00-492. Notice of Filing Pesticide Petitions to Establish Tolerance for Certain Pesticide Chemicals in or on Food  

  • [Federal Register Volume 65, Number 6 (Monday, January 10, 2000)]
    [Notices]
    [Pages 1370-1381]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 00-492]
    
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    
    [PF-902; FRL-6394-6]
    
    
    Notice of Filing Pesticide Petitions to Establish Tolerance for 
    Certain Pesticide Chemicals in or on Food
    
    AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    
    ACTION: Notice.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: This notice announces the initial filing of pesticide 
    petitions proposing the establishment of regulations for residues of 
    certain pesticide chemicals in or on various food commodities.
    
    DATES: Comments, identified by docket control number PF-901, must be 
    received on or before February 9, 2000.
    
    ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted by mail, electronically, or in 
    person. Please follow the detailed instructions for each method as 
    provided in Unit I.C. of the ``SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.'' To ensure 
    proper receipt by EPA, it is imperative that you identify docket 
    control number PF-901 in the subject line on the first page of your 
    response.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The product manager listed in the 
    table below:
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Office location/telephone
              Product Manager               number/e-mail address             Address           Petition  number(s)
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    James A. Tompkins (PM 25)..........  Rm. 239, CM #2, 703-305-     1921 Jefferson Davis    PP 8F4973, 9F5096,
                                          5697,                        Hwy. Arlington, VA      9F6007, and 0F6071
                                         e-mail:
                                          [email protected]
                                          .gov..
     
    Joe Travano (PM 10)................  Rm. 214, CM #2, 703-305-     Do.                     PP 9F6033 and 9F6062
                                          6411,
                                         e-mail:
                                          [email protected]
                                          v..
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    I. General Information
    
    A. Does this Action Apply to Me?
    
        You may be affected by this action if you are an agricultural 
    producer, food manufacturer or pesticide manufacturer.
         
         
    Potentially affected categories and entities may include, but are not 
    limited to:
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Examples of
               Categories                    NAICS            potentially
                                                           affected entities
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Industry                          111                 Crop production
     
                                      112                 Animal production
     
                                      311                 Food manufacturing
                                      32532               Pesticide
                                                           manufacturing
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
    [[Page 1371]]
    
        This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides 
    a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this 
    action. Other types of entities not listed in the table could also be 
    affected. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) 
    codes have been provided to assist you and others in determining 
    whether or not this action might apply to certain entities. If you have 
    questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular 
    entity, consult the person listed under ``FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
    CONTACT.''
    
    B. How Can I Get Additional Information, Including Copies of this 
    Document and Other Related Documents?
    
        1. Electronically. You may obtain electronic copies of this 
    document, and certain other related documents that might be available 
    electronically, from the EPA Internet Home Page at http://www.epa.gov/. 
    To access this document, on the Home Page select ``Laws and 
    Regulations'' and then look up the entry for this document under the 
    ``Federal Register--Environmental Documents.'' You can also go directly 
    to the Federal Register listings at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/.
        2. In person. The Agency has established an official record for 
    this action under docket control number PF-901. The official record 
    consists of the documents specifically referenced in this action, any 
    public comments received during an applicable comment period, and other 
    information related to this action, including any information claimed 
    as confidential business information (CBI). This official record 
    includes the documents that are physically located in the docket, as 
    well as the documents that are referenced in those documents. The 
    public version of the official record does not include any information 
    claimed as CBI. The public version of the official record, which 
    includes printed, paper versions of any electronic comments submitted 
    during an applicable comment period, is available for inspection in the 
    Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Rm. 119, 
    Crystal Mall #2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA, from 8:30 
    a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The 
    PIRIB telephone number is (703) 305-5805.
    
    C. How and to Whom Do I Submit Comments?
    
        You may submit comments through the mail, in person, or 
    electronically. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, it is imperative that 
    you identify docket control number PF-901 in the subject line on the 
    first page of your response.
        1. By mail. Submit your comments to: Public Information and Records 
    Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Information Resources and Services Division 
    (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), Environmental Protection 
    Agency, 401 M St., SW., Washington, DC 20460.
        2. In person or by courier. Deliver your comments to: Public 
    Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Information Resources 
    and Services Division (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), 
    Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. 119, Crystal Mall #2, 1921 
    Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA. The PIRIB is open from 8:30 
    a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The 
    PIRIB telephone number is (703) 305-5805.
        3. Electronically. You may submit your comments electronically by 
    e-mail to: opp-docket@epa.gov ,'' or you can submit a computer disk 
    as described above. Do not submit any information electronically that 
    you consider to be CBI. Avoid the use of special characters and any 
    form of encryption. Electronic submissions will be accepted in 
    Wordperfect 6.1/8.0 or ASCII file format. All comments in electronic 
    form must be identified by docket control number PF-901. Electronic 
    comments may also be filed online at many Federal Depository Libraries.
    
