Di-n-butyl carbonate; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance, 34065-34070 [2015-14647]
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 114 / Monday, June 15, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
PART 52—APPROVAL AND
PROMULGATION OF
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
2. In § 52.2020, the table in paragraph
(e)(1) is amended by revising the entry
‘‘8-Hour Ozone Maintenance Plan and
2002 Base Year Emissions Inventory’’
for ‘‘Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Area:
■
1. The authority citation for part 52
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
Name of non-regulatory
SIP revision
*
8-Hour Ozone Maintenance Plan and 2002
Base Year Emissions
Inventory.
Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe and
Wyoming Counties’’ to read as follows:
Subpart NN—Pennsylvania
State
submittal
date
Applicable geographic
area
*
*
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
Area: Lackawanna,
Luzerne, Monroe and
Wyoming Counties.
*
6/12/07
*
11/14/07
72 FR 64948.
*
*
Applicable geographic area
Year
Tons
per
day
NOX
2018
(f) As of June 15, 2015, EPA approves
the following general conformity
budgets for 2009 and 2018 for nitrogen
oxides (NOX) for the Scranton/WilkesBarre 1997 8-Hour Ozone Maintenance
Area submitted by the Secretary of the
Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection:
Tons
per
day
NOX
Tons
per
day
NOX
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Scranton/Wilkes-Barre 1997
8-Hour Ozone Maintenance Area ........................
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre 1997
8-Hour Ozone Maintenance Area ........................
2009
7.7
2018
5.8
(e) As of June 15, 2015, EPA approves
the following revised 2018 area source
inventory for nitrogen oxides (NOX) for
the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre 1997 8-Hour
Ozone Maintenance Area submitted by
the Secretary of the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental
Protection:
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Year
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre 1997
8-Hour Ozone Maintenance Area ........................
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre 1997
8-Hour Ozone Maintenance Area ........................
2009
1.0
2018
1.0
§ 52.2052 Motor vehicle emissions
budgets for Pennsylvania ozone areas.
*
*
*
*
*
(d) As of June 15, 2015, EPA approves
the following revised 2009 and 2018
Motor Vehicle Emissions Budgets
(MVEBs) for nitrogen oxides (NOX) for
the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre 1997 8-Hour
Ozone Maintenance Area submitted by
the Secretary of the Pennsylvania
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*
Department of Environmental
Protection:
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Year
Tons
per
day
NOX
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre 1997
8-Hour Ozone Maintenance Area ........................
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre 1997
8-Hour Ozone Maintenance Area ........................
2009
59.3
2018
30.5
[FR Doc. 2015–14440 Filed 6–12–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2014–0176; FRL–9928–63]
4. Section 52.2052 is amended by
adding paragraph (d) to read as follows:
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7.5
*
*
*
*
(d) As of June 15, 2015, EPA approves
the following revised 2009 and 2018
point source inventory for nitrogen
oxides (NOX) for the Scranton/WilkesBarre 1997 8-Hour Ozone Maintenance
Area submitted by the Secretary of the
Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection:
Applicable geographic area
*
Applicable geographic area
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre 1997
8-Hour Ozone Maintenance Area ........................
Year
*
Revised 2009 and 2018 Motor Vehicle Emission
Budgets. Revised 2009 and 2018 point source
inventories. Revised 2018 area source inventory. General conformity budgets for the construction of the Bell Bend Nuclear Power
Plant. See sections 52.2043 and 52.2052.
*
Applicable geographic area
*
*
*
*
§ 52.2043 Control strategy for
maintenance plans: ozone.
Identification of plan.
*
*
(e) * * *
(1) * * *
Additional explanation
6/15/15 [Insert Federal
Register citation].
*
*
*
*
*
3. Section 52.2043 is amended by
adding paragraphs (d), (e), and (f) to
read as follows:
*
EPA Approval date
5/28/14
*
§ 52.2020
Di-n-butyl carbonate; Exemption From
the Requirement of a Tolerance
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This regulation establishes an
exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance for residues of di-n-butyl
carbonate (CAS Reg. No. 542–52–9)
when used as an inert ingredient
(solvent) in pesticide formulations
applied to growing crops, raw
agricultural commodities after harvest,
and animals, and when used as an inert
ingredient in antimicrobial pesticide
formulations in food-contact surfaces
sanitizer products at a maximum level
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 114 / Monday, June 15, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
in the end-use concentration of 15,000
ppm (1.5%). Exponent Inc., on behalf of
Huntsman Corp., submitted a petition to
EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting
establishment of an exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance. This
regulation eliminates the need to
establish a maximum permissible level
for residues of di-n-butyl carbonate.
DATES: This regulation is effective June
15, 2015. Objections and requests for
hearings must be received on or before
August 14, 2015, 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–2014–0176, 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), West William
Jefferson Clinton 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:
Susan Lewis, Director, Registration
Division (7505P), Office of Pesticide
Programs, Environmental Protection
Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.,
Washington, DC 20460–0001; main
telephone number: (703) 305–7090;
email address: RDFRNotices@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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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).
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B. How can I get electronic access to
other related information?
available at https://www.epa.gov/
dockets.
You may access a frequently updated
electronic version of 40 CFR part 180
through the Government Publishing
Office’s e-CFR site at https://
www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/textidx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/
40tab_02.tpl. To access the OCSPP test
guidelines referenced in this document
electronically, please go to https://
www.epa.gov/ocspp and select ‘‘Test
Methods and Guidelines.’’
