Hexythiazox; Pesticide Tolerances, 48753-48757 [2015-20012]
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 157 / Friday, August 14, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2014–0804; FRL–9931–30]
Hexythiazox; Pesticide Tolerances
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This regulation establishes
tolerances for residues of hexythiazox in
or on wheat, forage; wheat, hay; wheat,
grain; and wheat, straw. Gowan
Company requested these tolerances
under the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective
August 14, 2015. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received
on or before October 13, 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–2014–0804, 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, 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:
SUMMARY:
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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
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applies to them. Potentially affected
entities may include:
• Crop production (NAICS code 111).
• Animal production (NAICS code
112).
• Food manufacturing (NAICS code
311).
• Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS
code 32532).
B. How can I get electronic access to
other related information?
You may access a frequently updated
electronic version of EPA’s tolerance
regulations at 40 CFR part 180 through
the Government Printing Office’s e-CFR
site at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/textidx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/
40tab_02.tpl.
C. How can I file an objection or hearing
request?
Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21
U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an
objection to any aspect of this regulation
and may also request a hearing on those
objections. You must file your objection
or request a hearing on this regulation
in accordance with the instructions
provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure
proper receipt by EPA, you must
identify docket ID number EPA–HQ–
OPP–2014–0804 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 October 13, 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–
2014–0804, 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
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48753
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
11, 2015 (80 FR 7559) (FRL–9921–94),
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 4F8315) by
Gowan Company, P.O. Box 5569, Yuma,
AZ 85366. The petition requested that
40 CFR 180.448 be amended by
establishing tolerances for residues of
the insecticide hexythiazox and its
metabolites containing the (4chlorophenyl)-4-methyl-2-oxo-3thiazolidine moiety, in or on wheat,
forage at 6.0 parts per million (ppm);
wheat, hay at 30 ppm; wheat, grain at
0.02; and wheat, straw at 8.0 ppm. That
document referenced a summary of the
petition prepared by Gowan Company,
the registrant, which is available in the
docket, https://www.regulations.gov.
There were no comments received in
response to the notice of filing.
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
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aggregate exposure for hexythiazox
including exposure resulting from the
tolerances established by this action.
EPA’s assessment of exposures and risks
associated with hexythiazox 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. Hexythiazox has
low acute toxicity by the oral, dermal
and inhalation routes of exposure. It
produces mild eye irritation, is not a
dermal irritant, and is negative for
dermal sensitization. Hexythiazox is
associated with toxicity of the liver and
adrenals following subchronic and
chronic exposure to dogs, rats and mice,
with the dog being the most sensitive
species. The prenatal developmental
studies in rabbits and rats and the 2generation reproduction study in rats
showed no indication of increased
susceptibility to in utero or postnatal
exposure to hexythiazox. Reproductive
toxicity was not observed. There is no
concern for immunotoxicity or
neurotoxicity following exposure to
hexythiazox. The toxicology database
for hexythiazox does not show any
evidence of treatment-related effects on
the immune system. Hexythiazox is
classified as ‘‘likely to be carcinogenic
to humans’’; however, the evidence as a
whole is not strong enough to warrant
a quantitative estimation of human
cancer risk. Since the effects seen in the
study that serves as the basis for the
chronic RfD occurred at doses
substantially below the lowest dose that
induced tumors, the chronic RfD is
considered protective of all chronic
effects including potential
carcinogenicity.
Specific information on the studies
received and the nature of the adverse
effects caused by hexythiazox as well as
the no-observed-adverse-effect-level
(NOAEL) and the lowest-observedadverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from the
toxicity studies can be found at https://
www.regulations.gov in document:
Hexythiazox. Human Health Risk
Assessment to Support New Uses on
Wheat and Pepper/Eggplant Subgroup
8–10B in docket ID number EPA–HQ–
OPP–2014–0804.
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.
A summary of the toxicological
endpoints for hexythiazox used for
human risk assessment is shown in
Table 1 of this unit.