    D. How Should I Handle CBI That I Want to Submit to the Agency?
    
        Do not submit any information electronically that you consider to 
    be CBI. You may claim information that you submit to EPA in response to 
    this document as CBI by marking any part or all of that information as 
    CBI. Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance 
    with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2. In addition to one complete 
    version of the comment that includes any information claimed as CBI, a 
    copy of the comment that does not contain the information claimed as 
    CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public version of the 
    official record. Information not marked confidential will be included 
    in the public version of the official record without prior notice. If 
    you have any questions about CBI or the procedures for claiming CBI, 
    please consult the person identified under ``FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
    CONTACT.''
    
    E. What Should I Consider as I Prepare My Comments for EPA?
    
        You may find the following suggestions helpful for preparing your 
    comments:
         1. Explain your views as clearly as possible.
         2. Describe any assumptions that you used.
         3. Provide copies of any technical information and/or data you 
    used that support your views.
         4. If you estimate potential burden or costs, explain how you 
    arrived at the estimate that you provide.
         5. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns.
         6. Make sure to submit your comments by the deadline in this 
    notice.
         7. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, be sure to identify the docket 
    control number assigned to this action in the subject line on the first 
    page of your response. You may also provide the name, date, and Federal 
    Register citation.
    
    II. What Action is the Agency Taking?
    
        EPA has received pesticide petitions as follows proposing the 
    establishment and/or amendment of regulations for residues of certain 
    pesticide chemicals in or on various food commodities under section 408 
    of the Federal Food, Drug, and Comestic Act (FFDCA), 21 U.S.C. 346a. 
    EPA has determined that these petitions contain data or information 
    regarding the elements set forth in section 408(d)(2); however, EPA has 
    not fully evaluated the sufficiency of the submitted data at this time 
    or whether the data supports granting of the petition. Additional data 
    may be needed before EPA rules on the petition.
    
    List of Subjects
    
        Environmental protection, Agricultural commodities, Feed additives, 
    Food additives, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping 
    requirements.
    
        Dated: December 3, 1999.
    
    Peter Caulkins, Acting
    
    Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.
    
    Summaries of Petitions
    
        The petitioner summaries of the pesticide petitions are printed 
    below as required by section 408(d)(3) of the FFDCA. The summaries of 
    the petitions were prepared by the petitioners and represent the views 
    of the petitioners. EPA is publishing the petitions summaries verbatim 
    without editing them in any way. The petition summary
    
    [[Page 1372]]
    
    announces the availability of a description of the analytical methods 
    available to EPA for the detection and measurement of the pesticide 
    chemical residues or an explanation of why no such method is needed.
    
    1. Monsanto Company
    
    PP 8F4973, 9F5096, 9F6007, and 0F6071
    
        EPA has received pesticide petitions (8F4973, 9F5096, 9F6007, and 
    0F6071) from Monsanto Company, 600 13th Street NW., Suite 660, 
    Washington, DC 20005 proposing, pursuant to section 408(d) of the 
    FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 346a(d), to amend 40 CFR part 180 by establishing a 
    tolerance for residues of glyphosate (N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine) in or 
    on the raw agricultural commodities (RACs) corn, field, forage at 3.0 
    parts per million (ppm); (8F4973); alfalfa, hay at 400 ppm and alfalfa, 
    forage at 175 ppm (9F5906); and stover and straw of cereal grains group 
    at 100 ppm (9F6007). Monsanto proposes deletion of currently 
    established tolerances on alfalfa at 200 ppm, alfalfa, fresh 0.2 ppm 
    (9F5906); corn, field, stover at 100 ppm; sorghum, grain, stover at 40 
    ppm, and wheat straw at 85 ppm (9F6007). The proposed deletions are 
    either no longer needed or are superceded by the proposed crop group 
    tolerance.
        Under PP 0F6071, Monsanto proposes that 40 CFR 180.364(a) header be 
    amended to read as follows:
    
        General. Tolerances are established for residues of glyphosate 
    (N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine) per se resulting from the application 
    of the isopropylamine salt of glyphosate, the ethanolamine salt of 
    glyphosate, and the ammonium salt of glyphosate in or on the 
    following RAC.
    
