Triflumizole; Pesticide Tolerances, 12401-12408 [2014-04862]

Agencies

• ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 5, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12401-12408]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-04862]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0949; FRL-9906-47]


Triflumizole; Pesticide Tolerances

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of 
triflumizole in or on multiple commodities which are identified and 
discussed later in this document. Interregional Research Project Number 
4 (IR-4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and 
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).

DATES: This regulation is effective March 5, 2014. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before May 5, 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-2012-0949, 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 
(7505P), 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-2012-0949 in the subject line on

[[Page 12402]]

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 before May 5, 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-2012-0949, 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 February 15, 2013 (78 FR 11126) (FRL-
9378-4), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 
U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide petition (PP 
2E8119) by IR-4, 500 College Road East, Suite 201W., Princeton, NJ 
08540. The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.476 be amended by 
establishing tolerances for residues of the fungicide triflumizole, 1-
[1-((4-chloro-2-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl)imino)-2propoxyethyl]-1H-
imidazole, in or on berry, low growing, subgroup 13-07G at 2.0 parts 
per million (ppm); fruit, pome, group 11-10 at 0.5 ppm; fruit, small, 
vine climbing, except fuzzy kiwifruit, subgroup 13-07F at 2.5 ppm; and 
tomato at 1.5 ppm. That document referenced a summary of the petition 
prepared by Chemtura, the registrant, which is available in the docket, 
https://www.regulations.gov. A comment was received on the notice of 
filing. EPA's response to these comments is discussed in Unit IV.C.
    In the Federal Register of October 25, 2013 (78 FR 63938) (FRL-
9901-96), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 
U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), which amended the notice of filing published on 
February 15, 2013, for the pesticide petition (PP 2E8119) submitted by 
IR-4, 500 College Road East, Suite 201W., Princeton, NJ 08540. The 
modified petition requested that 40 CFR 180.476 be amended by 
establishing tolerances for residues of the fungicide triflumizole, 1-
[1-((4-chloro-2-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl)imino)-2propoxyethyl]-1H-
imidazole, in or on berry, low growing, subgroup, 13-07G at 2.0 ppm; 
fruit, pome, group 11-10 at 0.5 ppm; fruit, small, vine climbing, 
except fuzzy kiwifruit, subgroup 13-07F at 2.5 ppm; and tomato at 1.5 
ppm. The petition also requested that EPA amend the existing tolerance 
by modifying the vegetable, cucurbit, group 9 tolerance from 0.5 ppm to 
0.8 ppm and, upon approval of the tolerances stated in this paragraph, 
by removing established tolerances for apple at 0.5 ppm; grape at 2.5 
ppm; pear at 0.5 ppm; and strawberry at 2.0 ppm.
    Based upon review of the data supporting the petition summarized in 
the Notices of Filing, EPA has modified the tolerance level needed for 
the cucurbit vegetable group 9. The reason for this change is explained 
in Unit IV.D.

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 triflumizole including exposure 
resulting from the tolerances established by this action. EPA's 
assessment of exposures and risks associated with triflumizole 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.
    The liver is the primary target organ of triflumizole. Liver 
effects were seen in rat and mouse subchronic and chronic/
carcinogenicity studies. Subchronic effects included increased absolute 
and relative liver weights, accumulation of fat droplets, and slight 
hepatocyte centrilobular swelling. With increased length of exposure, 
the types of microscopic lesions noted increased in number and 
severity. Chronic effects included hepatocyte fatty vacuolization; 
hepatocyte hypertrophy, focal inflammation, and necrosis; fatty 
degeneration; eosinophilic foci of hepatocyte alteration; hepatic 
nodules; bile duct hyperplasia; and hyaline degeneration/fibrosis of 
the bile duct. The dog was less sensitive to the effects of 
triflumizole. In the dog chronic study, effects included increased 
liver weights, increased serum alkaline phosphatase levels, and a 
macroscopic hepatic lobular pattern and granular texture. A very mild, 
macrocytic anemia was also noted and was most likely secondary to liver 
effects.
    Triflumizole is classified as not likely to be carcinogenic to 
humans, based on a weight of evidence determination including the lack 
of evidence of carcinogenicity in studies in rats and mice and the 
absence of a mutagenicity concern.
    The oral rat developmental study showed an increased qualitative 
susceptibility of the fetus to triflumizole in utero. Decreased numbers 
of viable fetuses, increased dead or resorbed fetuses, increased 
numbers of late resorptions, decreased fetal body weight and increased 
incidences of cervical ribs was seen in the fetuses at the same doses 
at which maternal toxic effects were noted. In addition, increased 
incidences of 14th rudimentary ribs were observed at the next highest 
dose.

