EPA Begins New Scientific Evaluation Of AtrazineOctober 8, 2009
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is launching this year a
comprehensive new evaluation of the pesticide atrazine to determine
its effects on humans. At the end of this process, the agency will
decide whether to revise its current risk assessment of the
pesticide and whether new restrictions are necessary to better
protect public health. One of the most widely used agricultural
pesticides in the U.S., atrazine can be applied before and after
planting to control broadleaf and grassy weeds. EPA will evaluate
the pesticide's potential cancer and non-cancer effects on humans.
Included in this new evaluation will be the most recent studies on
atrazine and its potential association with birth defects, low birth
weight, and premature births.
"One of Administrator Jackson's top priorities is to improve the way EPA manages and assesses the risk of chemicals, including pesticides, and as part of that effort, we are taking a hard look at the decision made by the previous administration on atrazine," said Steve Owens, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances. "Our examination of atrazine will be based on transparency and sound science, including independent scientific peer review, and will help determine whether a change in EPA's regulatory position on this pesticide is appropriate." During the new evaluation, EPA will consider the potential for atrazine cancer and non-cancer effects, and will include data generated since 2003 from laboratory and population studies. To be certain that the best science possible is used in its atrazine human health risk assessment and ensure transparency, EPA will seek advice from the independent Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) established under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. EPA will engage the SAP to evaluate the human health effects of atrazine over the coming year. Below is the timeline:
At the conclusion of this process, EPA will ask the SAP to review atrazine's potential effects on amphibians and aquatic ecosystems. The SAP meetings will be open to the public. In addition to the scientific review of the effects of atrazine, EPA plans to meet with interested groups to explore better ways to inform the public more quickly about results of atrazine drinking water monitoring. SOURCE: EPA
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