II. Petition for Exemption
In the Federal Register of January 28,
2015 (80 FR 4525) (FRL–9921–55), EPA
issued a document pursuant to FFDCA
section 408, 21 U.S.C. 346a, announcing
the filing of a pesticide petition (PP IN–
10683) by Exponent Inc., 1150
Connecticut Ave. NW., Suite 1100,
Washington, DC 20036, on behalf of
Huntsman Corporation, 8600 Gosling
Road, The Woodlands, TX 77381. The
petition requested that 40 CFR 180.910,
180.930, and 180.940 be amended by
establishing an exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance for residues
of di-n-butyl carbonate (CAS Reg. No.
542–52–9) when used as an inert
ingredient (solvent) in pesticide
formulations applied to growing crops,
raw agricultural commodities after
harvest, and animals, and when used as
an inert ingredient in antimicrobial
formulations in food-contact surface
sanitizer products. That document
referenced a summary of the petition
prepared by Exponent Inc., on behalf of
Huntsman Corp., the petitioner, which
is available in the docket, https://
www.regulations.gov. There were no
comments received in response to the
notice of filing.
Based on a review of the data
submitted in support of this petition,
EPA has modified the exemption
requested by limiting the amount of din-butyl carbonoate allowed in food
contact sanitizing solutions to a
maximum 15,000 ppm (1.5%). This
limitation is based on the Agency’s risk
assessment which can be found at
https://www.regulations.gov in document
‘‘Di-n-Butyl Carbonate; Human Health
Risk Assessment and Ecological Effects
Assessment to Support Proposed
Exemption from the Requirement of a
Tolerance When Used as an Inert
Ingredient in Pesticide Formulations,’’
in docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–
2014–0176.
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–2014–0176 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
before August 14, 2015. 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–
2014–0176, 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
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III. Inert Ingredient Definition
Inert ingredients are all ingredients
that are not active ingredients as defined
in 40 CFR 153.125 and include, but are
not limited to, the following types of
ingredients (except when they have a
pesticidal efficacy of their own):
Solvents such as alcohols and
hydrocarbons; surfactants such as
polyoxyethylene polymers and fatty
acids; carriers such as clay and
diatomaceous earth; thickeners such as
carrageenan and modified cellulose;
wetting, spreading, and dispersing
agents; propellants in aerosol
dispensers; microencapsulating agents;
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and emulsifiers. The term ‘‘inert’’ is not
intended to imply nontoxicity; the
ingredient may or may not be
chemically active. Generally, EPA has
exempted inert ingredients from the
requirement of a tolerance based on the
low toxicity of the individual inert
ingredients.
IV. Aggregate Risk Assessment and
Determination of Safety
Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA
allows EPA to establish an exemption
from the requirement for a tolerance (the
legal limit for a pesticide chemical
residue in or on a food) only if EPA
determines that the tolerance is ‘‘safe.’’
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of 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. . . .’’
EPA establishes exemptions from the
requirement of a tolerance only in those
cases where it can be clearly
demonstrated that the risks from
aggregate exposure to pesticide
chemical residues under reasonably
foreseeable circumstances will pose no
appreciable risks to human health. In
order to determine the risks from
aggregate exposure to pesticide inert
ingredients, the Agency considers the
toxicity of the inert in conjunction with
possible exposure to residues of the
inert ingredient through food, drinking
water, and through other exposures that
occur as a result of pesticide use in
residential settings. If EPA is able to
determine that a finite tolerance is not
necessary to ensure that there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will
result from aggregate exposure to the
inert ingredient, an exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance may be
established.
Consistent with FFDCA section
408(c)(2)(A), and the factors specified in
FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(B), 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
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aggregate exposure for di-n-butyl
carbonate including exposure resulting
from the exemption established by this
action. EPA’s assessment of exposures
and risks associated with di-n-butyl
carbonate follows.
A. Toxicological Profile
EPA has evaluated the available
toxicity data and considered their
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. Specific
information on the studies received and
the nature of the adverse effects caused
by di-n-butyl carbonate as well as the
no-observed-adverse-effect-level
(NOAEL) and the lowest-observedadverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from the
toxicity studies are discussed in this
unit.
Di-n-butyl carbonate acute toxicity
testing indicate that it has low acute
oral, dermal and inhalation toxicity
(acute oral and dermal LD50 > 2,000
milligrams/kilogram (mg/kg); acute
inhalation LC50 >8 mg/Liter (mg/L) and
is non-irritating to the eyes and negative
for dermal sensitization. Di-n-butyl
carbonate is irritating to the skin. In a
combined repeated dose toxicity study
with the reproductive and
developmental toxicity screening test,
di-n-butyl carbonate was administered
daily to rats by gavage. The di-n-butyl
carbonate test material did not result in
any test material related mortality or
clinical observations in the parental
animals. No effects were observed in the
functional observational battery,
hematology and clotting parameters,
clinical chemistry parameters, or organ
weights. No macroscopic findings
related to the test item were observed.
No histopathological effects were
reported in neurological tissues
(cerebrum, cerebellum, pons, peripheral
nerve, spinal cord) (cervical,
midthoracic and lumbar sections) or any
immunological tissues (bone marrow,
thymus, spleen, lymph nodes).
The NOAEL of di-n-butyl carbonate in
rats is 500 mg/kg bw/day for parental
animals (males and females) and 500
mg/kg bw/day for embryo-fetal toxicity.