[[Page 12403]]

Maternal toxic effects in the rat were decreased body weight gain and 
decreased food consumption, increased placental weight, and increased 
maternal spleen and liver weights.
    No increased susceptibility of the fetus was noted in utero in the 
rabbit developmental study. Fetal effects included increased fetal and 
litter incidences of lumbar ribs and decreased placental weights, which 
was also included as a maternal toxic effect. Maternal toxic effects in 
the rabbit included decreased body weight gain, decreased food 
consumption, and decreased placental weights.
    In the 3-generation reproductive toxicity study in the rat, 
offspring effects included decreased pup weights, survival indices, and 
litter sizes in both F3 litters, reduced litter size in the 
F1a litter, increased total-litter mortality in the 
F3a litter, and developmental effects in the F1b 
and F2b progeny. Reproductive toxicity, manifested as 
increased gestation length, was increased in the F0 dams 
which were pregnant with F1 offspring. Increased gestation 
length can be due to either effect in the dams and/or the offspring, 
and this alteration in normal reproductive function can result in 
adverse consequences in both dams and offspring. Accordingly, there is 
no increased quantitative susceptibility of the fetus. There is 
increased qualitative susceptibility in pups; however, a clear no-
observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for this effect was established 
for these effects, and risk assessment endpoints and points of 
departures (PODs) were selected which are protective for these effects.
    In acute oral toxicity studies in the rat and mouse and an acute 
inhalation study in the rat, animals developed neurotoxic signs within 
30 to 60 minutes of administration, which resolved within 24 hours in 
surviving animals. Signs included ataxia, hypotonia, ventral 
positioning, urinary incontinence, decreased respiration and heart 
rates, decreased locomotor movement, lacrimation, salivation, ptosis, 
and/or rhinorrhea. No treatment-related histopathological effects were 
found in surviving animals. In the chronic rat study, convulsions were 
observed sporadically in all dosage groups, but the incidences were 
significantly higher in the high-dose females. The majority of the 
convulsions were noted within the first year. Cholinesterase activity 
was also affected during the first year of the study, but not in a 
consistent manner. High-dose males had decreased plasma and erythrocyte 
cholinesterase activity while high-dose females had decreased plasma 
cholinesterase activity only. There were no treatment-related effects 
on cholinesterase activity in the brain in either sex at any dose and 
no neuropathology was noted. No neurotoxic effects were observed in the 
rat subchronic oral toxicity study or the mouse subchronic oral 
toxicity and carcinogenicity studies.
    The evidence does not support the need for a developmental 
neurotoxicity (DNT) study. This conclusion is supported by lack of 
neurotoxic signs noted in the rat subchronic study at any dose, and in 
the adult or offspring in the developmental and reproductive toxicity 
studies in the rat. In an immunotoxicity dietary study in female Bagg 
Albino (BALB/c) mice, a significant decrease in the anti-sheep red 
blood cells immunoglobulin M (anti-SRBC IgM) response was observed at a 
dose level of 285.7 milligrams/kilograms/day (mg/kg/day). The NOAEL was 
28.6 mg/kg/day. The results of the immunotoxicity study do not impact 
the PODs selected for dietary and non-dietary exposure risk 
assessments.
    Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the 
adverse effects caused by triflumizole as well as the NOAEL and the 
lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from the toxicity studies 
can be found at https://www.regulations.gov in the document entitled 
``Triflumizole: Human-Health Risk Assessment for the Proposed Uses on 
Greenhouse-Grown Tomato and Cucumber; Pome Fruit Group 11-10, Small 
Fruit Vine Climbing except Fuzzy Kiwifruit Subgroup 13-07F and Low 
Growing Berry Subgroup 13-07G, Except Cranberry'' on pp. 33-36 in 
docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0949.

