EPA to Obtain Info on Nanomaterials Used in Pesticides
The Environmental Protection Agency has announced that it plans to obtain information on nanoscale materials in pesticide products to determine their potential effects on the environment and human health. A document announcing EPA’s plan will soon be published in the Federal Register for public comment.
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(Note that on June 10, the White House issued a nanotechnology policy framework directing federal agencies to seek information on nanomaterials and employ certain common standards in assessing their risks and benefits. On the same day, the Food and Drug Administration announced a draft guidance on identifying nanotechnology in FDA-regulated products. See ITT’s Online Archives or 06/10/11 news, 11061058 and 11061029, for BP summaries.)
Need Info on Nanomaterials in Pesticides due to Different Risk Potential
EPA states that information is needed on what nanoscale materials are present in pesticide products given the potential for nanoscale materials to pose different risks than their larger-sized counterparts.
However, it also recognizes that nanoscale materials have a range of potentially beneficial public and commercial applications, including pest control products. Therefore, the agency will continue to encourage responsible and innovative development of products containing nanoscale materials, while also addressing health or environmental concerns.
Will Seek Comment on How to Obtain Info & Determine “New” Ingredients
EPA will seek comment on two alternative approaches for gathering information on nanoscale materials in pesticide products:
- using section 6(a)(2) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to obtain existing information regarding what nanoscale material is present in a registered pesticide product and its potential effects on humans or the environment; or
- obtaining information on nanoscale materials in pesticide products using data call-in notices under FIFRA section 3(c)(2)(B).
The notice will also propose a new approach for how EPA will determine on a case-by-case basis whether a nanoscale active or inert ingredient is a “new” active or inert ingredient for purposes of FIFRA and the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act, even when an identical, non-nanoscale form of the nanoscale ingredient is already registered.
Additional EPA info on nanotechnology in pesticides and new plan available here