The LOAEL is 750 mg/kg bw/day based
on decreased body weight gain in male
and female paternal animals and
embryo-fetal toxicity at 750 mg/kg bw/
day as evidenced by increased pre- and
post-implantation losses and decreased
total number of pups.
If ingested di-n-butyl carbonate would
be readily hydrolyzed by esterases in
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the gut to generate two molar
equivalents of n-butanol and one molar
equivalent of carbonic acid. EPA has
stated for the n-butanol tolerance
reassessment that once absorbed, nbutanol disappears rapidly from the
blood. The carbonic acid rapidly
dissociates into CO2 and water.
Di-n-butyl carbonate was negative in
an OCSPP Harmonized Test Guideline
Bacterial Reverse Mutation Assay (at
concentrations ranging from 1.5 to 5,000
ug per plate); no positive mutagenic
response was observed.
There are no carcinogenicity studies
available for di-n-butyl carbonate. Based
on predicted rapid metabolism and
excretion, the lack of specific target
organ toxicity in the OCSPP
Harmonized Test Guideline 870.3650
study, the results of genotoxicity testing
being negative, and a Quantitative
Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR)
expert model, DEREK Nexus, that
indicates no structural alerts for
carcinogenicity, di-n-butyl carbonate is
not expected to be carcinogenic.
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
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 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.
No acute toxicological endpoints have
been identified for di-n-butyl carbonate;
therefore no acute exposure assessments
are warranted.
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The overall NOAEL for di-n-butyl
carbonate was established at 500 mg/kg/
day. The chronic risk assessment for din-butyl carbonate is based on this
endpoint and the chronic reference dose
(cRfD) is therefore 5.0 mg/kg/day. The
cRfD incorporates a 10X interspecies
factor and a 10X intraspecies factor.
Since the FQPA SF has been reduced to
1X, the cPAD is also 5.0 mg/kg/day.
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and
feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to di-n-butyl carbonate, EPA
considered exposure under the
proposed exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance. EPA
assessed dietary exposures from di-nbutyl carbonate in food as follows:
The Agency assessed the dietary
exposures to di-n-butyl carbonate as an
inert ingredient for use in pesticide
formulations applied to growing crops,
raw agricultural commodities, and
livestock, as well as an inert ingredient
for use in food-contact surface sanitizing
solutions. In the case of dietary
exposures to di-n-butyl carbonate as an
inert ingredient used in pesticide
formulations applied to growing crops,
raw agricultural commodities, and
livestock, a chronic dietary exposure
assessment was conducted using the
Dietary Exposure Evaluation Model/
Food Commodity Intake Database
(DEEM–FCID) TM, Version 3.16. EPA
used food consumption information
from the U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s National Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey, What We
Eat in America, (NHANES/WWEIA).
This dietary survey was conducted from
2003 to 2008. As to residue levels in
food, no residue data were submitted for
di-n-butyl carbonate. In the absence of
specific residue data, EPA has
developed an approach which uses
surrogate information to derive upper
bound exposure estimates for the
subject inert ingredient. Upper bound
exposure estimates are based on the
highest tolerance for a given commodity
from a list of high-use insecticides,
herbicides, and fungicides. A complete
description of the general approach
taken to assess inert ingredient risks in
the absence of residue data is contained
in the memorandum entitled ‘‘Alkyl
Amines Polyalkoxylates (Cluster 4):
Acute and Chronic Aggregate (Food and
Drinking Water) Dietary Exposure and
Risk Assessments for the Inerts.’’
(D361707, S. Piper, 2/25/09) and can be
found at https://www.regulations.gov in
docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–2008–
0738.
In the case of the proposed use of din-butyl carbonate as an inert ingredient
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in food-contact sanitizing pesticide
products, EPA has utilized a
conservative, health-protective method
of estimating dietary intake that is based
upon conservative assumptions related
to the amount of residues that can be
transferred to foods as a result of the
proposed use. This same methodology
has been utilized by EPA in estimating
dietary exposures to antimicrobial
pesticides used in food-handling
settings. A complete description of the
approach used to assess dietary
exposures resulting from food contact
sanitizing solution uses of di-n-butyl
carbonate can be found at https://
www.regulations.gov in document ‘‘Din-Butyl Carbonate; Human Health Risk
Assessment and Ecological Effects
Assessment to Support Proposed
Exemption from the Requirement of a
Tolerance When Used as an Inert
Ingredient in Pesticide Formulations,’’
pp. 12–23 in docket ID number EPA–
HQ–OPP–2014–0176.
The exposures from food and food
contact sanitizing are then added
together for the final dietary exposure
assessment.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking
water. For the purpose of the screening
level dietary risk assessment to support
this request for an exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance for di-n-butyl
carbonate, a conservative drinking water
concentration value of 100 parts per
billions (ppb) based on screening level
modeling was used to assess the
contribution to drinking water for the
chronic dietary risk assessments for
parent compound. These values were
directly entered into the dietary
exposure model.
3. From non-dietary exposure. The
term ‘‘residential exposure’’ is used in
this document to refer to nonoccupational, non-dietary exposure
(e.g., textiles (clothing and diapers),
carpets, swimming pools, and hard
surface disinfection on walls, floors,
tables).