B. Toxicological Points of Departure/Levels of Concern

    Once a pesticide's toxicological profile is determined, EPA 
identifies toxicological PODs and levels of concern (LOCs) 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 toxicological study to determine the dose 
at which no adverse effects are observed (the NOAEL) and the lowest 
dose at which adverse effects of concern are identified (the LOAEL). 
Uncertainty/safety factors (UF) 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 triflumizole used for 
human risk assessment is shown in Table 1 of this unit.

 Table 1--Summary of Toxicological Doses and Endpoints for Triflumizole for Use in Human Health Risk Assessment
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                                    Point of departure
        Exposure/scenario            and uncertainty/     RfD, PAD, LOC for     Study and toxicological effects
                                      safety factors       risk assessment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acute dietary (Females 13-50       NOAEL = 10 mg/kg/day  Acute RfD = 0.1 mg/  Developmental Toxicity Study--Rat.
 years of age).                    UFA = 10x...........   kg/day.             Developmental LOAEL = 35 mg/kg/day
                                   UFH = 10x...........  aPAD = 0.1 mg/kg/     based on decreased numbers of
                                   FQPA SF = 1x........   day.                 viable fetuses, increased dead or
                                                                               resorbed fetuses, increased
                                                                               numbers of late resorptions,
                                                                               decreased fetal body weight, and
                                                                               increased incidences of cervical
                                                                               ribs.
----------------------------------

[[Page 12404]]

 
Acute dietary (General population  NOAEL = 25 mg/kg/day  Acute RfD = 0.25 mg/ Acute Neurotoxicity Study--Rat.
 including infants and children).  UFA = 10x...........   kg/day.             LOAEL = 100 mg/kg/day based on FOB
                                   UFH = 10x...........  aPAD = 0.25 mg/kg/    findings (neuromuscular
                                   FQPA SF = 1x........   day.                 impairment) and decreased
                                                                               locomotor activity.
----------------------------------
Chronic dietary (All populations)  LOAEL = 3.5 mg/kg/    Chronic RfD = 0.012  Combined Chronic.
                                    day                   mg/kg/day.          Toxicity/Carcinogenicity Study--
                                   UFA = 10x...........  cPAD = 0.012 mg/kg/   Rat.
                                   UFH = 10x...........   day.                Based on liver toxicity
                                   FQPA SF = 3x UFL....                        (eosinophilic foci in male rats
                                                                               and fatty vacuolation and
                                                                               inflammation and necrosis in
                                                                               female rats).
----------------------------------
Dermal short-term (1 to 30 days).  Dermal (or oral)      LOC for MOE = 100..  Multi-generation Reproduction
                                    study NOAEL = 3.5                          Study--Rat.
                                    mg/kg/day (dermal                         LOAEL = 8.5 mg/kg/day based on
                                    absorption rate =                          decreased pup body weight,
                                    3.5%.                                      mortality, reduced litter size,
                                   UFA = 10x...........                        and increased incidence of
                                   UFH = 10x...........                        hydroureter and space between the
                                   FQPA SF = 1x........                        body wall and organs were
                                                                               observed at 8.5 mg/kg/day. In
                                                                               addition, gestation length was
                                                                               increased in the dams of F1a,
                                                                               F2a, and F3a intervals at the
                                                                               LOAEL of 8.5 mg/kg/day.
----------------------------------
Inhalation short-term (1 to 30     Oral study NOAEL =    LOC for MOE = 100..  Multi-generation Reproduction
 days).                             3.5 mg/kg/day.                             Study--Rat.
                                   UFA = 10x...........                       LOAEL = 8.5 mg/kg/day based on
                                   UFH = 10x...........                        decreased pup body weight,
                                   FQPA SF = 1x........                        mortality, reduced litter size,
                                                                               and increased incidence of
                                                                               hydroureter and space between the
                                                                               body wall and organs were
                                                                               observed at 8.5 mg/kg/day. In
                                                                               addition, gestation length was
                                                                               increased in the dams of F1a,
                                                                               F2a, and F3a intervals at the
                                                                               LOAEL of 8.5 mg/kg/day.
----------------------------------
Cancer (Oral, dermal, inhalation)  Classification: ``Not likely to be Carcinogenic to Humans'' based a weight of
                                    evidence determination including the lack of evidence of carcinogenicity in
                                    studies in rats and mice and the absence of a mutagenicity concern.
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FOB = functional observational battery. FQPA SF = Food Quality Protection Act Safety Factor.
LOAEL = lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level. LOC = level of concern. mg/kg/day = milligram/kilogram/day. MOE =
  margin of exposure. NOAEL = no-observed-adverse-effect-level. PAD = population adjusted dose (a = acute, c =
  chronic). RfD = reference dose. UF = uncertainty factor. UFA = extrapolation from animal to human
  (interspecies). UFH = potential variation in sensitivity among members of the human population (intraspecies).
  UFL = use of a LOAEL to extrapolate a NOAEL.