TABLE 1—SUMMARY OF TOXICOLOGICAL DOSES AND ENDPOINTS FOR HEXYTHIAZOX FOR USE IN HUMAN HEALTH RISK
ASSESSMENT
Point of departure and
uncertainty/Safety factors
Exposure/Scenario
RfD, PAD, LOC for risk
assessment
Study and toxicological effects
Acute dietary (All populations).
No risk is expected from this exposure scenario as no hazard was identified in any toxicity study for this duration
of exposure.
Chronic dietary (All populations).
NOAEL = 2.5 mg/kg/day ...
UFA = 10x .........................
UFH = 10x .........................
FQPA SF = 1x
NOAEL = 30 mg/kg/day ....
UFA = 10x
UFH = 10x
FQPA SF = 1x
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Incidental oral short-term (1
to 30 days ) and intermediate-term (1 to 6
months).
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Chronic RfD = 0.025 mg/
kg/day.
cPAD = 0.025 ....................
LOC for MOE = 100 ..........
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One-Year Toxicity Feeding Study—Dog.
LOAEL = 12.5 mg/kg/day based on increased absolute and relative adrenal weights and associated adrenal histopathology.
2-Generation Reproduction Study—Rat.
LOAEL = 180 mg/kg/day based on decreased pup
body weight during lactation and delayed hair
growth and/or eye opening, and decreased parental
body-weight gain and increased absolute and relative liver, kidney, and adrenal weights.
Co-Critical
13-Week Oral Toxicity Study—Rat.
NOAEL = 5.5 mg/kg/day.
LOAEL = 38 mg/kg/day, based on increased absolute
and relative liver weights in both sexes, increased
relative ovarian and kidney weights, and fatty degeneration of the adrenal zona fasciculata.
@397.5/257.6 mg/kg/day, decreased body-weight gain
in females, slight swelling of hepatocytes in central
zone (both sexes), increased incidence of
glomerulonephrosis in males, increased adrenal
weights.
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TABLE 1—SUMMARY OF TOXICOLOGICAL DOSES AND ENDPOINTS FOR HEXYTHIAZOX FOR USE IN HUMAN HEALTH RISK
ASSESSMENT—Continued
Point of departure and
uncertainty/Safety factors
Exposure/Scenario
Cancer (oral, dermal, inhalation).
RfD, PAD, LOC for risk
assessment
Study and toxicological effects
Classification: ‘‘Likely to be Carcinogenic to Humans’’. Insufficient evidence to warrant a quantitative estimation of
human risk using a cancer slope factor based on the common liver tumors (benign and malignant) observed only
in high dose female mice, and benign mammary gland tumors of no biological significance, observed only in high
dose male rats in the absence of mutagenic concerns. The chronic RfD is protective of all chronic effects including potential carcinogenicity of hexythiazox.
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).
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C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and
feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to hexythiazox, EPA
considered exposure under the
petitioned-for tolerances as well as all
existing hexythiazox tolerances in 40
CFR 180.448. EPA assessed dietary
exposures from hexythiazox 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. No such effects were
identified in the toxicological studies
for hexythiazox; therefore, a quantitative
acute dietary exposure assessment is
unnecessary.
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting
the chronic dietary exposure assessment
EPA used the food consumption data
from the U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s 2003–2008 National
Health and Nutrition Examination
Survey, What We Eat in America
(NHANES/WWEIA). As to residue levels
in food, EPA used tolerance level
residues, assumed 100 percent crop
treated (PCT), and incorporated Dietary
Exposure Evaluation Model (DEEM)
default processing factors when
processing data were not available.
iii. Cancer. EPA determines whether
quantitative cancer exposure and risk
assessments are appropriate for a fooduse pesticide based on the weight of the
evidence from cancer studies and other
relevant data. Cancer risk is quantified
using a linear or nonlinear approach. If
sufficient information on the
carcinogenic mode of action is available,
a threshold or nonlinear approach is
used and a cancer RfD is calculated
based on an earlier noncancer key event.