        Monsanto also proposes that 40 CFR 180.364(a) be amended so that 
    the headers for paragraphs (a)(2) and (a)(3) are deleted and the 
    commodity tolerances listed in paragraphs (a)(2) and (a)(3) are 
    reorganized into section (a) in alphabetical order under the header 
    amended above.
        Monsanto proposes that 40 CFR 180.364(d) be amended to read as 
    follows:
    
        Indirect or inadvertent residues. Tolerances are established for 
    residues of glyphosate (N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine) per se resulting 
    from the use of irrigation water containing residues of 0.5 ppm 
    following applications on around aquatic sites at 0.1 ppm on the 
    crop groupings citrus, cucurbits, forage grasses, forage legumes, 
    fruiting vegetables, grain crops, leafy vegetables, nuts, pome 
    fruits, root crop vegetables, seed and pod vegetables, stone fruits, 
    and the individual commodities cottonseed, hops, and avocados. Where 
    tolerances are established at higher levels from other uses of 
    glyphosate in or on the subject crops, the higher tolerance should 
    also apply to residues from the aquatic uses cited in this 
    paragraph.
    
        EPA has determined that the petition contains data or information 
    regarding the elements set forth in section 408(d)(2) of the FFDCA; 
    however, EPA has not fully evaluated the sufficiency of the submitted 
    data at this time or whether the data supports granting of the 
    petitions. Additional data may be needed before EPA rules on these 
    petitions.
    