C. Exposure Assessment

    1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary 
exposure to triflumizole, EPA considered exposure under the petitioned-
for tolerances as well as all existing triflumizole tolerances in 40 
CFR 180.476. EPA assessed dietary exposures from triflumizole 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 
for triflumizole and as noted in Table 1of this unit, separate acute 
endpoints and PODs were selected for females of child-bearing age (13-
49) and the general population including infants and children. In 
estimating acute dietary exposure, EPA used food consumption 
information from the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) 
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, What We Eat in 
America (NHANES/WWEIA). A conservative acute dietary assessment was 
conducted using tolerance-level residues, and 100 percent crop treated 
(PCT).
    ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure 
assessment EPA used the food consumption data from the USDA's NHANES/
WWEIA. As to residue levels in food, a partially refined chronic 
dietary assessment was conducted using average residues from supervised 
field trials, and PCT estimates for currently registered commodities.
    iii. Cancer. Based on the data summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has 
concluded that triflumizole does not pose a cancer risk to humans. 
Therefore, a dietary exposure assessment for the purpose of assessing 
cancer risk is unnecessary.
    iv. Anticipated residue and PCT information. 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.
    Section 408(b)(2)(F) of FFDCA states that the Agency may use data 
on the actual percent of food treated for assessing chronic dietary 
risk only if:
     Condition a: The data used are reliable and provide a 
valid basis to show what percentage of the food derived from such crop 
is likely to contain the pesticide residue.
     Condition b: The exposure estimate does not underestimate 
exposure for any significant subpopulation group.

[[Page 12405]]

     Condition c: Data are available on pesticide use and food 
consumption in a particular area, the exposure estimate does not 
understate exposure for the population in such area.

