The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a proposed interim decision to cancel all but one use of the pesticide acephate based on EPA’s updated human health draft risk assessment (HH DRA) and drinking water assessment (DWA) released last year, which allegedly showed dietary risks from drinking water for currently registered uses of acephate. EPA also identified worker, homeowner, and ecological risks that would be mitigated by proposed cancellations.
The EPA proposes to maintain the use of acephate for tree injection because it does not contribute to drinking water exposure, there are no risks for workers, and, with label changes, would not pose environmental risks.
ARA is concerned with the continuous removal of organophosphate pesticide products will eliminate important tools for the ag industry’s use.
The public comment deadline is June 1.
