Crop Group 6''
dated May 12, 2013.
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. There is evidence of
increased susceptibility following prenatal/or postnatal exposure in:
i. Rat developmental toxicity studies with prothioconazole as well
as its prothioconozole-desthio and sulfonic acid K salt metabolites.
ii. Rabbit developmental toxicity studies with prothioconazole-
desthio.
iii. A rat developmental neurotoxicity study with prothioconazole-
desthio.
iv. Multi-generation reproduction studies in the rat with
prothioconazole-destio effects, include skeletal structural
abnormalities, such as cleft palate, deviated snout, malocclusion,
extra ribs, and developmental delays. Available data also show that the
skeletal effects such as extra ribs are not completely reversible after
birth in the rat, but persist as development continues.
Although increased susceptibility was seen in these studies, the
Agency concluded there is a low concern and no residual uncertainties
for prenatal and/or postnatal toxicity effects of prothioconazole
because: Developmental toxicity NOAELs and LOAELs from prenatal
exposure are well characterized after oral and dermal exposure; the
off-spring toxicity NOAELs and LOAELs from postnatal exposures are well
characterized; and the lowest NOAEL from the developmental studies, the
NOAEL for the fetal effect malformed vertebral body and ribs in the rat
dermal developmental study, is used for assessing acute risk of females
13 years and older.
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 prothioconazole is considered
complete.
ii. Evidence of quantitative and qualitative susceptibility of
offspring were observed in the developmental studies. However, basing
the POD on the offspring in the most sensitive of these studies
provides the needed protection of offspring.
iii. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure
databases. The dietary food exposure assessments were performed based
on 100 PCT and EPA-recommended tolerance values for all of the proposed
uses, average field trial residue levels for the existing uses,
empirical processing factors, and livestock commodity residues derived
from feeding studies and a balanced dietary burden. EPA made
conservative (protective) assumptions in the ground and surface water
modeling used to assess exposure to prothioconazole in drinking water.
EPA used similarly conservative assumptions to assess postapplication
exposure of children as well as incidental oral exposure of toddlers.
These assessments will not underestimate the exposure and risks posed
by prothioconazole.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety
EPA determines whether acute and chronic dietary pesticide
exposures are safe by comparing aggregate exposure estimates to the
acute PAD (aPAD) and chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer risks, EPA
calculates the lifetime probability of acquiring cancer 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 appropriate PODs to ensure that an
adequate MOE exists.
Based on the proposed and existing crop uses for prothioconazole,
dietary aggregate exposures (i.e., food plus drinking water) are
anticipated. There are no residential uses for prothioconazole and,
therefore, no residential exposures are anticipated. Consequently, only
dietary (food plus drinking water) exposures were aggregated for this
assessment.
1. Acute risk. Using the exposure assumptions discussed in this
unit for acute exposure, the acute dietary exposure from food and water
to prothioconazole will occupy 30% of the aPAD for females, 13-49 years
of age, the population group receiving the greatest exposure.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to
prothioconazole from food and water will utilize 57% of the cPAD for
all infants (<1 year of age) the population group receiving the
greatest exposure. There are no residential uses for prothioconazole.
3. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Based on lack of
evidence of carcinogenicity in two adequate rodent carcinogenicity
studies, prothioconazole is not expected to pose a cancer risk to
humans.
4. 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 prothioconazole residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodologies, liquid chromatography methods
with tandem mass spectrometry detection
[[Page 67052]]
(LC/MS/MS), are 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; email address:
residuemethods@epa.gov.
B. International Residue Limits
In making its tolerance decisions, EPA seeks to harmonize U.S.
tolerances with international standards whenever possible, consistent
with U.S. food safety standards and agricultural practices. EPA
considers the international maximum residue limits (MRLs) established
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as required by FFDCA
section 408(b)(4). The Codex Alimentarius is a joint United Nations
Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization food
standards program, and it is recognized as an international food safety
standards-setting organization in trade agreements to which the United
States is a party. EPA may establish a tolerance that is different from
a Codex MRL; however, FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that EPA explain
the reasons for departing from the Codex level.
There are no Canadian, Codex, or Mexican maximum residue limits
(MRLs) in/on the proposed commodities. Canada will be establishing the
same tolerances for members of the subject groups or subgroups.
Therefore, harmonization is not an issue for this petition.
C. Revisions to Petitioned-For Tolerances
The petitioned-for tolerance for the low growing berry, except
strawberry, crop subgroup 13-07H was requested at 0.15 ppm. The Agency
modified the requested 0.15 ppm tolerance to 0.20 ppm which is
appropriate based on an evaluation of the crop field trial data with
the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Maximum
Residue Level (MRL) Calculation Procedures.
V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established for residues of
prothioconazole, (2-(2-(1-chlorocyclpropyl)-3-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-
hydroxypropyl]-1,2-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione), in or on
bushberry, subgroup 13-07B at 2.0 ppm; berry, low growing, except
strawberry, subgroup 13-07H at 0.20 ppm; and vegetables, cucurbit, crop
group 9 at 0.30 ppm.
VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
This final rule establishes tolerances under FFDCA section 408(d)
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 FFDCA section 408(d), 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 FFDCA section 408(n)(4). 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) (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.).
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) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).
VII. Congressional Review Act
Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.),
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
the rule in the Federal Register. This action 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: October 22, 2013.
Lois Rossi,
Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.
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. 180.626, add alphabetically the following new entries to
the table in paragraph (a)(1) to read as follows:
Sec. 180.626 Prothioconazole; tolerances for residues.
(a)(1) * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parts per
Commodity million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
Berry, low growing, except strawberry, subgroup 13-07H.... 0.20
Bushberry, subgroup 13-07B................................ 2.0
* * * * *
Vegetable, cucurbit, crop group 9......................... 0.30
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2013-26772 Filed 11-7-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P