In addition, the Agency must provide for periodic evaluation of any 
estimates used. To provide for the periodic evaluation of the estimate 
of PCT as required by FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(F), EPA may require 
registrants to submit data on PCT.
    The Agency estimated the PCT for existing uses as follows:
    Apple: 25%; cantaloupe: 10%; cherry: 25%; cucumber: 2.5%; filbert: 
5%; grape: 5%; honeydew: 15%; pear: 45%; pumpkin: 5%; squash: 5%; 
strawberry: 25%; and watermelon: 5%.
    In most cases, EPA uses available data from United States 
Department of Agriculture/National Agricultural Statistics Service 
(USDA/NASS), proprietary market surveys, and the National Pesticide Use 
Database for the chemical/crop combination for the most recent 6-7 
years. EPA uses an average PCT for chronic dietary risk analysis. The 
average PCT figure for each existing use is derived by combining 
available public and private market survey data for that use, averaging 
across all observations, and rounding to the nearest 5%, except for 
those situations in which the average PCT is less than one. In those 
cases, 1% is used as the average PCT and 2.5% is used as the maximum 
PCT. EPA uses a maximum PCT for acute dietary risk analysis. The 
maximum PCT figure is the highest observed maximum value reported 
within the recent 6 years of available public and private market survey 
data for the existing use and rounded up to the nearest multiple of 5%.
    The Agency believes that the three conditions discussed in Unit 
III.C.1.iv. have been met. With respect to Condition a, PCT estimates 
are derived from Federal and private market survey data, which are 
reliable and have a valid basis. The Agency is reasonably certain that 
the percentage of the food treated is not likely to be an 
underestimation. As to Conditions b and c, regional consumption 
information and consumption information for significant subpopulations 
is taken into account through EPA's computer-based model for evaluating 
the exposure of significant subpopulations including several regional 
groups. Use of this consumption information in EPA's risk assessment 
process ensures that EPA's exposure estimate does not understate 
exposure for any significant subpopulation group and allows the Agency 
to be reasonably certain that no regional population is exposed to 
residue levels higher than those estimated by the Agency. Other than 
the data available through national food consumption surveys, EPA does 
not have available reliable information on the regional consumption of 
food to which triflumizole may be applied in a particular area.
    2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The Agency used screening 
level water exposure models in the dietary exposure analysis and risk 
assessment for triflumizole in drinking water. These simulation models 
take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/transport 
characteristics of triflumizole. 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 Screening Concentration in Ground Water (SCI-
GROW) models, the estimated drinking water concentrations (EDWCs) of 
triflumizole for acute exposures are estimated to be 98 parts per 
billion (ppb) for surface water and 3.1 ppb for ground water and for 
chronic exposures are estimated to be 22 ppb for surface water and 3.1 
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 98 ppb was used to assess 
the contribution to drinking water. For chronic dietary risk 
assessment, the water concentration of value 22 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).
    Triflumizole is currently registered for the following uses that 
could result in residential exposures: As a foliar spray by home owner 
and commercial applicators to landscape grown trees, shrubs, and vines 
and also for use on residential/non-commercially grown trees/vines 
bearing apples, pears and grapes.
    EPA assessed residential exposure using the following assumptions: 
For residential handlers, short-term dermal and inhalation exposures 
are expected for triflumizole activities associated with use on 
ornamental plants and bearing pome fruit trees. The dermal and 
inhalation endpoints are based on the same toxicological effect for 
triflumizole, and therefore the MOEs were combined to determine a total 
risk estimates. For post-application, there is the potential for short-
term dermal exposure for adults and children (6-11 years old), exposed 
as a result of being in an environment that has been previously treated 
with triflumizole on landscape ornamentals. Post-application exposure 
from triflumizole use on landscape ornamentals for children (1-2 years) 
is expected to be negligible based on the following factors:
     Children young enough to exhibit hand-to-mouth behavior 
would not typically play in ornamental beds or tree plots.
     If present, leaf to skin residue transfer would be 
negligible because of the minimal frequency and duration of contact.
    The residential handler exposure for adults from the back pack 
sprayer broadcast use of triflumizole to gardens and trees represents 
the highest estimated risk, and was therefore combined with the chronic 
dietary exposure for adults (general U.S. population), to estimate the 
highest aggregate exposure and risk.
    Further information regarding EPA standard assumptions and generic 
inputs for residential exposures may be found at https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/trac/science/trac6a05.pdf.
    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.''
    EPA has not found triflumizole to share a common mechanism of 
toxicity with any other substances, and triflumizole does not appear to 
produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the 
purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that 
triflumizole 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 Web site 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

[[Page 12406]]