    A. Residue Chemistry
    
        1. Plant metabolism. The qualitative nature of the residue in 
    plants is adequately understood. Studies with a variety of plants 
    including corn, cotton, soybeans, and wheat indicate that the uptake of 
    glyphosate or its metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), from 
    soil is limited. The material which is taken up is readily 
    translocated. Foliarly applied glyphosate is absorbed and translocated 
    throughout the trees or vines to the fruit of apples, coffee, dwarf 
    citrus (calamondin), pears, and grapes. Metabolism via N-methylation 
    yields N-methylated glycines and phosphonic acids. For the most part, 
    the ratio of glyphosate to AMPA is 9 to 1 but can approach 1 to 1 in a 
    few cases (e.g., soybeans and carrots). Much of the residue data for 
    crops reflect a detectable residue of parent (0.05 - 0.15 ppm) along 
    with residues below the level of detection (< 0.05="" ppm)="" of="" ampa.="" only="" glyphosate="" parent="" is="" regulated="" in="" plant="" and="" animal="" commodities="" since="" the="" metabolite="" ampa="" is="" not="" of="" toxicological="" concern.="" 2.="" analytical="" method.="" adequate="" enforcement="" methods="" are="" available="" for="" analysis="" of="" residues="" of="" glyphosate="" in="" or="" on="" plant="" commodities.="" these="" methods="" include="" gas="" liquid="" chromatography="" (glc)="" (method="" i="" in="" pesticides="" analytical="" manual="" (pam)="" ii;="" the="" limit="" of="" detection="" is="" 0.05="" ppm)="" and="" high="" performance="" liquid="" chromatography="" (hplc)="" with="" fluorometric="" detection.="" the="" hplc="" procedure="" has="" undergone="" successful="" agency="" validation="" and="" was="" recommended="" for="" inclusion="" in="" pam="" ii.="" a="" gas="" chromatography/mass="" spectrometry="" (gc/ms)="" method="" for="" glyphosate="" in="" crops="" has="" also="" been="" validated="" by="" epa's="" analytical="" chemistry="" laboratory="" (acl).="" the="" proposed="" revision="" in="" the="" tolerance="" regulation="" does="" not="" change="" the="" residue="" to="" be="" analyzed,="" which="" remains="" as="" glyphosate="" per="" se.="" adequate="" analytical="" methods="" are="" available="" for="" residue="" data="" collection="" and="" enforcement="" of="" proposed="" tolerances="" of="" glyphosate="" in="" or="" on="" alfalfa,="" hay;="" alfalfa,="" forage;="" corn,="" field,="" forage;="" and="" the="" stover="" and="" straw="" of="" cereal="" grains="" group.="" 3.="" magnitude="" of="" residues.="" adequate="" data="" concerning="" glyphosate="" residues="" on="" rac="" have="" previously="" been="" submitted="" to="" the="" agency.="" accordingly,="" the="" available="" residue="" data="" for="" glyphosate="" support="" the="" proposed="" revision="" of="" the="" tolerance="" expression="" for="" glyphosate.="" as="" noted="" above,="" the="" proposed="" revision="" will="" permit="" glyphosate="" residues="" from="" the="" application="" of="" glyphosate="" in="" the="" form="" of="" its="" ethanolamine="" salt.="" in="" addition,="" any="" secondary="" residues="" occurring="" in="" liver,="" or="" kidney="" of="" cattle,="" goats,="" horses,="" and="" sheep,="" and="" liver="" and="" kidney="" of="" poultry="" will="" be="" covered="" by="" existing="" tolerances.="" the="" submitted="" residue="" data="" adequately="" support="" the="" proposed="" tolerance="" on="" corn,="" field,="" forage="" at="" 3.0="" ppm.="" the="" available="" crop="" residue="" data="" support="" the="" establishment="" of="" tolerances="" on="" alfalfa,="" hay="" at="" 400="" ppm="" and="" alfalfa,="" forage="" at="" 175="" ppm.="" the="" available="" data="" also="" support="" deletion="" of="" the="" current="" entries="" for="" alfalfa="" at="" 200="" ppm="" and="" alfalfa,="" fresh="" at="" 0.2="" ppm.="" the="" available="" crop="" field="" trial="" data="" support="" the="" establishment="" of="" tolerances="" in="" stover="" and="" straw="" of="" cereal="" grains="" group="" at="" 100="" ppm.="" this="" tolerance="" is="" based="" on="" data="" from="" the="" three="" indicator="" crops="" corn,="" field,="" stover,="" wheat="" straw,="" and="" sorghum,="" stover="" that="" have="" previously="" been="" reviewed.="" any="" secondary="" residues="" occurring="" in="" liver="" and="" kidney="" of="" cattle,="" goats,="" hogs,="" horses,="" and="" sheep,="" and="" liver="" and="" kidney="" of="" poultry="" will="" be="" covered="" by="" existing="" tolerances="" and="" the="" available="" data="" indicate="" that="" residues="" of="" glyphosate="" are="" not="" anticipated="" to="" occur="" in="" any="" other="" livestock="" commodities="" as="" a="" result="" of="" this="" action.="" b.="" toxicological="" profile="" epa="" has="" previously="" evaluated="" the="" available="" toxicity="" data="" and="" considered="" its="" validity,="" completeness,="" and="" reliability="" as="" well="" as="" the="" relationship="" of="" the="" results="" of="" the="" studies="" to="" human="" risk.