Pesticide Broadcast (Newsletter)

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

Volume 17, Number 6, October 1, 2007

Cumulative Risks Associated with N-Methyl Carbamate Pesticides are Below Levels of Concern

Reaching another milestone in human health protection and food safety, EPA has completed its cumulative human health risk assessment for the N-methyl carbamate class of pesticides, which includes: aldicarb, carbaryl, carbofuran, formetanate hydrochloride, methiocarb, methomyl, oxamyl, pirimicarb, propoxur, and thiodicarb. EPA has concluded that when considered together with the risk mitigation steps identified in the individual risk management decisions for these pesticides, the cumulative risks associated with this class of pesticides are below the regulatory level of concern established by the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA).

A cumulative risk assessment incorporates exposure data from multiple pathways (i.e., food, drinking water, and residential/non-occupational exposure to pesticides in air, or on soil, grass, and indoor surfaces) for those chemicals with a common mechanism (or pathway) of toxicity.

EPA also evaluated tolerances - residue limits in food and feed - for cumulative risk and found that tolerances for the N-methyl carbamates meet the FQPA safety standard. The risks associated with the pesticide residues represent a reasonable certainty of no harm. With the reassessment of the remaining tolerances for N-methyl carbamates, EPA has met the goal established by FQPA to ensure that all pesticides used on food in the United States meet the stringent safety standard. All 9,721 tolerances that required reassessment have now been re-evaluated, and related risk management decisions are being implemented.

The risk management decisions (i.e., reregistration eligibility decisions) for all N-methyl carbamate pesticides have also been completed.

The Federal Register notice announcing the N-methyl carbamate revised cumulative risk assessment is available on EPA's Web site at: http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2007/September/Day-26/p18860.htm. A 60-day public comment period is open from September 26, 2007, to November 26, 2007. Additional information on the revised cumulative risk assessment and how to submit comments is also available on EPA's Web site at: http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/cumulative/common_mech_groups.htm#carbamate.

Source: U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Pesticide Programs, EPA Pesticide Program Update, September 28, 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 October 1, 2007 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.