If carcinogenic mode of action data are
not available, or if the mode of action
data determines a mutagenic mode of
action, a default linear cancer slope
factor approach is utilized. Based on the
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data summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has
concluded that a nonlinear RfD
approach is appropriate for assessing
cancer risk to hexythiazox. Cancer risk
was assessed using the same exposure
estimates as discussed in Unit III.C.1.ii.,
chronic exposure.
iv. Anticipated residue and percent
crop treated (PCT) information. EPA did
not use anticipated residue and/or PCT
information in the dietary assessment
for hexythiazox. Tolerance level
residues and/or 100 PCT were assumed
for all food commodities.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking
water. The Agency used screening level
water exposure models in the dietary
exposure analysis and risk assessment
for hexythiazox in drinking water.
These simulation models take into
account data on the physical, chemical,
and fate/transport characteristics of
hexythiazox. 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 Surface Water
Concentration Calculator (SWCC), the
estimated drinking water concentrations
(EDWCs) of hexythiazox for chronic
exposures for non-cancer assessments
are estimated to be 4.3 ppb for surface
water. Since groundwater residues are
not expected to exceed surface water
residues, surface water residues were
used in the dietary risk assessment.
Modeled estimates of drinking water
concentrations 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., for lawn and garden pest control,
indoor pest control, termiticides, and
flea and tick control on pets).
Hexythiazox is currently registered for
the following uses that could result in
residential exposures: ornamental
plantings, turf, and fruit and nut trees in
residential settings. EPA assessed
residential exposure using the following
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assumptions: Residential handler
exposures are expected to be short-term
(1 to 30 days) via either the dermal or
inhalation routes of exposures. Since a
quantitative dermal risk assessment is
not needed for hexythiazox, handler
MOEs were calculated for the inhalation
route of exposure only. Both adults and
children may be exposed to hexythiazox
residues from contact with treated
lawns or treated residential plants. Post
application exposures are expected to be
short-term (1 to 30 days) and
intermediate-term (1 to 6 months) in
duration. Adult postapplication
exposures were not assessed since no
quantitative dermal risk assessment is
needed for hexythiazox and inhalation
exposures are typically negligible in
outdoor settings. The exposure
assessment for children included
incidental oral exposure resulting from
transfer of residues from the hands or
objects to the mouth, and from
incidental ingestion of soil. Further
information regarding EPA standard
assumptions and generic inputs for
residential exposures may be found at
https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/science/
residential-exposure-sop.html.
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 hexythiazox to
share a common mechanism of toxicity
with any other substances, and
hexythiazox does not appear to produce
a toxic metabolite produced by other
substances. For the purposes of this
tolerance action, therefore, EPA has
assumed that hexythiazox does not have
a common mechanism of toxicity with
other substances. For information
regarding EPA’s efforts to determine
which chemicals have a common
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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.
The prenatal and postnatal toxicology
data base indicates no increased
susceptibility of rats or rabbits to in
utero and/or postnatal exposure to
hexythiazox.
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
hexythiazox is complete.
ii. There is no indication that
hexythiazox is a neurotoxic chemical
and there is no need for a
developmental neurotoxicity study or
additional UFs to account for
neurotoxicity.
iii. There is no evidence that
hexythiazox results in increased
susceptibility in in utero rats or rabbits
in the prenatal developmental studies or
in young rats in the 2-generation
reproduction study.
iv. There are no residual uncertainties
identified in the exposure databases.
EPA made conservative (protective)
assumptions in the ground and surface
water modeling used to assess exposure
to hexythiazox in drinking water. EPA
used similarly conservative assumptions
to assess postapplication exposure of
children as well as incidental oral
exposure of toddlers. These assessments
will not underestimate the exposure and
risks posed by hexythiazox.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of
Safety
EPA determines whether acute and
chronic dietary pesticide exposures are
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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. 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, hexythiazox 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 hexythiazox
from food and water will utilize 81% of
the cPAD for children 1–2 years of age,
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
hexythiazox 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).
Hexythiazox 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 hexythiazox.
Using the exposure assumptions
described in this unit for short-term
exposures, EPA has concluded the
combined short-term food, water, and
residential exposures result in aggregate
MOEs of 1291 for children and 8626 for
adults. Because EPA’s level of concern
for hexythiazox 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).
