Di-n-butyl Adipate; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance, 78937-78941 [2016-27209]
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 218 / Thursday, November 10, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
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[FR Doc. 2016–27204 Filed 11–9–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
I. General Information
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–0631; FRL–9954–58]
Di-n-butyl Adipate; 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
adipate (CAS Reg. No. 105–99–7) when
used as an inert ingredient (plasticizer)
at a concentration of not more than 25%
by weight in pesticide formulations
intended for varroa mite control around
bee hives. Bayer Healthcare, LLC
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-nbutyl adipate.
DATES: This regulation is effective
November 10, 2016. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received
on or before January 9, 2017, 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–2015–0631, 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
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
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A. Does this action apply to me?
You may be potentially affected by
this action if you are an agricultural
producer, food manufacturer, or
pesticide manufacturer. The following
list of North American Industrial
Classification System (NAICS) codes is
not intended to be exhaustive, but rather
provides a guide to help readers
determine whether this document
applies to them. Potentially affected
entities may include:
• Crop production (NAICS code 111).
• Animal production (NAICS code
112).
• Food manufacturing (NAICS code
311).
• Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS
code 32532).
B. How can I get electronic access to
other related information?
You may access a frequently updated
electronic version of 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–2015–0631 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 January 9, 2017. Addresses for
mail and hand delivery of objections
and hearing requests are provided in 40
CFR 178.25(b).
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78937
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–
2015–0631, 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 October 21,
2015 (80 FR 63731) (FRL–9935–29),
EPA issued a document pursuant to
FFDCA section 408, 21 U.S.C. 346a,
announcing the filing of a pesticide
petition (PP IN–10838) by Bayer
Healthcare, LLC, Animal Health
Division, P.O. Box 390 Shawnee
Mission, KS 66201. The petition
requested that 40 CFR 180.910 be
amended by establishing an exemption
from the requirement of a tolerance for
residues of di-n-butyl adipate, (CAS
Reg. No. 105–99–7) when used as an
inert ingredient (plasticizer) intended
for varroa mite control around bee
hives. That document referenced a
summary of the petition prepared by
Bayer Healthcare, LLC, the petitioner,
which is available in the docket, https://
www.regulations.gov. There were no
comments received in response to the
notice of filing.
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
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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;
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 exemption is ‘‘safe.’’
Section 408(c)(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 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 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
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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
adipate including exposure resulting
from the exemption established by this
action. EPA’s assessment of exposures
and risks associated with di-n-butyl
adipate 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 adipate as well as the noobserved-adverse-effect level (NOAEL)
and the lowest-observed-adverse-effect
level (LOAEL) from the toxicity studies
are discussed in this unit.
Di-n-butyl adipate is of low acute oral
toxicity, with an oral lethal dose (LD)50
in rats of 1.52 gram/kilogram (g/kg)
body weight. An 8-hour inhalation
exposure to air saturated with di-n-butyl
adipate caused no deaths in a group of
6 albino rats. Di-n-butyl adipate as not
acutely toxic to rabbits by the dermal
route, with a dermal LD50 of 19.24 g/kg.
Non-standard dermal irritation studies
suggest that di-n-butyl adipate is a
dermal irritant. Eye irritation studies in
rabbits indicated minor eye irritation
with recovery in a few days. Di-n-butyl
adipate is not a dermal sensitizer in
guinea pigs.
In two separate Ames Assays, no
mutations were induced in any bacterial
strain at any concentration of di-n-butyl
adipate with or without metabolic
activation. A chromosomal aberration
assay was conducted on di-n-butyl
adipate using cultured Chinese Hamster
lung (CHL/IU) cells. Details of the study
were not reported, but structural
chromosome aberrations were reported
in this study with metabolic activation.
In an in vivo micronucleus assay, no
cytotoxic effects were identified in the
bone marrow cells, and there was no
significant increase in the number of
cells with micronuclei at any dose or
time after dosing.
In a reproduction and developmental
toxicity study, male and female rats
received di-n-butyl adipate at oral doses
of 0, 100, 300 and 1,000 milligram/
kilogram/day (mg/kg/day). There was no
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effect of di-n-butyl adipate exposure on
any of the reproductive parameters
measured. Pup body weight in the 1,000
mg/kg/day group was slightly reduced
compared to controls at birth and on
postnatal day 4. The study noobservable-adverse-effect level (NOAEL)
for general toxicity in the parental
generation of 300 mg/kg/day is based on
the increase in kidney weights in males
and females at 1,000 mg/kg/day. The
NOAEL for reproduction in male and
female rats was 1,000 mg/kg. The
NOAEL for the F1 generation (offspring
toxicity) was 300 mg/kg/day.