There are no current or proposed
residential uses for di-n-butyl carbonate;
however, it is possible that di-n-butyl
carbonate may be used as an inert
ingredient in pesticide products. A
highly conservative residential exposure
assessment was performed in which it
was assumed that all residential use
pesticide products would contain di-nbutyl carbonate as an inert ingredient. A
complete description of the approach
used to assess possible residential
exposures from di-n-butyl carbonate can
be found in https://www.regulations.gov
in document ‘‘Di-n-Butyl Carbonate;
Human Health Risk Assessment and
Ecological Effects Assessment to
Support Proposed Exemption from the
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Requirement of a Tolerance When Used
as an Inert Ingredient in Pesticide
Formulations,’’ pp. 16 in docket ID
number EPA–HQ–OPP–2014–0176.
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 di-n-butyl
carbonate to share a common
mechanism of toxicity with any other
substances, and di-n-butyl carbonate
does not appear to produce a toxic
metabolite produced by other
substances. For the purposes of this
tolerance action, therefore, EPA has
assumed that di-n-butyl carbonate 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
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 Safety Factor (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 for qualitative
susceptibility in the OECD 422 study. In
this study, embryo-fetal toxicity was
manifested as evidenced by increased
pre- and post-implantation losses and
decreased total number of pups in the
presence of maternal toxicity (decreased
in body weights). However, considering
the overall toxicity profile and the
toxicity endpoints and doses selected
for di-n-butyl carbonate, the degree of
concern for the effects observed in the
di-n-butyl carbonate reproductive and
developmental toxicity screening study
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is low. There is a clear NOAEL for the
offspring effects, and endpoints and
regulatory doses were selected for use in
the dietary risk assessment to be
protective of these effects.
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 di-n-butyl
carbonate summarize the studies
included in the database. EPA
concludes that these data are sufficient
for assessing the effects of di-n-butyl
carbonate on infants and children.
ii. There is no indication that di-nbutyl carbonate is a neurotoxic chemical
and there is no need for a
developmental neurotoxicity study or
additional UFs to account for
neurotoxicity.
iii. Although there is some evidence
that di-n-butyl carbonate results in
increased susceptibility in rats, the
degree of concern for these effects is low
for the reasons explained in Unit IV.D.2.
iv. There are no residual uncertainties
identified in the exposure databases.
The dietary food exposure assessments
were performed based on 100% CT and
tolerance-level residues as well as
conservative assumptions regarding
exposures from food-contact sanitizer
uses. EPA made conservative
(protective) assumptions in the ground
and surface water modeling used to
assess exposure to di-n-butyl carbonate
in drinking water. These assessments
will not underestimate the exposure and
risks posed by di-n-butyl carbonate.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of
Safety
1. Acute risk. An acute aggregate risk
assessment takes into account acute
exposure estimates from dietary
consumption of food and drinking
water. No adverse effect resulting from
a single oral exposure was identified
and no acute dietary endpoint was
selected. Therefore, di-n-butyl carbonate
is not expected to pose an acute risk.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure
assumptions described in this unit for
chronic exposure, EPA has concluded
that chronic exposure to di-n-butyl
carbonate from food and water will
utilize 21% of the cPAD for the U.S.
population and 94% of the cPAD for
children 1–2 years old, the population
group receiving the greatest exposure.
3. Short- and Intermediate-term risk.
Short- and intermediate-term aggregate
exposure takes into account short- and
intermediate-term residential exposure
plus chronic exposure to food and water
(considered to be a background
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exposure level). While di-n-butyl
carbonate is not currently used as an
inert ingredient in pesticide products
that are registered for uses that could
result in short- or intermediate-term
residential exposure, it is possible that
di-n-butyl carbonate could be used in
such products and the Agency has
determined that it is appropriate to
aggregate chronic exposure through food
and water with potential short-and
intermediate-term residential exposures
to n-butyl benzoate.
Using the exposure assumptions
described in this unit for short-and
intermediate-term exposures, EPA has
concluded the combined food, water,
and residential exposures result in
aggregate short- and intermediate-term
MOEs of 320 for adults and 100 for
children (1–2 years old). EPA’s level of
concern for n-butyl benzoate is a MOE
of 100 or below; however, these MOEs
are not of concern based on the highly
conservative assumptions made
regarding residential and dietary
exposures to n-butyl benzoate.
4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S.
population. As discussed in Unit IV.A.,
di-n-butyl carbonate is not expected to
pose a cancer risk to humans.
5. Determination of safety. Based on
these risk assessments, EPA concludes
that there is a reasonable certainty that
no harm will result to the general
population, or to infants and children
from aggregate exposure to di-n-butyl
carbonate residues.
V. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
An analytical method for enforcement
purposes is not required for di-n-butyl
carbonate in pesticide formulations
which include uses on crops for preand post-harvest, and on animals, since
the Agency is establishing an exemption
from the requirement of a tolerance
without any numerical limitation.
An analytical method is also not
required for enforcement purposes for
di-n-butyl carbonate on food-contact
surfaces in antimicrobial applications
since the Agency is not establishing a
numerical tolerance for residues of di-nbutyl carbonate in or on any food
commodities. EPA is establishing a
limitation on the amount of di-n-butyl
carbonate that may be used in foodcontact surface antimicrobial
applications. That limitation will be
enforced through the pesticide
registration process under the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide
Act (‘‘FIFRA’’), 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq. EPA
will not register any food-contact
surface antimicrobial applications for
sale or distribution that contains greater
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34069
than 15,000 ppm (1.5%) of di-n-butyl
carbonate by weight.
