EPA Extends Comment Deadline on Proposal to Expand Reach of 10X Safety Factor

In response to requests by chemical industry interests, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended the deadline for comments on its proposal to apply a 10-fold (10X) safety factor to its pesticide risk assessments in relation to the exposure of agricultural workers and their children in agricultural fields. CropLife America and the American Chemistry Council made the request, noting that the proposal is
related to several others, such as new labeling rules to control drift, that have not yet been finalized. Comments must now be received by April 12, 2010.

The industry groups also pointed to studies the agency does not appear to have considered in drafting its policy paper, “Revised Risk Assessment Methods for Workers, Children of Workers in Agricultural Fields, and Pesticides with No Food Uses,” and expressed concerns that some supporting materials have not been made public. They urge EPA to consider a National Academy of Sciences report on risk reviews and take an approach based on the best available science. See Federal Register, February 5, 2010; Inside EPA.com, February 12, 2010.