Hexythiazox is currently registered for
uses that could result in intermediateterm residential exposure, and the
Agency has determined that it is
appropriate to aggregate chronic
exposure through food and water with
intermediate-term residential exposures
to hexythiazox.
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Using the exposure assumptions
described in this unit for intermediateterm exposures, EPA has concluded that
the combined intermediate-term food,
water, and residential exposures result
in aggregate MOEs of 1474 for children
and 8808 for adults. Because EPA’s level
of concern for hexythiazox is a MOE of
100 or below, these MOEs are not of
concern.
5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S.
population. As discussed in Unit III.
C.1.iii., EPA concluded that regulation
based on the chronic reference dose will
be protective for both chronic and
carcinogenic risks. As noted in this unit
there are no chronic risks of concern.
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 hexythiazox
residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodology
(high performance liquid
chromatography method with UV
detection (HPLC/UV)) is available to
enforce the tolerance expression. This
method is listed in the U.S. EPA Index
of Residue Analytical Methods under
hexythiazox as method AMR–985–87.
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 a MRL
for hexythiazox in/on wheat, therefore,
there are no harmonization issues
associated with this action.
V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established
for residues of hexythiazox and its
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metabolites containing the (4chlorophenyl)-4-methyl-2-oxo-3thiazolidine moiety, as petitioned.
VI. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
This action 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 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 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 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
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
20:18 Aug 13, 2015
Jkt 235001
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).
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).
48757
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 300
[EPA–HQ–SFUND–1990–0010; FRL–9932–
37-Region 4]
National Oil and Hazardous
Substances Pollution Contingency
Plan; National Priorities List: Deletion
of the Redwing Carriers, Inc.
(Saraland)
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Direct final rule.
AGENCY:
The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) Region 4 is publishing
this direct final Notice of Deletion for
the Redwing Carriers, Inc. (Saraland)
Superfund Site (Site), located in
Saraland, Mobile County, Alabama,
from the National Priorities List (NPL).
The NPL, promulgated pursuant to
Section 105 of the Comprehensive
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act
Environmental protection,
(CERCLA) of 1980, as amended, is an
Administrative practice and procedure,
appendix of the National Oil and
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides
and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping Hazardous Substances Pollution
Contingency Plan (NCP). This direct
requirements.
final deletion is being published by the
Dated: August 6, 2015.
EPA with the concurrence of the State
Susan Lewis,
of Alabama, through the Alabama
Director, Registration Division, Office of
Department of Environmental
Pesticide Programs.
Management (ADEM), because the EPA
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
has determined that all appropriate
amended as follows:
response actions under CERCLA have
been completed. However, this deletion
PART 180—[AMENDED]
does not preclude future actions under
Superfund.
■ 1. The authority citation for part 180
DATES: This direct final deletion is
continues to read as follows:
effective September 28, 2015 unless the
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
EPA receives adverse comments by
■ 2. In § 180.448, add alphabetically the
September 14, 2015. If adverse
following commodities to the table in
comments are received, the EPA will
paragraph (c) to read as follows:
publish a timely withdrawal of the
direct final deletion in the Federal
§ 180.448 Hexythiazox; tolerances for
Register informing the public that the
residues.
deletion will not take effect.
*
*
*
*
*
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
(c) * * *
identified by Docket ID No., EPA–HQ–
SFUND–1990–0010, by one of the
Parts per
Commodity
million
following methods:
• www.regulations.gov Follow the online instructions for submitting
*
*
*
*
*
comments.
Wheat, forage (EPA Region
• Email: johnston.shelby@epa.gov
11 only) .............................
6.0
• Fax: (404) 562–8896, Attention:
Wheat, hay (EPA Region 11
only) ..................................
30 Shelby Johnston.
• Mail: Shelby Johnston, Remedial
Wheat, grain (EPA Region
11 only) .............................
0.02 Project Manager, Superfund Restoration
and Sustainability Branch, Superfund
Wheat, straw (EPA Region
11 only) .............................
8.0 Division, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street,
*
*
*
*
*
SW., Atlanta, Georgia 30303–8960.