VI. Conclusions
Therefore, exemptions from the
requirement of a tolerance is established
under 40 CFR 180.910, 180.930, and
180.940(a) for di-n-butyl carbonate (CAS
Reg. No. 542–52–9) when used as an
inert ingredient (solvent) in pesticide
formulations applied to growing crops,
raw agricultural commodities after
harvest, and animals, and when used as
an inert ingredient in antimicrobial
formulations in food-contact surface
sanitizer products at a maximum level
in the end-use concentration of 15,000
ppm.
VII. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
This action establishes exemptions
from the requirement of a tolerance
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 action
has been exempted from review under
Executive Order 12866, this action 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 action 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 exemptions 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 action 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
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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 action. In addition, this action
does not impose any enforceable duty or
contain any unfunded mandate as
described under Title II of the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act (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
(NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).
VIII. 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.
Pesticide chemical
*
*
*
*
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2014–0161; FRL–9928–20]
Sethoxydim; Pesticide Tolerances
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES
AGENCY:
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*
..........
*
Solvent.
*
Dated: June 5, 2015.
Susan Lewis,
Director, Registration Division, Office of
Pesticide Programs.
*
*
*
Limits
Uses
*
..........
*
Solvent.
*
2. In § 180.910, add alphabetically the
inert ingredient to the table to read as
follows:
■
§ 180.910 Inert ingredients used pre- and
post-harvest; exemptions from the
requirement of a tolerance.
*
*
*
*
*
4. In § 180.940(a), add alphabetically
the inert ingredient to the table to read
as follows:
■
§ 180.940 Tolerance exemptions for active
and inert ingredients for use in
antimicrobial formulations (Food-contact
surface sanitizing solutions).
*
*
*
(a) * * *
*
*
Limits
*
*
*
*
When ready for use, the end-use concentration is not to exceed 15,000 ppm.
*
*
commodities identified later in this
document that are superseded by this
action. Interregional Research Project
Number 4 (IR–4) requested these
tolerances under the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective June
15, 2015. Objections and requests for
hearings must be received on or before
August 14, 2015, and must be filed in
accordance with the instructions
provided in 40 CFR part 178 (see also
Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION).
The docket for this action,
identified by docket identification (ID)
number EPA–HQ–OPP–2014–0161, 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), West William
Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301
PO 00000
*
*
*
*
Di-n-butyl carbonate (CAS
Reg. No. 542–52–9).
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
*
*
§ 180.930 Inert ingredients applied to
animals; exemptions from the requirement
of a tolerance.
1. The authority citation for part 180
continues to read as follows:
*
*
3. In § 180.930, add alphabetically the
inert ingredient to the table to read as
follows:
■
*
*
Inert ingredients
PART 180—[AMENDED]
*
*
■
*
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
amended as follows:
ADDRESSES:
This regulation establishes
tolerances for residues of sethoxydim in
or on multiple commodities that are
identified and discussed later in this
document. In addition, this regulation
removes existing tolerances for residues
of sethoxydim in or on several
SUMMARY:
Uses
*
*
*
Di-n-butyl carbonate (CAS
Reg. No. 542–52–9).
Environmental protection,
Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides
and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
*
[FR Doc. 2015–14647 Filed 6–12–15; 8:45 am]
Limits
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
*
542–52–9
*
*
Inert ingredients
CAS Reg. No.
*
*
Di-n-butyl carbonate ..................................
*
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).
Frm 00048
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*
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:
Susan Lewis, Registration Division
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington,
DC 20460–0001; main telephone
number: (703) 305–7090; email address:
RDFRNotices@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 114 (Monday, June 15, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34065-34070]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-14647]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0176; FRL-9928-63]
Di-n-butyl carbonate; Exemption From the Requirement of a
Tolerance
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement
of a tolerance for residues of di-n-butyl carbonate (CAS Reg. No. 542-
52-9) when used as an inert ingredient (solvent) in pesticide
formulations applied to growing crops, raw agricultural commodities
after harvest, and animals, and when used as an inert ingredient in
antimicrobial pesticide formulations in food-contact surfaces sanitizer
products at a maximum level
[[Page 34066]]
in the end-use concentration of 15,000 ppm (1.5%). Exponent Inc., on
behalf of Huntsman Corp., submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of an
exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation
eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for
residues of di-n-butyl carbonate.
DATES: This regulation is effective June 15, 2015. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before August 14, 2015,
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-2014-0176, 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), West William Jefferson Clinton 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: Susan Lewis, Director, Registration
Division (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-
0001; main 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 40 CFR
part 180 through the Government Publishing Office's e-CFR site at
https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/40tab_02.tpl. To access the OCSPP test guidelines referenced in this
document electronically, please go to https://www.epa.gov/ocspp and
select ``Test Methods and Guidelines.''
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-2014-0176 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 before
August 14, 2015. 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-2014-0176, 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. Petition for Exemption
In the Federal Register of January 28, 2015 (80 FR 4525) (FRL-9921-
55), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 408, 21 U.S.C.
346a, announcing the filing of a pesticide petition (PP IN-10683) by
Exponent Inc., 1150 Connecticut Ave. NW., Suite 1100, Washington, DC
20036, on behalf of Huntsman Corporation, 8600 Gosling Road, The
Woodlands, TX 77381. The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.910,
180.930, and 180.940 be amended by establishing an exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance for residues of di-n-butyl carbonate (CAS
Reg. No. 542-52-9) when used as an inert ingredient (solvent) in
pesticide formulations applied to growing crops, raw agricultural
commodities after harvest, and animals, and when used as an inert
ingredient in antimicrobial formulations in food-contact surface
sanitizer products. That document referenced a summary of the petition
prepared by Exponent Inc., on behalf of Huntsman Corp., the petitioner,
which is available in the docket, https://www.regulations.gov. There
were no comments received in response to the notice of filing.