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 Food Quality Protection Act Safety Factor (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 qualitative susceptibility following in utero exposure to 
rats in a developmental study. Developmental toxicity resulted in fetal 
death as compared to maternal toxicity which included decreases in body 
weight gain and food consumption and increases in placental, spleen, 
and liver weights.
    No quantitative or qualitative evidence of increased susceptibility 
was seen following in utero exposure to rabbits in a developmental 
study. In the developmental rabbit study, a cesarean section was 
performed with evaluation of 24-hour fetal survival. At this interval, 
fetal survival was decreased. EPA does not consider this finding to 
indicate an adverse effect because a cesarean section with 24-hour 
fetal survival is more an indicator of fetal endurance after being 
removed from the womb than a measurement of treatment-related effects 
on fetal viability and, thus, is not appropriate to use to ascertain 
fetal susceptibility. For similar reasons, such an endpoint survival is 
not a standard measurement in the guideline developmental toxicity 
protocols. In addition, the decreased 24-hour fetal survival occurred 
in isolation and only at a high dose level (100 mg/kg/day) which is 10-
fold higher than the NOAEL of 10 mg/kg/day selected for the acute 
dietary (females 13-49 years of age) exposure scenario for which this 
endpoint might be pertinent. Further, the 24-hour fetal survival was 
not replicated in a second developmental rabbit guideline study.
    Evidence of increased qualitative susceptibility in pups was 
evident in the 3-generation reproductive toxicity study in the rat; 
however, the use of the NOAEL of 3.5 mg/kg/day (offspring and 
reproductive effects) for incidental oral scenarios and short-term 
dermal and inhalation scenarios is protective of potential toxicity 
(observed in the developmental and 2-generation reproductive toxicity 
studies) following pre- and postnatal exposures.
    3. Conclusion. EPA has determined that reliable data show the 
safety of infants and children would be adequately protected if the 
FQPA SF for the acute risk assessment, and short-term dermal and 
inhalation exposure scenarios is removed (1X), and for chronic risk 
assessment is reduced to 3X. A 3X FQPA SF is retained for the chronic 
RfD because it is derived from the use of a LOAEL established in the 
combined chronic toxicity/carcinogenicity study in rats. A 3X rather 
than a 10X is adequate for the FQPA SF for the reasons provided below:
     For this chemical, the liver is the most sensitive target 
organ and the histopathological lesions seen in the target organ is 
used as the endpoint of concern.
     The Agency is confident that the extrapolated NOAEL of 1.2 
mg/kg/day (LOAEL of 3.5 mg/kg/day / 3 UFL (use of a LOAEL to 
extrapolate a NOAEL) = 1.2 mg/kg/day) would be protective of liver 
effects in this species because the observed liver effects were minimal 
in severity and did not progress into malignancy (i.e., no liver tumors 
were seen) even after 2 years of treatment in either sex of rats.
     Retention of the 3X UFL results in an 
extrapolated NOAEL of 1.2 mg/kg/day (LOAEL 3.5 mg/kg/day / 3 
UFL= 1.2 mg/kg/day). This value, at a minimum, is 
approximately 10-fold lower than all the NOAELs established in the 
database with the other studies as shown in this unit.
    The FQPA SF provides adequate protection of infants and children 
based on the following findings:
    i. The toxicity database for triflumizole is complete. Although no 
subchronic inhalation data is available EPA has waived that data 
requirement. In determining the need for a subchronic inhalation study, 
EPA's weight of evidence decision process included both hazard and 
exposure considerations as well as incorporation of a presumed 10X 
Database Uncertainty Factor (UFdb) for the lack of this study. 
Specifically, with regard to exposure considerations, the Agency's LOC 
in the evaluating the need for the subchronic inhalation study is a MOE 
of 1,000 for inhalation exposure, which includes the 10X inter-species 
extrapolation factor, 10X intra-species variation factor, and the 10X 
UFdb. For trifumizole, residential inhalation exposures resulted in 
MOEs higher than the LOC of 1,000 when using an oral POD. This 
indicates that the lack of an inhalation study does not reduce the 
overall confidence in the risk assessment or result in an uncertainty 
(i.e., the study will not provide a POD sufficiently low to result in a 
risk of concern). Because EPA's decision to waive the subchronic 
inhalation study essentially incorporates an additional 10X UFdb (i.e., 
the study was only waived because risks were at least 10X lower than 
required by use of the inter- and intraspecies safety factors), a 
second additional 10X FQPA SF is not being retained for the protection 
of infants and children due to the absence of this study.
    ii. Signs of neurotoxicity were seen in the acute oral and 
inhalation studies in the rat and mouse. Signs of neurotoxicity 
(neuromuscular impairment and decreased locomotor activity) were noted 
in the acute neurotoxicity study at mid and high doses. As a result, 
the endpoint from this study was used to assess acute dietary risks 
from one-day exposures to triflumizole in the diet of the general 
population. There were no treatment-related neuropathological findings 
observed in either sex in the acute neurotoxicity study. No evidence of 
neurotoxicity was seen in the submitted subchronic neurotoxicity study. 
Likewise, neuropathological evaluation of study animals in the 
subchronic neurotoxicity study did not reveal any treatment-related 
histological effects of the central and peripheral nervous systems. A 
DNT study is not required based on the lack of neurotoxicity in the rat 
subchronic neurotoxicity study, and in the adult or offspring in the 
developmental and reproductive toxicity studies in the rat.
    iii. As noted in Unit III.D.2., there is evidence of increased 
qualitative susceptibility following in utero exposure to rats in a 
developmental study and pre- and or postnatal exposure in a 3-
generation reproductive toxicity study in the rat; however, there are 
no residual uncertainties, and the use of associated RfDs will be 
protective of the pre- and postnatal toxicity following an acute 
dietary exposure, and short-term dermal and inhalation exposures.
    No quantitative or qualitative evidence of increased susceptibility 
was seen following in utero exposure to rabbits in a developmental 
study.
    iv. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure 
databases. The acute dietary food exposure assessment utilizes 
tolerance-level residues, Dietary Exsposure Evaluation Model (DEEM 
7.81) default processing factors (where available), and 100 PCT 
information for all commodities. By using these screening-level 
assessments, actual exposures/risks will not be underestimated. The 
chronic dietary

