EPA begins new atrazine evaluation

Atrazine is one of the most widely used agricultural pesticides in the U.S. It 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.
To ensure transparency, EPA will seek advice from the independent Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) established under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act.
In November, EPA will present SAP its plan for the new atrazine evaluation. In February 2010, EPA will seek scientific peer review of its proposed plan for incorporating population studies into the atrazine risk assessment. In April 2010 it will seek peer review of its evaluation of atrazine non-cancer effects based on animal laboratory toxicology studies, selection of safety factors in the risk assessment and the sampling design currently used to monitor drinking water in community water systems. In September 2010, EPA will seek peer review of its evaluation of atrazine cancer and non-cancer effects based on animal toxicology studies and epidemiology studies.
Syngenta Crop Protection released a statement citing atrazine’s benefits and safety.