Based on a review of the data submitted in support of this
petition, EPA has modified the exemption requested by limiting the
amount of di-n-butyl carbonoate allowed in food contact sanitizing
solutions to a maximum 15,000 ppm (1.5%). This limitation is based on
the Agency's risk assessment which can be found at https://www.regulations.gov in document ``Di-n-Butyl Carbonate; Human Health
Risk Assessment and Ecological Effects Assessment to Support Proposed
Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance When Used as an Inert
Ingredient in Pesticide Formulations,'' in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-
2014-0176.
III. Inert Ingredient Definition
Inert ingredients are all ingredients that are not active
ingredients as defined in 40 CFR 153.125 and include, but are not
limited to, the following types of ingredients (except when they have a
pesticidal efficacy of their own): Solvents such as alcohols and
hydrocarbons; surfactants such as polyoxyethylene polymers and fatty
acids; carriers such as clay and diatomaceous earth; thickeners such as
carrageenan and modified cellulose; wetting, spreading, and dispersing
agents; propellants in aerosol dispensers; microencapsulating agents;
[[Page 34067]]
and emulsifiers. The term ``inert'' is not intended to imply
nontoxicity; the ingredient may or may not be chemically active.
Generally, EPA has exempted inert ingredients from the requirement of a
tolerance based on the low toxicity of the individual inert
ingredients.
IV. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety
Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish an
exemption from the requirement for a tolerance (the legal limit for a
pesticide chemical residue in or on a food) only if EPA determines that
the tolerance is ``safe.'' Section 408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of 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. . . .''
EPA establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance only
in those cases where it can be clearly demonstrated that the risks from
aggregate exposure to pesticide chemical residues under reasonably
foreseeable circumstances will pose no appreciable risks to human
health. In order to determine the risks from aggregate exposure to
pesticide inert ingredients, the Agency considers the toxicity of the
inert in conjunction with possible exposure to residues of the inert
ingredient through food, drinking water, and through other exposures
that occur as a result of pesticide use in residential settings. If EPA
is able to determine that a finite tolerance is not necessary to ensure
that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from
aggregate exposure to the inert ingredient, an exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance may be established.
Consistent with FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(A), and the factors
specified in FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(B), 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 di-n-butyl carbonate including
exposure resulting from the exemption established by this action. EPA's
assessment of exposures and risks associated with di-n-butyl carbonate
follows.
A. Toxicological Profile
EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data and considered their
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. Specific information on the studies received and the nature
of the adverse effects caused by di-n-butyl carbonate as well as the
no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-
adverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from the toxicity studies are discussed in
this unit.
Di-n-butyl carbonate acute toxicity testing indicate that it has
low acute oral, dermal and inhalation toxicity (acute oral and dermal
LD50 > 2,000 milligrams/kilogram (mg/kg); acute inhalation
LC50 >8 mg/Liter (mg/L) and is non-irritating to the eyes
and negative for dermal sensitization. Di-n-butyl carbonate is
irritating to the skin. In a combined repeated dose toxicity study with
the reproductive and developmental toxicity screening test, di-n-butyl
carbonate was administered daily to rats by gavage. The di-n-butyl
carbonate test material did not result in any test material related
mortality or clinical observations in the parental animals. No effects
were observed in the functional observational battery, hematology and
clotting parameters, clinical chemistry parameters, or organ weights.
No macroscopic findings related to the test item were observed. No
histopathological effects were reported in neurological tissues
(cerebrum, cerebellum, pons, peripheral nerve, spinal cord) (cervical,
midthoracic and lumbar sections) or any immunological tissues (bone
marrow, thymus, spleen, lymph nodes).
The NOAEL of di-n-butyl carbonate in rats is 500 mg/kg bw/day for
parental animals (males and females) and 500 mg/kg bw/day for embryo-
fetal toxicity. The LOAEL is 750 mg/kg bw/day based on decreased body
weight gain in male and female paternal animals and embryo-fetal
toxicity at 750 mg/kg bw/day as evidenced by increased pre- and post-
implantation losses and decreased total number of pups.
If ingested di-n-butyl carbonate would be readily hydrolyzed by
esterases in the gut to generate two molar equivalents of n-butanol and
one molar equivalent of carbonic acid. EPA has stated for the n-butanol
tolerance reassessment that once absorbed, n-butanol disappears rapidly
from the blood. The carbonic acid rapidly dissociates into
CO2 and water.
Di-n-butyl carbonate was negative in an OCSPP Harmonized Test
Guideline Bacterial Reverse Mutation Assay (at concentrations ranging
from 1.5 to 5,000 ug per plate); no positive mutagenic response was
observed.
There are no carcinogenicity studies available for di-n-butyl
carbonate. Based on predicted rapid metabolism and excretion, the lack
of specific target organ toxicity in the OCSPP Harmonized Test
Guideline 870.3650 study, the results of genotoxicity testing being
negative, and a Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR)
expert model, DEREK Nexus, that indicates no structural alerts for
carcinogenicity, di-n-butyl carbonate is not expected to be
carcinogenic.