The potential effects of repeated oral
exposure to di-n-butyl adipate were
evaluated in Sprague-Dawley rats in a
28-day toxicity test. Male and female
rats received gavage doses of di-n-butyl
adipate of 0, 20, 140, or 1000 mg/kg/
day. No test substance-related changes
were seen in any of the monitored
endpoints. The NOAEL in both males
and females was 1,000 mg/kg/day.
The results of the OncoLogic
Quantitative Structure Activity
Relationship (QSAR) model has not
identified any concerns for
carcinogenicity relating to di-n-butyl
adipate.
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.
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No acute toxicological endpoint of
concern has been identified for di-nbutyl adipate. On the basis of the
reproduction study (OECD Preliminary
Reproduction Test), the NOAEL for din-butyl adipate was 300 mg/kg/day for
offspring toxicity based on decreased in
pup body weights seen at the LOAEL of
1,000 mg/kg/day was selected for risk
assessment. The available toxicology
data support that an Food Quality
Protection Act safety factor (FQPA SF)
of 3X for di-n-butyl adipate should be
retained to account for uncertainties
associated with subchronic to chronic
extrapolation. Therefore, the chronic
population adjusted dose (cPAD) is 1
mg/kg/day based upon a NOAEL of 300
mg/kg/day and the use of 10X factors for
intra- and inter-species variability and
an FQPA SF of 3X.
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and
feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to di-n-butyl adipate, EPA
considered exposure under the
proposed exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance. EPA
assessed dietary exposures from di-nbutyl adipate in food as follows:
Acute and chronic dietary
assessments take into account exposure
estimates from dietary consumption of
food and drinking water. The Agency
assessed the dietary exposures to di-nbutyl adipate as an inert ingredient at no
more than 25% in the plastic of strips
containing pesticides that are placed at
the entrance to bee hives.
No adverse effects attributable to a
single exposure to di-n-butyl adipate
were seen in the toxicity databases;
therefore, an acute dietary risk
assessment is not appropriate.
In conducting the chronic dietary
exposure assessment to di-n-butyl
adipate the Dietary Exposure Evaluation
Model/Food Commodity Intake
Database (DEEM–FCID)TM, Version
3.16 was used. 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 adipate.
In the absence of specific residue data,
EPA has developed an approach that
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
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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. Adjustments were made to the
DEEM model estimates for oral exposure
from the use of di-n-butyl adipate to
account for the use of not more than
25% di-n-butyl adipate in strips
containing pesticides that are placed at
the entrance to bee hives (for honey and
including exposure through drinking
water).
The Agency has not identified any
concerns for carcinogenicity relating to
di-n-butyl adipate; therefore, a cancer
dietary exposure assessment was not
performed.
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
adipate, a conservative drinking water
concentration value of 100 parts per
billion (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).
Di-n-butyl adipate may be used in
inert ingredients in products that are
registered for specific uses that may
result in residential exposure, such as
pesticides used in and around the home.
Based on the available data for products
registered for residential use, the
Agency SOPs concluded that products
containing inert chemicals similar to din-butyl adipate usually comprise no
more than 2–5% of the inert ingredient
in the final product. Therefore, the
Agency conducted an assessment to
represent conservative residential
exposure by assessing di-n-butyl adipate
in pesticide formulations (outdoor
scenarios) and in disinfectant-type uses
(indoor scenarios) at no more than 5%
in the final formulation.
4. Cumulative effects from substances
with a common mechanism of toxicity.
Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA
requires that, when considering whether
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to establish, modify, or revoke a
tolerance or exemption from 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 adipate
to share a common mechanism of
toxicity with any other substances, and
di-n-butyl adipate 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 adipate 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 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.
Considering the overall toxicity profile
and the endpoints and doses selected
for di-n-butyl adipate, the degree of
concern for the effects observed in the
di-n-butyl adipate reproductive and
developmental toxicity screening study
is low, with a clear NOAEL for the
offspring effects and regulatory doses
selected to be protective of any observed
effects. No other residual uncertainties
were identified with respect to
susceptibility.