="" epa="" has="" also="" considered="" available="" information="" concerning="" the="" variability="" of="" the="" sensitivities="" of="" major="" identifiable="" subgroups="" of="" consumers,="" including="" infants="" and="" children.="" the="" nature="" of="" the="" toxic="" effects="" caused="" by="" glyphosate="" are="" summarized="" below:="" 1.="" acute="" toxicity.="" several="" acute="" toxicology="" studies="" placing="" technical-grade="" glyphosate="" in="" toxicity="" category="" iii="" and="" toxicity="" category="" iv.="" technical="" glyphosate="" is="" not="" a="" dermal="" sensitizer.="" 2.="" a="" 21-day="" dermal="" toxicity="" study="" rabbits="" were="" exposed="" to="" glyphosate="" at="" levels="" of="" 0,="" 10,="" 1,000,="" or="" 5,000="" milligrams/kilograms/day="" (mg/kg/day).="" the="" systemic="" no="" observed="" adverse="" effect="" level="" (noael)="" was="" 1,000="" mg/kg/day="" [[page="" 1373]]="" and="" the="" lowest="" observed="" adverse="" effect="" level="" (loael)="" was="" 5,000="" mg/kg/="" day="" based="" on="" decreased="" food="" consumption="" in="" males.="" although="" serum="" lactate="" dehydrogenase="" was="" decreased="" in="" both="" sexes="" at="" the="" high="" dose,="" this="" finding="" was="" not="" considered="" to="" be="" toxicologically="" significant.="" 3.="" genotoxicity.="" mutagenicity="" data="" included="" chromosomal="" aberration="" in="" vitro="" (no="" aberrations="" in="" chinese="" hamster="" ovary="" (cho)="" cells="" were="" caused="" with="" and="" without="" s9="" activation);="" dna="" repair="" in="" rat="" hepatocyte;="" in="" vivo="" bone="" marrow="" cytogenetic="" test="" in="" rats;="" rec-assay="" with="" b.="" subtilis;="" reverse="" mutation="" test="" with="" s.="" typhimurium;="" ames="" test="" with="" s.="" typhimurium;="" and="" dominant-lethal="" mutagenicity="" test="" in="" mice.="" these="" genotoxicity="" studies="" are="" all="" negative.="" 4.="" reproductive="" and="" developmental="" toxicity.="" developmental="" toxicity="" studies="" were="" conducted="" with="" glyphosate="" in="" the="" rat="" and="" rabbit.="" in="" the="" rat="" study,="" test="" animals="" were="" given="" oral="" doses="" of="" 0,="" 300,="" 1,000,="" and="" 3,500="" mg/kg/day="" with="" a="" developmental="" (fetal)="" noael="" of="" 1,000="" mg/kg/day="" based="" on="" an="" increase="" in="" number="" of="" litters="" and="" fetuses="" with="" delayed="" maturation="" of="" sternebrae="" and="" reduced="" body="" weight="" at="" 3,500="" mg/kg/day,="" and="" a="" maternal="" noael="" of="" 1,000="" mg/kg/day="" based="" on="" clinical="" signs="" of="" toxicity="" and="" mortality="" at="" 3,500="" mg/kg/day="" highest="" dose="" tested="" (hdt).="" in="" the="" rabbit="" study,="" test="" animals="" were="" orally="" given="" doses="" of="" 0,="" 75,="" 175="" and,="" 350="" mg/kg/day="" of="" glyphosate.="" the="" maternal="" noael="" is="" 175="" mg/kg/="" day="" based="" on="" clinical="" signs="" of="" toxicity="" and="" mortality="" and="" the="" fetal="" noael="" is="" 350="" mg/kg/day="" hdt="" based="" on="" no="" developmental="" toxicity="" at="" any="" dose="" tested.="" two="" studies="" evaluating="" the="" reproductive="" effects="" of="" glyphosate="" were="" conducted="" in="" the="" rat.="" in="" a="" 3-generation="" study,="" rats="" were="" fed="" dosage="" levels="" of="" 0,="" 3,="" 10,="" and="" 30="" mg/kg/day="" of="" glyphosate.="" the="" noael="" for="" systemic="" and="" reproductive/developmental="" parameters="" is="" 30="" mg/kg/day="" based="" on="" no-adverse="" effects="" noted="" at="" any="" dose="" level.="" in="" a="" 2-generation="" reproduction="" study,="" rats="" were="" fed="" dosage="" levels="" of="" 0,100,="" 500,="" and="" 1,500="" mg/kg/day="" of="" glyphosate.="" the="" noael="" for="" systemic="" and="" developmental="" parameters="" is="" 500="" mg/kg/day="" based="" on="" body="" weight="" effects,="" clinical="" signs="" of="" toxicity="" in="" adult="" males="" and="" decreased="" pup="" body="" weights="" and="" a="" reproductive="" noael="" of="" 1,500="" mg/kg/day="" hdt.="" 5.="" subchronic="" toxicity.="" subchronic="" (90-day)="" feeding="" studies="" were="" conducted="" with="" the="" rat,="" mouse,="" and="" dog.="" in="" the="" rat="" study,="" the="" test="" animals="" were="" fed="" dosage="" levels="" of="" 0,="" 1,000,="" 5,000,="" and="" 20,000="" ppm="" of="" glyphosate.="" the="" noael="" is="" 20,000="" ppm="" based="" on="" no-effects="" at="" the="" hdt.="" in="" the="" mouse="" study,="" the="" test="" animals="" were="" fed="" dosage="" levels="" of="" 0,="" 5,000,="" 10,000,="" and="" 50,000="" ppm="" of="" glyphosate.="" the="" noael="" is="" 10,000="" ppm="" based="" on="" body="" weight="" effects="" at="" the="" hdt.