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 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 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.
No acute toxicological endpoints have been identified for di-n-
butyl carbonate; therefore no acute exposure assessments are warranted.
[[Page 34068]]
The overall NOAEL for di-n-butyl carbonate was established at 500
mg/kg/day. The chronic risk assessment for di-n-butyl carbonate is
based on this endpoint and the chronic reference dose (cRfD) is
therefore 5.0 mg/kg/day. The cRfD incorporates a 10X interspecies
factor and a 10X intraspecies factor. Since the FQPA SF has been
reduced to 1X, the cPAD is also 5.0 mg/kg/day.
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to di-n-butyl carbonate, EPA considered exposure under the
proposed exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. EPA assessed
dietary exposures from di-n-butyl carbonate in food as follows:
The Agency assessed the dietary exposures to di-n-butyl carbonate
as an inert ingredient for use in pesticide formulations applied to
growing crops, raw agricultural commodities, and livestock, as well as
an inert ingredient for use in food-contact surface sanitizing
solutions. In the case of dietary exposures to di-n-butyl carbonate as
an inert ingredient used in pesticide formulations applied to growing
crops, raw agricultural commodities, and livestock, a chronic dietary
exposure assessment was conducted using the Dietary Exposure Evaluation
Model/Food Commodity Intake Database (DEEM-FCID) TM, Version 3.16. EPA
used food consumption information from the U.S. Department of
Agriculture's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, What We
Eat in America, (NHANES/WWEIA). This dietary survey was conducted from
2003 to 2008. As to residue levels in food, no residue data were
submitted for di-n-butyl carbonate. In the absence of specific residue
data, EPA has developed an approach which uses surrogate information to
derive upper bound exposure estimates for the subject inert ingredient.
Upper bound exposure estimates are based on the highest tolerance for a
given commodity from a list of high-use insecticides, herbicides, and
fungicides. A complete description of the general approach taken to
assess inert ingredient risks in the absence of residue data is
contained in the memorandum entitled ``Alkyl Amines Polyalkoxylates
(Cluster 4): Acute and Chronic Aggregate (Food and Drinking Water)
Dietary Exposure and Risk Assessments for the Inerts.'' (D361707, S.
Piper, 2/25/09) and can be found at https://www.regulations.gov in
docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0738.
In the case of the proposed use of di-n-butyl carbonate as an inert
ingredient in food-contact sanitizing pesticide products, EPA has
utilized a conservative, health-protective method of estimating dietary
intake that is based upon conservative assumptions related to the
amount of residues that can be transferred to foods as a result of the
proposed use. This same methodology has been utilized by EPA in
estimating dietary exposures to antimicrobial pesticides used in food-
handling settings. A complete description of the approach used to
assess dietary exposures resulting from food contact sanitizing
solution uses of di-n-butyl carbonate can be found at https://www.regulations.gov in document ``Di-n-Butyl Carbonate; Human Health
Risk Assessment and Ecological Effects Assessment to Support Proposed
Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance When Used as an Inert
Ingredient in Pesticide Formulations,'' pp. 12-23 in docket ID number
EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0176.
The exposures from food and food contact sanitizing are then added
together for the final dietary exposure assessment.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. For the purpose of the
screening level dietary risk assessment to support this request for an
exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for di-n-butyl carbonate,
a conservative drinking water concentration value of 100 parts per
billions (ppb) based on screening level modeling was used to assess the
contribution to drinking water for the chronic dietary risk assessments
for parent compound. These values were directly entered into the
dietary exposure model.
3. From non-dietary exposure. The term ``residential exposure'' is
used in this document to refer to non-occupational, non-dietary
exposure (e.g., textiles (clothing and diapers), carpets, swimming
pools, and hard surface disinfection on walls, floors, tables).
There are no current or proposed residential uses for di-n-butyl
carbonate; however, it is possible that di-n-butyl carbonate may be
used as an inert ingredient in pesticide products. A highly
conservative residential exposure assessment was performed in which it
was assumed that all residential use pesticide products would contain
di-n-butyl carbonate as an inert ingredient. A complete description of
the approach used to assess possible residential exposures from di-n-
butyl carbonate can be found in https://www.regulations.gov in document
``Di-n-Butyl Carbonate; Human Health Risk Assessment and Ecological
Effects Assessment to Support Proposed Exemption from the Requirement
of a Tolerance When Used as an Inert Ingredient in Pesticide
Formulations,'' pp. 16 in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0176.
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 di-n-butyl carbonate to share a common mechanism
of toxicity with any other substances, and di-n-butyl carbonate does
not appear to produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances.
For the purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed
that di-n-butyl carbonate 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 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 Safety
Factor (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 for
qualitative susceptibility in the OECD 422 study. In this study,
embryo-fetal toxicity was manifested as evidenced by increased pre- and
post-implantation losses and decreased total number of pups in the
presence of maternal toxicity (decreased in body weights). However,
considering the overall toxicity profile and the toxicity endpoints and
doses selected for di-n-butyl carbonate, the degree of concern for the
effects observed in the di-n-butyl carbonate reproductive and
developmental toxicity screening study
[[Page 34069]]
is low. There is a clear NOAEL for the offspring effects, and endpoints
and regulatory doses were selected for use in the dietary risk
assessment to be protective of these effects.