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 3X. That decision is
based on the following findings:
i. The toxicity database for di-n-butyl
adipate is adequate to assess the safety
of this chemical. However, to account
for potential adverse effects from
chronic exposures, an FQPA SF of 3X is
retained to account for the extrapolation
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of adverse effects seen in subchronic
toxicity studies to chronic exposure
scenarios.
ii. There is no indication that di-nbutyl adipate is a neurotoxic chemical
and there is no need for a
developmental neurotoxicity study or
additional uncertainty factors (UFs) to
account for neurotoxicity.
iii. There is some indication that
potential effects of di-n-butyl adipate
results in increased susceptibility in
young rats in the 2-generation
reproduction study but the concern is
low due to the selected endpoints.
iv. There are no residual uncertainties
identified in the exposure databases.
The dietary food exposure assessments
were performed based on 100% CT and
tolerance-level residues. EPA made
conservative (protective) assumptions in
the ground and surface water modeling
used to assess exposure to di-n-butyl
adipate 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 di-n-butyl adipate.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of
Safety
Determination of safety section. 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, di-n-butyl adipate 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
adipate from food and water will utilize
<1% of the cPAD for all population
subgroups.
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
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(considered to be a background
exposure level).
A short- and intermediate-term
adverse effect was identified from the
chronic oral end-point. Although di-nbutyl adipate is not currently used as an
inert ingredient in pesticide products
that are registered for any use patterns
that would result in short- or
intermediate-term residential exposure,
there is a possibility that di-n-butyl
adipate could be used in residential
pesticide products that would result in
short- or intermediate-term residential
exposure. As a result, the Agency has
determined that it is appropriate to
aggregate chronic exposure through food
and water with short- and intermediateterm residential exposures to di-n-butyl
adipate.
Using the exposure assumptions
described above, EPA has concluded
that the combined chronic food and
water, and short- and intermediate-term
residential exposures result in aggregate
MOEs of 1700 for adult males and
females. Adult residential exposure
combines liquids/trigger sprayer/home
garden use with a high end post
application dermal exposure from
contact with treated lawns. As the level
of concern is for MOEs that are lower
than 100, this MOE is not of concern.
EPA has concluded the combined shortand intermediate-term aggregated food,
water, and residential exposures result
in an aggregate MOE of 3200 for
children. Children’s residential
exposure includes total exposures
associated with contact with treated
surfaces (dermal and hand-to-mouth
exposures). As the level of concern is for
MOEs that are lower than 100, this MOE
is not of concern.
4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S.
population. Results of a predictive
Quantitative Structure Activity
Relationship (QSAR) model using the
OncoLogicTM Model (EPA, 2013b,
version 8.0) indicate no evidence for
carcinogenicity of di-n-butyl adipate.
Based on the lack of evidence of
carcinogenicity in the toxicity database
and the model results, di-n-butyl
adipate 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
adipate residues.
V. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Although EPA is establishing a
limitation on the amount of di-n-butyl
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adipate that may be used in pesticide
formulations, an analytical enforcement
methodology is not necessary for this
exemption from the requirement of
tolerance. The 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 pesticide for sale or
distribution for use on growing crops or
raw agricultural commodities after
harvest with concentrations of di-nbutyl adipate exceeding 25% by weight
of the formulation.
B. Revisions to Petitioned-for Tolerances
Although not indicated the
petitioner’s notice of filing (NOF), the
proposed concentration of di-n-butyl
adipate indicated is not to exceed a
maximum of 25%.
VI. Conclusions
Therefore, an exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance is established
under 40 CFR 180.910 for di-n-butyl
adipate (CAS Reg. No. 105–99–7) when
used at no more than 25% by weight in
pesticide formulation for varroa mite
control around bee hives.
VII. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
This action establishes an exemption
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
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78941
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 218 / Thursday, November 10, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
the exemption 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).
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).
Inert ingredients
*
*
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 622
[Docket No. 101206604–1758–02]
RIN 0648–XF017
Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources
of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic
Region; 2016–2017 Commercial
Accountability Measures and Closure
for King Mackerel in the Florida West
Coast Northern Subzone
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; closure.
AGENCY:
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
amended as follows:
PART 180—[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for part 180
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
2. In § 180.910, 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.
*
NMFS implements
accountability measures (AMs) for
commercially harvested king mackerel
in the Florida west coast northern
SUMMARY:
16:33 Nov 09, 2016
*
*
*
*
Uses
*
*
*
*
*
Not to exceed 25% by weight of Plasticizer in pesticide formulations for varroa mite control around bee
pesticide formulation.
hives
[FR Doc. 2016–27209 Filed 11–9–16; 8:45 am]
VerDate Sep<11>2014
Dated: October 28, 2016.