[FR Doc. 2015–20012 Filed 8–13–15; 8:45 am]
• Hand Delivery: U.S. Environmental
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth
PO 00000
Frm 00075
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\14AUR1.SGM
14AUR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 157 (Friday, August 14, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48753-48757]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-20012]
[[Page 48753]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0804; FRL-9931-30]
Hexythiazox; Pesticide Tolerances
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of
hexythiazox in or on wheat, forage; wheat, hay; wheat, grain; and
wheat, straw. Gowan Company requested these tolerances under the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective August 14, 2015. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before October 13, 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-2014-0804, 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, 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 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-2014-0804 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
October 13, 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-2014-0804, 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 11, 2015 (80 FR 7559) (FRL-
9921-94), 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
4F8315) by Gowan Company, P.O. Box 5569, Yuma, AZ 85366. The petition
requested that 40 CFR 180.448 be amended by establishing tolerances for
residues of the insecticide hexythiazox and its metabolites containing
the (4-chlorophenyl)-4-methyl-2-oxo-3-thiazolidine moiety, in or on
wheat, forage at 6.0 parts per million (ppm); wheat, hay at 30 ppm;
wheat, grain at 0.02; and wheat, straw at 8.0 ppm. That document
referenced a summary of the petition prepared by Gowan Company, the
registrant, which is available in the docket, https://www.regulations.gov. There were no comments received in response to the
notice of filing.
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
[[Page 48754]]
aggregate exposure for hexythiazox including exposure resulting from
the tolerances established by this action. EPA's assessment of
exposures and risks associated with hexythiazox 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. Hexythiazox has low acute toxicity by the oral, dermal and
inhalation routes of exposure. It produces mild eye irritation, is not
a dermal irritant, and is negative for dermal sensitization.
Hexythiazox is associated with toxicity of the liver and adrenals
following subchronic and chronic exposure to dogs, rats and mice, with
the dog being the most sensitive species. The prenatal developmental
studies in rabbits and rats and the 2-generation reproduction study in
rats showed no indication of increased susceptibility to in utero or
postnatal exposure to hexythiazox. Reproductive toxicity was not
observed. There is no concern for immunotoxicity or neurotoxicity
following exposure to hexythiazox. The toxicology database for
hexythiazox does not show any evidence of treatment-related effects on
the immune system. Hexythiazox is classified as ``likely to be
carcinogenic to humans''; however, the evidence as a whole is not
strong enough to warrant a quantitative estimation of human cancer
risk. Since the effects seen in the study that serves as the basis for
the chronic RfD occurred at doses substantially below the lowest dose
that induced tumors, the chronic RfD is considered protective of all
chronic effects including potential carcinogenicity.
Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the
adverse effects caused by hexythiazox as well as the no-observed-
adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-adverse-effect-
level (LOAEL) from the toxicity studies can be found at https://www.regulations.gov in document: Hexythiazox. Human Health Risk
Assessment to Support New Uses on Wheat and Pepper/Eggplant Subgroup 8-
10B in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0804.
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.
A summary of the toxicological endpoints for hexythiazox used for
human risk assessment is shown in Table 1 of this unit.
Table 1--Summary of Toxicological Doses and Endpoints for Hexythiazox for Use in Human Health Risk Assessment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point of departure and
Exposure/Scenario uncertainty/Safety RfD, PAD, LOC for risk Study and toxicological
factors assessment effects
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acute dietary (All populations).... No risk is expected from this exposure scenario as no hazard was identified
in any toxicity study for this duration of exposure.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chronic dietary (All populations).. NOAEL = 2.5 mg/kg/day. Chronic RfD = 0.025 mg/ One-Year Toxicity Feeding
UFA = 10x............. kg/day. Study--Dog.
UFH = 10x............. cPAD = 0.025.......... LOAEL = 12.5 mg/kg/day
FQPA SF = 1x.......... based on increased
absolute and relative
adrenal weights and
associated adrenal
histopathology.
Incidental oral short-term (1 to 30 NOAEL = 30 mg/kg/day.. LOC for MOE = 100..... 2-Generation Reproduction
days ) and intermediate-term (1 to UFA = 10x............. Study--Rat.