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 di-n-butyl carbonate summarize the
studies included in the database. EPA concludes that these data are
sufficient for assessing the effects of di-n-butyl carbonate on infants
and children.
ii. There is no indication that di-n-butyl carbonate is a
neurotoxic chemical and there is no need for a developmental
neurotoxicity study or additional UFs to account for neurotoxicity.
iii. Although there is some evidence that di-n-butyl carbonate
results in increased susceptibility in rats, the degree of concern for
these effects is low for the reasons explained in Unit IV.D.2.
iv. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure
databases. The dietary food exposure assessments were performed based
on 100% CT and tolerance-level residues as well as conservative
assumptions regarding exposures from food-contact sanitizer uses. EPA
made conservative (protective) assumptions in the ground and surface
water modeling used to assess exposure to di-n-butyl carbonate in
drinking water. These assessments will not underestimate the exposure
and risks posed by di-n-butyl carbonate.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety
1. Acute risk. An acute aggregate risk assessment takes into
account acute exposure estimates from dietary consumption of food and
drinking water. No adverse effect resulting from a single oral exposure
was identified and no acute dietary endpoint was selected. Therefore,
di-n-butyl carbonate is not expected to pose an acute risk.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to
di-n-butyl carbonate from food and water will utilize 21% of the cPAD
for the U.S. population and 94% of the cPAD for children 1-2 years old,
the population group receiving the greatest exposure.
3. Short- and Intermediate-term risk. Short- and intermediate-term
aggregate exposure takes into account short- and intermediate-term
residential exposure plus chronic exposure to food and water
(considered to be a background exposure level). While di-n-butyl
carbonate is not currently used as an inert ingredient in pesticide
products that are registered for uses that could result in short- or
intermediate-term residential exposure, it is possible that di-n-butyl
carbonate could be used in such products and the Agency has determined
that it is appropriate to aggregate chronic exposure through food and
water with potential short-and intermediate-term residential exposures
to n-butyl benzoate.
Using the exposure assumptions described in this unit for short-and
intermediate-term exposures, EPA has concluded the combined food,
water, and residential exposures result in aggregate short- and
intermediate-term MOEs of 320 for adults and 100 for children (1-2
years old). EPA's level of concern for n-butyl benzoate is a MOE of 100
or below; however, these MOEs are not of concern based on the highly
conservative assumptions made regarding residential and dietary
exposures to n-butyl benzoate.
4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. As discussed in Unit
IV.A., di-n-butyl carbonate is not expected to pose a cancer risk to
humans.
5. Determination of safety. Based on these risk assessments, EPA
concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result
to the general population, or to infants and children from aggregate
exposure to di-n-butyl carbonate residues.
V. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
An analytical method for enforcement purposes is not required for
di-n-butyl carbonate in pesticide formulations which include uses on
crops for pre- and post-harvest, and on animals, since the Agency is
establishing an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance without
any numerical limitation.
An analytical method is also not required for enforcement purposes
for di-n-butyl carbonate on food-contact surfaces in antimicrobial
applications since the Agency is not establishing a numerical tolerance
for residues of di-n-butyl carbonate in or on any food commodities. EPA
is establishing a limitation on the amount of di-n-butyl carbonate that
may be used in food-contact surface antimicrobial applications. That
limitation will be enforced through the pesticide registration process
under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
(``FIFRA''), 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq. EPA will not register any food-
contact surface antimicrobial applications for sale or distribution
that contains greater than 15,000 ppm (1.5%) of di-n-butyl carbonate by
weight.
VI. Conclusions
Therefore, exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance is
established under 40 CFR 180.910, 180.930, and 180.940(a) for di-n-
butyl carbonate (CAS Reg. No. 542-52-9) when used as an inert
ingredient (solvent) in pesticide formulations applied to growing
crops, raw agricultural commodities after harvest, and animals, and
when used as an inert ingredient in antimicrobial formulations in food-
contact surface sanitizer products at a maximum level in the end-use
concentration of 15,000 ppm.
VII. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
This action establishes exemptions from the requirement of a
tolerance 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 action has been exempted from review
under Executive Order 12866, this action 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 action 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 exemptions 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 action 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
[[Page 34070]]
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
action. In addition, this action does not impose any enforceable duty
or contain any unfunded mandate as described under Title II of the
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (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 (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).
VIII. 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: June 5, 2015.
Susan Lewis,
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. 180.910, add alphabetically the inert ingredient to the
table to read as follows:
Sec. 180.910 Inert ingredients used pre- and post-harvest; exemptions
from the requirement of a tolerance.
* * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inert ingredients Limits Uses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
Di-n-butyl carbonate (CAS Reg. No. ............... Solvent.
542-52-9).
* * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0
3. In Sec. 180.930, add alphabetically the inert ingredient to the
table to read as follows:
Sec. 180.930 Inert ingredients applied to animals; exemptions from
the requirement of a tolerance.
* * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inert ingredients Limits Uses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
Di-n-butyl carbonate (CAS Reg. No. ............... Solvent.
542-52-9).
* * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0
4. In Sec. 180.940(a), add alphabetically the inert ingredient to the
table to read as follows:
Sec. 180.940 Tolerance exemptions for active and inert ingredients
for use in antimicrobial formulations (Food-contact surface sanitizing
solutions).
* * * * *
(a) * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pesticide chemical CAS Reg. No. Limits
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
Di-n-butyl carbonate........... 542-52-9 When ready for use, the
end-use concentration
is not to exceed
15,000 ppm.
* * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2015-14647 Filed 6-12-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P