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EPA Pesticide Program Updates: October 31, 2001Pesticide Program Update from EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs, October 31, 2001 IN THIS UPDATE:
New Restrictions on Two Pesticides to Protect Agricultural Workers (Environmental News 10/31/01To enhance protection of agricultural workers during the phase-out and time-limited registration periods, a variety of stringent new precautions are being implemented to reduce exposure, including longer periods before a worker can enter a treated area, significantly limiting the number of applications, and prohibiting aerial application for almost all uses. During this period, EPA will also require that studies on the potential health effects on workers be conducted to help ensure that they are not exposed to unacceptable levels of these pesticides. If new information shows unreasonable risks, the Agency could take immediate action to remove any of these uses.For the 28 crop uses being canceled for azinphos-methyl, there will be no phase-out period since there are viable alternatives. Seven crops are being allowed to continue for four years to facilitate transition to viable alternatives. Also, the Agency will allow a time-limited registration for four years for eight specific uses of azinphos-methyl. This four year period will allow farmers and others to develop and implement viable alternatives. Prior to the expiration of the time-limited registrations, the Agency will consider whether to authorize any further extension. During the period that these uses remain for azinphos-methyl and phosmet, EPA will require new health effects data, new information relating to the potential benefits, and any other information which provides for more accurate assessment of the potential risks and benefits. As the Agency moves forward with these decisions, it will work with the manufacturers, growers, farm workers, and other affected parties to assure that these important actions are implemented in an expeditious and effective manner. EPA has been evaluating azinphos-methyl and phosmet as part of the Agency's ongoing process to individually review the organophosphate pesticides and take necessary risk reduction measures as required under the Food Quality Protection Act. The Interim Reregistration Eligibility Documents (IREDs) for both azinphos-methyl and phosmet are now being issued, since extensive risk assessments for these pesticides have been completed. EPA will accept comments for 60 days on these IREDs, which will be available soon on EPA's web site. Note: For general questions on pesticides and pesticide poisoning prevention, contact the National Pesticide Telecommunications Network (NPTN), toll-free, at: 1-800-858-7378, by e-mail at nptn@ace.orst.edu, or by visiting their Web site. For information about ongoing activities in the Office of Pesticide Programs, visit OPPs home page. Or call or write OPP directly at: Communication Services Branch |
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 Western Integrated Pest Management Center Pest Management Centers are sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service |
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