Rachel C. Holloman,
Acting Director, Registration Division, Office
of Pesticide Programs.
Limits
*
*
di-n-Butyl adipate (CAS Reg. No.
105–99–7).
*
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection,
Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides
and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
Jkt 241001
*
*
subzone of the eastern zone of the Gulf
of Mexico (Gulf) exclusive economic
zone (EEZ) through this temporary rule.
NMFS has determined that the
commercial quota for king mackerel in
the eastern zone, Florida west coast
northern subzone of the Gulf EEZ will
be reached by November 10, 2016.
Therefore, NMFS closes the Florida
west coast northern subzone to
commercial fishing for king mackerel on
November 10, 2016, to protect the Gulf
king mackerel resource.
DATES: The closure is effective at noon,
local time, November 10, 2016, until
12:01 a.m., local time, on October 1,
2017.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Susan Gerhart, NMFS Southeast
Regional Office, telephone: 727–824–
5305, email: susan.gerhart@noaa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
fishery for coastal migratory pelagic fish
includes king mackerel, Spanish
mackerel, and cobia, and is managed
under the Fishery Management Plan for
Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources in
the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region
(FMP). The FMP was prepared by the
PO 00000
Frm 00043
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
*
*
Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic
Fishery Management Councils and is
implemented by NMFS under the
authority of the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management
Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) by
regulations at 50 CFR part 622.
The Gulf migratory group of king
mackerel is divided into western and
eastern zones. The Gulf’s eastern zone
for king mackerel is further divided into
the Florida west coast northern and
southern subzones that have separate
commercial quotas. The Florida west
coast northern subzone is that part of
the Gulf EEZ between 26°19.8′ N. lat., a
line extending directly west from the
boundary between Lee and Collier
Counties, Florida, and 87°31.1′ W. long.,
a line extending directly south from the
state boundary of Alabama and Florida.
The commercial quota for the Florida
west coast northern subzone is 178,848
lb (81,124 kg), round or gutted weight,
as specified in 50 CFR
622.384(b)(1)(i)(B)(2).
Regulations at 50 CFR 622.8(b) and 50
CFR 622.388(a)(1)(i) require NMFS to
close the commercial sector for Gulf
migratory group king mackerel in the
E:\FR\FM\10NOR1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 218 (Thursday, November 10, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 78937-78941]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-27209]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0631; FRL-9954-58]
Di-n-butyl Adipate; 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 adipate (CAS Reg. No. 105-99-
7) when used as an inert ingredient (plasticizer) at a concentration of
not more than 25% by weight in pesticide formulations intended for
varroa mite control around bee hives. Bayer Healthcare, LLC 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 adipate.
DATES: This regulation is effective November 10, 2016. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before January 9, 2017,
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-2015-0631, 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: Michael Goodis, 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 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-2015-0631 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
January 9, 2017. 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-2015-0631, 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 October 21, 2015 (80 FR 63731) (FRL-
9935-29), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 408, 21
U.S.C. 346a, announcing the filing of a pesticide petition (PP IN-
10838) by Bayer Healthcare, LLC, Animal Health Division, P.O. Box 390
Shawnee Mission, KS 66201. The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.910
be amended by establishing an exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance for residues of di-n-butyl adipate, (CAS Reg. No. 105-99-7)
when used as an inert ingredient (plasticizer) intended for varroa mite
control around bee hives. That document referenced a summary of the
petition prepared by Bayer Healthcare, LLC, the petitioner, which is
available in the docket, https://www.regulations.gov. There were no
comments received in response to the notice of filing.
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
[[Page 78938]]
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;
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 exemption is ``safe.'' Section 408(c)(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 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 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 adipate including
exposure resulting from the exemption established by this action. EPA's
assessment of exposures and risks associated with di-n-butyl adipate
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 adipate 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 adipate is of low acute oral toxicity, with an oral
lethal dose (LD)50 in rats of 1.52 gram/kilogram (g/kg) body
weight. An 8-hour inhalation exposure to air saturated with di-n-butyl
adipate caused no deaths in a group of 6 albino rats. Di-n-butyl
adipate as not acutely toxic to rabbits by the dermal route, with a
dermal LD50 of 19.24 g/kg. Non-standard dermal irritation
studies suggest that di-n-butyl adipate is a dermal irritant. Eye
irritation studies in rabbits indicated minor eye irritation with
recovery in a few days. Di-n-butyl adipate is not a dermal sensitizer
in guinea pigs.