6 months). UFH = 10x............. LOAEL = 180 mg/kg/day based
FQPA SF = 1x.......... on decreased pup body
weight during lactation
and delayed hair growth
and/or eye opening, and
decreased parental body-
weight gain and increased
absolute and relative
liver, kidney, and adrenal
weights.
Co-Critical
13-Week Oral Toxicity
Study--Rat.
NOAEL = 5.5 mg/kg/day.
LOAEL = 38 mg/kg/day, based
on increased absolute and
relative liver weights in
both sexes, increased
relative ovarian and
kidney weights, and fatty
degeneration of the
adrenal zona fasciculata.
@397.5/257.6 mg/kg/day,
decreased body-weight gain
in females, slight
swelling of hepatocytes in
central zone (both sexes),
increased incidence of
glomerulonephrosis in
males, increased adrenal
weights.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 48755]]
Cancer (oral, dermal, inhalation).. Classification: ``Likely to be Carcinogenic to Humans''. Insufficient
evidence to warrant a quantitative estimation of human risk using a cancer
slope factor based on the common liver tumors (benign and malignant)
observed only in high dose female mice, and benign mammary gland tumors of
no biological significance, observed only in high dose male rats in the
absence of mutagenic concerns. The chronic RfD is protective of all
chronic effects including potential carcinogenicity of hexythiazox.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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).
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to hexythiazox, EPA considered exposure under the petitioned-
for tolerances as well as all existing hexythiazox tolerances in 40 CFR
180.448. EPA assessed dietary exposures from hexythiazox 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. No such effects were
identified in the toxicological studies for hexythiazox; therefore, a
quantitative acute dietary exposure assessment is unnecessary.
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure
assessment EPA used the food consumption data from the U.S. Department
of Agriculture's 2003-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination
Survey, What We Eat in America (NHANES/WWEIA). As to residue levels in
food, EPA used tolerance level residues, assumed 100 percent crop
treated (PCT), and incorporated Dietary Exposure Evaluation Model
(DEEM) default processing factors when processing data were not
available.
iii. Cancer. EPA determines whether quantitative cancer exposure
and risk assessments are appropriate for a food-use pesticide based on
the weight of the evidence from cancer studies and other relevant data.
Cancer risk is quantified using a linear or nonlinear approach. If
sufficient information on the carcinogenic mode of action is available,
a threshold or nonlinear approach is used and a cancer RfD is
calculated based on an earlier noncancer key event. If carcinogenic
mode of action data are not available, or if the mode of action data
determines a mutagenic mode of action, a default linear cancer slope
factor approach is utilized. Based on the data summarized in Unit
III.A., EPA has concluded that a nonlinear RfD approach is appropriate
for assessing cancer risk to hexythiazox. Cancer risk was assessed
using the same exposure estimates as discussed in Unit III.C.1.ii.,
chronic exposure.
iv. Anticipated residue and percent crop treated (PCT) information.
EPA did not use anticipated residue and/or PCT information in the
dietary assessment for hexythiazox. Tolerance level residues and/or 100
PCT were assumed for all food commodities.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The Agency used screening
level water exposure models in the dietary exposure analysis and risk
assessment for hexythiazox in drinking water. These simulation models
take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/transport
characteristics of hexythiazox. 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 Surface Water Concentration Calculator (SWCC), the
estimated drinking water concentrations (EDWCs) of hexythiazox for
chronic exposures for non-cancer assessments are estimated to be 4.3
ppb for surface water. Since groundwater residues are not expected to
exceed surface water residues, surface water residues were used in the
dietary risk assessment. Modeled estimates of drinking water
concentrations 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., for lawn and garden pest control, indoor pest control,
termiticides, and flea and tick control on pets). Hexythiazox is
currently registered for the following uses that could result in
residential exposures: ornamental plantings, turf, and fruit and nut
trees in residential settings. EPA assessed residential exposure using
the following assumptions: Residential handler exposures are expected
to be short-term (1 to 30 days) via either the dermal or inhalation
routes of exposures. Since a quantitative dermal risk assessment is not
needed for hexythiazox, handler MOEs were calculated for the inhalation
route of exposure only. Both adults and children may be exposed to
hexythiazox residues from contact with treated lawns or treated
residential plants. Post application exposures are expected to be
short-term (1 to 30 days) and intermediate-term (1 to 6 months) in
duration. Adult postapplication exposures were not assessed since no
quantitative dermal risk assessment is needed for hexythiazox and
inhalation exposures are typically negligible in outdoor settings. The
exposure assessment for children included incidental oral exposure
resulting from transfer of residues from the hands or objects to the
mouth, and from incidental ingestion of soil. Further information
regarding EPA standard assumptions and generic inputs for residential
exposures may be found at https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/science/residential-exposure-sop.html.
