Pesticide Broadcast (Newsletter)

Stephen J. Toth, Jr., Pest Management Information Specialist
Wayne G. Buhler, Pesticide Education Specialist

Volume 17, Number 4, July 23, 2007

Products Intended for the Control of Public Health Pests Must Be Effective

The Office of Pesticide Programs has concluded that products being sold to control pests that are known to carry West Nile Virus, Lyme disease, and other vector-borne public health threats must be supported by evidence that they are effective against the target pest. EPA is now looking at options to ensure that minimum risk public health pesticides that are otherwise exempted from regulation are effective.

This finding was made based on an analysis of comments on a petition submitted by the Consumer Specialty Products Association (CSPA) in March 2006. That petition asked EPA to modify the minimum risk pesticide exemption under 40 CFR 152.25(f). It requested that the Agency exclude from the exemption those pesticides that claim to control "pests of significant public health importance" and require an abbreviated registration for minimum risk products that are to be used for the control of public health pests.

EPA notified CSPA of its finding in a letter responding to a recent letter from CSPA, which suggested that EPA engage in expedited rulemaking. You can find CSPA's letter and EPA's reply via links at http://www.epa.gov/oppbppd1/biopesticides/regtools/25b_list.htm. The petition and comments received during the open comment period have been included in the docket for the proposed rule, which can be found under docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0687 at www.regulations.gov.

Source: U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Pesticide Programs, EPA Pesticide Program Update, July 20, 2007

Recommendations for the use of chemicals are included in this publication as a covenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance, contact an agent of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in your county.

Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.

Last modified on July 23, 2007 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.