[[Page 12407]]

food exposure assessment utilizes average field trial residues, and 
percent crop treated information for established tolerances. Some 
empirical processing factors were used in the chronic assessment along 
with DEEM 7.81 default processing factors (where available). The 
chronic assessment is partially refined; however, since it is based on 
reliable, high-end data, it will not underestimate exposure/risk.
    EPA made conservative (protective) assumptions in the ground and 
surface water modeling used to assess exposure to triflumizole in 
drinking water. EPA used similarly conservative assumptions to assess 
post-application exposure of children 6-11 years old and expects post 
application exposure for children below 6 years to be negligible. These 
assessments will not underestimate the exposure and risks posed by 
triflumizole.

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.
    1. Acute risk. Using the exposure assumptions discussed in this 
unit for acute exposure, EPA performed separate acute risk assessments 
for females 13 to 49 years old and for the general population, 
including infants and children, based on different endpoints and aPADs. 
For females aged 13-49, acute dietary exposure to triflumizole from 
food and water will occupy 66% of the aPAD chosen for that population 
subgroup. For the general population and population subgroups other 
than females aged 13-49, acute dietary exposure to triflumizole is 
greatest for children 1-2 years old. That subgroup will occupy 40% of 
the applicable aPAD.
    2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this 
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to 
triflumizole from food and water will utilize 39% of the cPAD for 
children 1-2 years old, the population group receiving the greatest 
exposure. Based on the explanation in Unit III.C.3., regarding 
residential use patterns, chronic residential exposure to residues of 
triflumizole is not expected.
    3. Short-term risk. Short-term aggregate exposure takes into 
account short-term residential exposure plus chronic exposure to food 
and water (considered to be a background exposure level).
    Triflumizole is currently registered for uses that could result in 
short-term residential exposure, and the Agency has determined that it 
is appropriate to aggregate chronic exposure through food and water 
with short-term residential exposures to triflumizole.
    Using the exposure assumptions described in this unit for short-
term exposures, EPA has concluded the combined worst case scenario 
(adult handlers) for short-term food, water, and residential exposures 
result in an aggregate MOE of 180 and an aggregate MOE of 600 for 
children 6-11 years old. Because EPA's LOC for triflumizole is a MOE of 
100 or below, these MOEs are not of concern.
    4. Intermediate-term risk. Intermediate-term aggregate exposure 
takes into account intermediate-term residential exposure plus chronic 
exposure to food and water (considered to be a background exposure 
level).
    An intermediate-term adverse effect was identified; however, 
triflumizole is not registered for any use patterns that would result 
in intermediate-term residential exposure. Intermediate-term risk is 
assessed based on intermediate-term residential exposure plus chronic 
dietary exposure. Because there is no intermediate-term residential 
exposure and chronic dietary exposure has already been assessed under 
the appropriately protective cPAD (which is at least as protective as 
the POD used to assess intermediate-term risk), no further assessment 
of intermediate-term risk is necessary, and EPA relies on the chronic 
dietary risk assessment for evaluating intermediate-term risk for 
triflumizole.
    5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Based on the lack of 
evidence of carcinogenicity in two adequate rodent carcinogenicity 
studies, triflumizole is not expected to pose a cancer risk to humans.
    6. 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 triflumizole residues.