="" in="" the="" dog="" study,="" the="" test="" animals="" were="" given="" glyphosate,="" via="" capsule,="" at="" doses="" of="" 0,="" 200,="" 600,="" and="" 2,000="" mg/kg/day.="" the="" noael="" is="" 2,000="" mg/kg/day="" based="" on="" no-effects="" at="" the="" hdt.="" 6.="" chronic="" toxicity.="" in="" a="" 12-month="" oral="" study,="" dogs="" were="" given="" glyphosate,="" via="" capsule,="" at="" doses="" of="" 0,="" 20,="" 100,="" and="" 500="" mg/kg/day.="" the="" noael="" is="" 500="" mg/kg/day="" based="" on="" no-adverse="" effects="" at="" any="" dose="" level.="" in="" a="" 26-month="" chronic="" feeding/oncogenicity="" study,="" rats="" were="" fed="" glyphosate="" at="" dosage="" levels="" of="" 0,="" 3,="" 10,="" and="" 31="" mg/kg/day="" (males)="" and="" 0,="" 3,="" 11,="" and="" 34="" mg/kg/day="" (females).="" the="" noael="" is="" 31="" mg/kg/day="" (males)="" and="" 34="" mg/kg/day="" (females)="" based="" on="" no="" carcinogenic="" or="" other="" adverse="" effects="" at="" any="" dose="" level.="" because="" a="" maximum="" tolerated="" dose="" (mtd)="" was="" not="" reached,="" this="" study="" was="" classified="" as="" supplemental="" for="" carcinogenicity.="" in="" a="" 24-month="" chronic="" feeding/oncogenicity="" study,="" rats="" were="" fed="" glyphosate="" at="" dosage="" levels="" of="" 0,="" 89,="" 362,="" and="" 940="" mg/kg/day="" (males)="" and="" 0,="" 113,="" 457,="" and="" 1,183="" mg/kg/day="" (females).="" the="" systemic="" noael="" is="" 362="" mg/kg/day="" based="" on="" body="" weight="" effects="" in="" the="" female="" and="" eye="" effects="" in="" males.="" there="" was="" no="" carcinogenic="" response="" at="" any="" dose="" level.="" in="" a="" mouse="" oncogenicity="" study,="" mice="" were="" fed="" glyphosate="" at="" dosage="" levels="" of="" 0,="" 150,="" 750,="" and="" 4,500="" mg/kg/day="" with="" a="" noael="" of="" 750="" mg/kg/="" day="" based="" on="" body="" weight="" effects="" and="" microscopic="" liver="" changes="" at="" the="" hdt.="" there="" was="" no="" carcinogenic="" effect="" at="" the="" hdt="" of="" 4,500="" mg/kg/day.="" glyphosate="" is="" classified="" as="" a="" group="" e="" (evidence="" of="" non-carcinogenicity="" for="" humans).="" this="" classification="" is="" based="" on="" the="" following="" findings:="" i.="" there="" were="" no="" treatment="" related="" tumor="" findings="" in="" three="" state-="" of-the-art="" long-term="" bioassays.="" ii.="" glyphosate="" was="" tested="" up="" to="" the="" limit="" dose="" in="" the="" rat="" and="" up="" to="" levels="" higher="" than="" the="" limit="" dose="" in="" mice.="" iii.="" there="" is="" no="" evidence="" of="" genotoxicity="" for="" glyphosate.="" 7.="" animal="" metabolism.="" the="" qualitative="" nature="" of="" the="" residue="" in="" animals="" is="" adequately="" understood.="" studies="" with="" lactating="" goats="" and="" laying="" hens="" fed="" a="" mixture="" of="" glyphosate="" and="" ampa="" indicate="" that="" the="" primary="" route="" of="" elimination="" was="" by="" excretion="" (urine="" and="" feces).="" these="" results="" are="" consistent="" with="" metabolism="" studies="" in="" rats,="" rabbits,="" and="" cows.="" the="" terminal="" residues="" in="" eggs,="" milk,="" and="" animal="" tissues="" are="" glyphosate="" and="" its="" metabolite="" ampa;="" there="" was="" no="" evidence="" of="" further="" metabolism.="" the="" terminal="" residue="" to="" be="" regulated="" in="" livestock="" is="" glyphosate="" per="" se.="" 8.="" metabolite="" toxicology.="" only="" glyphosate="" parent="" is="" to="" be="" regulated="" in="" plant="" and="" animal="" commodities="" since="" the="" metabolite="" ampa="" is="" not="" of="" toxicological="" concern="" in="" food.="" 9.="" endocrine="" disruption.="" the="" toxicity="" studies="" required="" by="" epa="" for="" the="" registration="" of="" pesticides="" measure="" numerous="" endpoints="" with="" sufficient="" sensitivity="" to="" detect="" potential="" endocrine-modulating="" activity.="" no="" effects="" have="" been="" identified="" in="" subchronic,="" chronic,="" or="" developmental="" toxicity="" studies="" to="" indicate="" any="" endocrine-modulating="" activity="" by="" glyphosate.="" in="" addition,="" negative="" results="" were="" obtained="" when="" glyphosate="" was="" tested="" in="" a="" dominant-lethal="" mutation="" assay.="" while="" this="" assay="" was="" designed="" as="" a="" genetic="" toxicity="" test,="" agents="" that="" can="" affect="" male="" reproduction="" function="" will="" also="" cause="" effects="" in="" this="" assay.="" more="" importantly,="" the="" multi-generation="" reproduction="" study="" in="" rodents="" is="" a="" complex="" study="" design="" which="" measures="" a="" broad="" range="" of="" endpoints="" in="" the="" reproductive="" system="" and="" in="" developing="" offspring="" that="" are="" sensitive="" to="" alterations="" by="" chemical="" agents.