In two separate Ames Assays, no mutations were induced in any
bacterial strain at any concentration of di-n-butyl adipate with or
without metabolic activation. A chromosomal aberration assay was
conducted on di-n-butyl adipate using cultured Chinese Hamster lung
(CHL/IU) cells. Details of the study were not reported, but structural
chromosome aberrations were reported in this study with metabolic
activation. In an in vivo micronucleus assay, no cytotoxic effects were
identified in the bone marrow cells, and there was no significant
increase in the number of cells with micronuclei at any dose or time
after dosing.
In a reproduction and developmental toxicity study, male and female
rats received di-n-butyl adipate at oral doses of 0, 100, 300 and 1,000
milligram/kilogram/day (mg/kg/day). There was no effect of di-n-butyl
adipate exposure on any of the reproductive parameters measured. Pup
body weight in the 1,000 mg/kg/day group was slightly reduced compared
to controls at birth and on postnatal day 4. The study no-observable-
adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for general toxicity in the parental
generation of 300 mg/kg/day is based on the increase in kidney weights
in males and females at 1,000 mg/kg/day. The NOAEL for reproduction in
male and female rats was 1,000 mg/kg. The NOAEL for the F1
generation (offspring toxicity) was 300 mg/kg/day.
The potential effects of repeated oral exposure to di-n-butyl
adipate were evaluated in Sprague-Dawley rats in a 28-day toxicity
test. Male and female rats received gavage doses of di-n-butyl adipate
of 0, 20, 140, or 1000 mg/kg/day. No test substance-related changes
were seen in any of the monitored endpoints. The NOAEL in both males
and females was 1,000 mg/kg/day.
The results of the OncoLogic Quantitative Structure Activity
Relationship (QSAR) model has not identified any concerns for
carcinogenicity relating to di-n-butyl adipate.
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.
[[Page 78939]]
No acute toxicological endpoint of concern has been identified for
di-n-butyl adipate. On the basis of the reproduction study (OECD
Preliminary Reproduction Test), the NOAEL for di-n-butyl adipate was
300 mg/kg/day for offspring toxicity based on decreased in pup body
weights seen at the LOAEL of 1,000 mg/kg/day was selected for risk
assessment. The available toxicology data support that an Food Quality
Protection Act safety factor (FQPA SF) of 3X for di-n-butyl adipate
should be retained to account for uncertainties associated with
subchronic to chronic extrapolation. Therefore, the chronic population
adjusted dose (cPAD) is 1 mg/kg/day based upon a NOAEL of 300 mg/kg/day
and the use of 10X factors for intra- and inter-species variability and
an FQPA SF of 3X.
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to di-n-butyl adipate, EPA considered exposure under the
proposed exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. EPA assessed
dietary exposures from di-n-butyl adipate in food as follows:
Acute and chronic dietary assessments take into account exposure
estimates from dietary consumption of food and drinking water. The
Agency assessed the dietary exposures to di-n-butyl adipate as an inert
ingredient at no more than 25% in the plastic of strips containing
pesticides that are placed at the entrance to bee hives.
No adverse effects attributable to a single exposure to di-n-butyl
adipate were seen in the toxicity databases; therefore, an acute
dietary risk assessment is not appropriate.
In conducting the chronic dietary exposure assessment to di-n-butyl
adipate the Dietary Exposure Evaluation Model/Food Commodity Intake
Database (DEEM-FCID)TM, Version 3.16 was used. 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 adipate. In the absence of specific residue data, EPA has
developed an approach that 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. Adjustments were made to the
DEEM model estimates for oral exposure from the use of di-n-butyl
adipate to account for the use of not more than 25% di-n-butyl adipate
in strips containing pesticides that are placed at the entrance to bee
hives (for honey and including exposure through drinking water).
The Agency has not identified any concerns for carcinogenicity
relating to di-n-butyl adipate; therefore, a cancer dietary exposure
assessment was not performed.
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 adipate, a
conservative drinking water concentration value of 100 parts per
billion (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).
Di-n-butyl adipate may be used in inert ingredients in products
that are registered for specific uses that may result in residential
exposure, such as pesticides used in and around the home. Based on the
available data for products registered for residential use, the Agency
SOPs concluded that products containing inert chemicals similar to di-
n-butyl adipate usually comprise no more than 2-5% of the inert
ingredient in the final product. Therefore, the Agency conducted an
assessment to represent conservative residential exposure by assessing
di-n-butyl adipate in pesticide formulations (outdoor scenarios) and in
disinfectant-type uses (indoor scenarios) at no more than 5% in the
final formulation.