IV. Other Considerations

A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    Adequate enforcement methodology (gas chromatography with nitrogen 
phosphorous detector (GC/NPD); Method I in PAM Vol. II) is available to 
enforce the tolerance expression.

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.
    The Codex has not established any MRLs for triflumizole.

C. Response to Comments

    A comment was received that opposed the establishment of these 
tolerances. Part of the comment opposed the manufacturing and selling 
of this product due to potential effects on the environment. This is 
considered irrelevant because the safety standard for approving 
tolerances under FFDCA section 408 focuses on potential harms to human 
health and does not permit consideration of effects on the environment. 
Another part objected to the proposed tolerances because of the amounts 
of pesticides/toxic chemicals already consumed and carried by the 
American population. The Agency understands the commenter's concerns 
and recognizes that some individuals believe that pesticides should be 
banned completely. However, under the existing legal framework provided 
by FFDCA section 408 EPA is authorized to establish pesticide 
tolerances or exemptions where persons seeking such tolerances or 
exemptions have demonstrated that the pesticide meets the safety 
standard imposed by that statute.

D. Revisions to Petitioned-For Tolerances

    Using the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development 
(OECD) tolerance calculation procedures, it was initially determined 
that the existing cucurbit vegetable group 9 tolerance of 0.5 should be 
increased to 0.8 ppm. However, if the crop group 9 tolerance

[[Page 12408]]

was to be increased to 0.8 ppm, the U.S. tolerance will be higher than 
the Canadian MRL of 0.5 ppm. After re-examining the residue data, EPA 
is confident that the 0.5 ppm level will be high enough to cover 
residues from maximum use under the pesticide registration, and 
therefore, in order to remain aligned with Canada, the existing 
cucurbit vegetable group 9 tolerance will remain at 0.5 ppm.

V. Conclusion

    Therefore, tolerances are established for residues of triflumizole, 
1-[1-((4-chloro-2-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl)imino)-2propoxyethyl]-1H-
imidazole, in or on berry, low growing, subgroup 13-07G at 2.0 ppm; 
fruit, pome, group 11-10 at 0.5 ppm; fruit, small, vine climbing, 
except fuzzy kiwifruit, subgroup 13-07F at 2.5 ppm; and. tomato at 1.5 
ppm. In addition, due to the establishment of these tolerances, the 
existing tolerances for apple, pear, grape, and strawberry are removed 
as unnecessary.

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: February 25, 2014.
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.  180.476:
0
a. Remove the commodities ``Apple,'' ``Grape,'' ``Pear,'' and 
``Strawberry'' from the table in paragraph (a)(1).
0
b. Add alphabetically the following commodities to the table in 
paragraph (a)(1).
    The amendments read as follows:


Sec.  180.476  Triflumizole; tolerances for residues.

    (a) * * *
    (1) * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Parts per
                        Commodity                             million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                * * * * *
Berry, low growing, subgroup 13-07G, except cranberry...            2.0
 
                                * * * * *
Fruit, pome, group 11-10................................            0.50
Fruit, small, vine climbing, except fuzzy kiwifruit,                2.5
 subgroup 13-07F........................................
 
                                * * * * *
Tomato..................................................            1.5
 
                                * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2014-04862 Filed 3-4-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P