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 hexythiazox to share a common mechanism of
toxicity with any other substances, and hexythiazox does not appear to
produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the
purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that
hexythiazox does not have a common mechanism of toxicity with other
substances. For information regarding EPA's efforts to determine which
chemicals have a common
[[Page 48756]]
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. The prenatal and postnatal
toxicology data base indicates no increased susceptibility of rats or
rabbits to in utero and/or postnatal exposure to hexythiazox.
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 hexythiazox is complete.
ii. There is no indication that hexythiazox is a neurotoxic
chemical and there is no need for a developmental neurotoxicity study
or additional UFs to account for neurotoxicity.
iii. There is no evidence that hexythiazox results in increased
susceptibility in in utero rats or rabbits in the prenatal
developmental studies or in young rats in the 2-generation reproduction
study.
iv. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure
databases. EPA made conservative (protective) assumptions in the ground
and surface water modeling used to assess exposure to hexythiazox in
drinking water. EPA used similarly conservative assumptions to assess
postapplication exposure of children as well as incidental oral
exposure of toddlers. These assessments will not underestimate the
exposure and risks posed by hexythiazox.
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. 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,
hexythiazox 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
hexythiazox from food and water will utilize 81% of the cPAD for
children 1-2 years of age, 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
hexythiazox 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).
Hexythiazox 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 hexythiazox.
Using the exposure assumptions described in this unit for short-
term exposures, EPA has concluded the combined short-term food, water,
and residential exposures result in aggregate MOEs of 1291 for children
and 8626 for adults. Because EPA's level of concern for hexythiazox 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).
Hexythiazox is currently registered for uses that could result in
intermediate-term residential exposure, and the Agency has determined
that it is appropriate to aggregate chronic exposure through food and
water with intermediate-term residential exposures to hexythiazox.
Using the exposure assumptions described in this unit for
intermediate-term exposures, EPA has concluded that the combined
intermediate-term food, water, and residential exposures result in
aggregate MOEs of 1474 for children and 8808 for adults. Because EPA's
level of concern for hexythiazox is a MOE of 100 or below, these MOEs
are not of concern.
5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. As discussed in Unit
III. C.1.iii., EPA concluded that regulation based on the chronic
reference dose will be protective for both chronic and carcinogenic
risks. As noted in this unit there are no chronic risks of concern.
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 hexythiazox residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodology (high performance liquid
chromatography method with UV detection (HPLC/UV)) is available to
enforce the tolerance expression. This method is listed in the U.S. EPA
Index of Residue Analytical Methods under hexythiazox as method AMR-
985-87.
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 a MRL for hexythiazox in/on wheat,
therefore, there are no harmonization issues associated with this
action.
V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established for residues of hexythiazox
and its
[[Page 48757]]
metabolites containing the (4-chlorophenyl)-4-methyl-2-oxo-3-
thiazolidine moiety, as petitioned.
VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
This action 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 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 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 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 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).
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: August 6, 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. 180.448, add alphabetically the following commodities to
the table in paragraph (c) to read as follows:
Sec. 180.448 Hexythiazox; tolerances for residues.
* * * * *
(c) * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parts per
Commodity million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
Wheat, forage (EPA Region 11 only)...................... 6.0
Wheat, hay (EPA Region 11 only)......................... 30
Wheat, grain (EPA Region 11 only)....................... 0.02
Wheat, straw (EPA Region 11 only)....................... 8.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2015-20012 Filed 8-13-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P