="" glyphosate="" has="" been="" tested="" in="" two="" separate="" multi-generation="" studies="" and="" each="" time="" the="" results="" demonstrated="" that="" glyphosate="" is="" not="" a="" reproductive="" toxin.="" c.="" aggregate="" exposure="" 1.="" dietary="" exposure.="" tolerances="" have="" been="" established="" (40="" cfr="" 180.364)="" for="" the="" residues="" of="" (n-(phosphonomethyl)glycine="" resulting="" from="" the="" application="" of="" the="" isopropylamine="" salt="" of="" glyphosate="" and/or="" the="" monoammonium="" salt="" of="" glyphosate,="" in="" or="" on="" a="" variety="" of="" plant="" and="" animal="" racs="" including="" kidney="" of="" cattle,="" goats,="" hogs,="" horses,="" and="" sheep="" at="" 4.0="" ppm;="" liver="" of="" cattle,="" goats,="" hogs,="" horses,="" and="" sheep="" at="" 0.5="" ppm;="" and="" liver="" and="" kidney="" of="" poultry="" at="" 0.5="" ppm="" based="" on="" animal="" feeding="" studies="" and="" worst-case="" livestock="" diets.="" the="" rac="" corn,="" field,="" forage="" is="" not="" consumed="" by="" humans.="" thus,="" the="" only="" possible="" exposure="" from="" this="" increased="" tolerance="" would="" be="" secondary="" residues="" in="" animal="" commodities="" which="" may="" occur="" from="" this="" use="" through="" the="" feeding="" of="" corn="" forage="" to="" livestock.="" the="" petition="" proposes="" to="" expand="" this="" residue="" definition="" to="" include="" application="" of="" the="" ethanolamine="" salt="" of="" glyphosate.="" risk="" assessments="" were="" conducted="" by="" epa="" to="" assess="" dietary="" exposures="" from="" glyphosate="" as="" follows:="" i.="" food--acute="" exposure="" and="" risk.="" acute="" dietary="" risk="" assessments="" are="" [[page="" 1374]]="" performed="" for="" a="" food-use="" pesticide="" if="" a="" toxicological="" study="" has="" indicated="" the="" possibility="" of="" an="" effect="" of="" concern="" occurring="" as="" a="" result="" of="" a="" 1="" day="" or="" single="" exposure.="" an="" acute="" dietary="" risk="" assessment="" was="" not="" performed="" because="" no="" endpoints="" attributable="" to="" single="" dose="" were="" identified="" in="" the="" oral="" studies="" including="" rat="" and="" rabbit="" developmental="" studies.="" there="" are="" no="" data="" requirements="" for="" acute="" and="" subchronic="" neurotoxicity="" studies="" and="" no="" evidence="" of="" neurotoxicity="" in="" any="" of="" the="" toxicity="" studies="" at="" very="" high="" doses.="" the="" agency="" has="" concluded="" with="" reasonable="" certainty="" that="" glyphosate="" dose="" not="" elicit="" an="" acute="" toxicological="" response,="" and="" that="" an="" acute="" dietary="" risk="" assessment="" is="" not="" needed.="" ii.="" chronic="" exposure="" and="" risk.="" the="" chronic="" dietary="" exposure="" analysis="" was="" conduced="" using="" the="" reference="" dose="" (rfd)="" of="" 2.0="" mg/kg/day="" based="" on="" the="" maternal="" noael="" of="" 175="" mg/kg/day="" from="" a="" developmental="" study="" and="" an="" uncertainty="" factor="" of="" 100="" (applicable="" to="" all="" population="" groups)="" the="" dietary="" exposure="" evaluation="" model="" (deem)="" analysis="" assumed="" tolerance="" levels="" residues="" and="" 100%="" of="" the="" crop="" treated.="" these="" assumptions="" resulted="" in="" the="" following="" theoretical="" maximum="" residue="" contributions="" (tmrc)="" and="" percentage="" rfds="" for="" certain="" population="" subgroups.="" the="" tmrc="" for="" the="" u.s.="" population="" (48="" contiguous="" states)="" was="" 0.029960="" or="" 1.5%="" of="" the="" rfd,="" 0.026051="" or="" 1.3%="" of="" the="" rfd="" for="" nursing="" infants="" (less="" than="" on="" 1="" year="" old),="" 0.065430="" or="" 3.3%="" of="" the="" rfd="" for="" non-nursing="" infants="" less="" than="" 1="" year="" old;="" 0.064388="" or="" 3.2%="" of="" the="" rfd="" for="" children="" (1-6="" years="" old);="" 0.043017="" or="" 2.2%="" of="" the="" rfd="" for="" children="" (7-12="" years="" old);="" 0.030928="" or="" 1.5%="" of="" the="" rfd="" for="" females="" (13+/nursing);="" 0.030241="" or="" 1.5%="" of="" the="" rfd="" for="" non-hispanic="" whites;="" and="" 0.030206="" or="" 1.5%="" of="" the="" rfd="" for="" non-hispanic="" blacks.="" these="" exposure="" levels="" will="" be="" unaffected="" by="" the="" proposed="" amendment="" to="" the="" tolerance="" regulation.="" iii.="" chronic="" risk-carcinogenic.="" glyphosate="" has="" been="" classified="" as="" a="" group="" e="" chemical="" evidence="" of="" carcinogenicity="" in="" two="" acceptable="" animal="" species.="" iv.="" drinking="" water.="" generic="" expected="" environmental="" concentration="" (geneec)="" and="" screening="" concentration="" and="" ground="" water="" (sci-grow)="" models="" were="" run="" by="" epa="" to="" produce="" maximum="" estimates="" of="" glyphosate="" concentrations="" in="" surface="" and="" ground="" water,="" respectively.