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 or
exemption from 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 adipate to share a common mechanism of
toxicity with any other substances, and di-n-butyl adipate 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 adipate 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 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. Considering the overall
toxicity profile and the endpoints and doses selected for di-n-butyl
adipate, the degree of concern for the effects observed in the di-n-
butyl adipate reproductive and developmental toxicity screening study
is low, with a clear NOAEL for the offspring effects and regulatory
doses selected to be protective of any observed effects. No other
residual uncertainties were identified with respect to susceptibility.
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 3X. That decision is based on the following
findings:
i. The toxicity database for di-n-butyl adipate is adequate to
assess the safety of this chemical. However, to account for potential
adverse effects from chronic exposures, an FQPA SF of 3X is retained to
account for the extrapolation
[[Page 78940]]
of adverse effects seen in subchronic toxicity studies to chronic
exposure scenarios.
ii. There is no indication that di-n-butyl adipate is a neurotoxic
chemical and there is no need for a developmental neurotoxicity study
or additional uncertainty factors (UFs) to account for neurotoxicity.
iii. There is some indication that potential effects of di-n-butyl
adipate results in increased susceptibility in young rats in the 2-
generation reproduction study but the concern is low due to the
selected endpoints.
iv. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure
databases. The dietary food exposure assessments were performed based
on 100% CT and tolerance-level residues. EPA made conservative
(protective) assumptions in the ground and surface water modeling used
to assess exposure to di-n-butyl adipate 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 di-
n-butyl adipate.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety
Determination of safety section. 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,
di-n-butyl adipate 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 adipate from food and water will utilize <1% of the cPAD for
all population subgroups.
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).
A short- and intermediate-term adverse effect was identified from
the chronic oral end-point. Although di-n-butyl adipate is not
currently used as an inert ingredient in pesticide products that are
registered for any use patterns that would result in short- or
intermediate-term residential exposure, there is a possibility that di-
n-butyl adipate could be used in residential pesticide products that
would result in short- or intermediate-term residential exposure. As a
result, the Agency has determined that it is appropriate to aggregate
chronic exposure through food and water with short- and intermediate-
term residential exposures to di-n-butyl adipate.
Using the exposure assumptions described above, EPA has concluded
that the combined chronic food and water, and short- and intermediate-
term residential exposures result in aggregate MOEs of 1700 for adult
males and females. Adult residential exposure combines liquids/trigger
sprayer/home garden use with a high end post application dermal
exposure from contact with treated lawns. As the level of concern is
for MOEs that are lower than 100, this MOE is not of concern. EPA has
concluded the combined short- and intermediate-term aggregated food,
water, and residential exposures result in an aggregate MOE of 3200 for
children. Children's residential exposure includes total exposures
associated with contact with treated surfaces (dermal and hand-to-mouth
exposures). As the level of concern is for MOEs that are lower than
100, this MOE is not of concern.
4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Results of a
predictive Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR) model
using the OncoLogicTM Model (EPA, 2013b, version 8.0)
indicate no evidence for carcinogenicity of di-n-butyl adipate. Based
on the lack of evidence of carcinogenicity in the toxicity database and
the model results, di-n-butyl adipate 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 adipate residues.
V. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Although EPA is establishing a limitation on the amount of di-n-
butyl adipate that may be used in pesticide formulations, an analytical
enforcement methodology is not necessary for this exemption from the
requirement of tolerance. The 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 pesticide for sale or distribution for use on growing
crops or raw agricultural commodities after harvest with concentrations
of di-n-butyl adipate exceeding 25% by weight of the formulation.
B. Revisions to Petitioned-for Tolerances
Although not indicated the petitioner's notice of filing (NOF), the
proposed concentration of di-n-butyl adipate indicated is not to exceed
a maximum of 25%.
VI. Conclusions
Therefore, an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is
established under 40 CFR 180.910 for di-n-butyl adipate (CAS Reg. No.
105-99-7) when used at no more than 25% by weight in pesticide
formulation for varroa mite control around bee hives.
VII. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
This action establishes an exemption 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
[[Page 78941]]
the exemption 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).
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: October 28, 2016.
Rachel C. Holloman,
Acting 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 adipate (CAS Reg. Not to exceed 25% Plasticizer in
No. 105-99-7). by weight of pesticide
pesticide formulations for
formulation. varroa mite control
around bee hives
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
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[FR Doc. 2016-27209 Filed 11-9-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P