="" the="" drinking="" water="" exposure="" for="" glyphosate="" from="" the="" ground="" water="" screening="" model,="" sci-grow,="" yields="" a="" peak="" and="" chronic="" estimated="" environmental="" concentration="" (eec)="" of="" 0.0011="" parts="" per="" billion="" (ppb)="" in="" ground="" water.="" the="" geneec="" values="" represent="" upper-bound="" estimates="" of="" the="" concentrations="" that="" might="" be="" found="" in="" surface="" water="" due="" to="" glyphosate="" use.="" thus,="" the="" geneec="" model="" predicts="" that="" glyphosate="" surface="" water="" concentrations="" range="" from="" a="" peak="" of="" 1.64="" ppb="" to="" a="" 56-day="" average="" of="" 0.19="" ppb.="" the="" model="" estimates="" are="" compared="" directly="" to="" drinking="" water="" level="" of="" comparison="" (dwloc)="" (chronic).="" the="" dwloc="" (chronic)="" is="" the="" theoretical="" concentration="" of="" glyphosate="" in="" drinking="" water="" so="" that="" the="" aggregate="" chronic="" exposure="" (food="" +="" water="" +="" residential)="" will="" occupy="" no="" more="" than="" 100%="" of="" the="" rfd.="" this="" assessment="" does="" not="" take="" into="" account="" expected="" reductions="" in="" any="" glyphosate="" concentrations="" in="" water="" arising="" from="" water="" treatment="" of="" surface="" water="" prior="" to="" releasing="" it="" for="" drinking="" purposes.="" the="" agency's="" default="" body="" weights="" and="" consumption="" values="" used="" to="" calculate="" dwlocs="" are="" as="" follows:="" 70="" kg/2l="" (adult="" male),="" 60="" kg/2l="" (adult="" female),="" and="" 10="" kg/1l="" (child).="" v.="" acute="" exposure="" and="" risk.="" an="" acute="" dietary="" endpoint="" and="" dose="" was="" not="" identified="" in="" the="" toxicology="" data="" base.="" adequate="" rat="" and="" rabbit="" developmental="" studies="" did="" not="" provide="" a="" dose="" or="" endpoint="" that="" could="" be="" used="" for="" acute="" dietary="" risk="" purposes.="" additionally,="" there="" were="" no="" data="" requirements="" for="" acute="" or="" subchronic="" rat="" neurotoxicity="" studies="" since="" there="" was="" no="" evidence="" of="" neurotoxicity="" in="" any="" of="" the="" toxicology="" studies="" at="" very="" high="" doses.="" vi.="" chronic="" exposure="" and="" risk.="" the="" dwloc="" (chronic,="" non-cancer)="" risk="" is="" calculated="" by="" multiplying="" the="" allowed="" chronic="" water="" exposure="" (mg/kg/="" day)="" x="" body="" weight="" (kg)="" divided="" by="" the="" consumption="" (l)="" x="" 103="">g/mg. The DWLOCs are 69,000 g/L for the U.S. 
    population in 48 contiguous States, males (13+), non-Hispanic whites, 
    and non-Hispanic blacks; and 19,000 for non-nursing infants (less than 
    1 year old) and children (1-6 years). Although the GENEEC and SCI-GROW 
    models are known to produce worst-case estimates, the resulting average 
    concentrations of glyphosate in the surface and ground water are more 
    than 10,000-fold less than the DWLOC (chronic). Therefore, taking into 
    account present uses and uses proposed in this action, Monsanto 
    concludes with reasonable certainty that no harm will result from 
    chronic aggregate exposure to glyphosate.
        2. Non-dietary exposure. Glyphosate is currently registered for use 
    on the following residential non-food sites: Around ornamentals, shade 
    trees, shrubs, walk, driveways, flower beds, and home lawns. Based on 
    the registered uses of glyphosate, the potential for residential 
    exposures exists. However, based on the low acute toxicity and lack of 
    other toxicological concerns, glyphosate does not meet the Agency's 
    criteria for residential data requirements and a residential exposure 
    assessment is not required since there are no toxicological endpoints 
    selected for either dermal or inhalation exposure. Exposures from 
    residential uses are not expected to pose undue risks or harm to public 
    health.
        i. Acute exposure and risk. There are no acute toxicological 
    concerns for glyphosate. Glyphosate has been the subject of numerous 
    incident reports, primarily for eye and skin irritation injuries, in 
    California. Some glyphosate end-use products are in Toxicity Categories 
    I and II for eye and dermal irritation. The Reregistration Eligibility 
    Decision Document for Glyphosate (September 1993) indicated that the 
    Agency is not adding additional personal protective equipment (PPE) 
    requirements to labels of end-use products, but that it continues to 
    recommend the PPE and precautionary statements required for end-use 
    products in Toxicity Categories I and II.
        ii. Chronic exposure and risk. Although there are registered 
    residential uses for glyphosate, glyphosate does not meet the Agency's 
    criteria for residential data requirements, due to the lack of 
    toxicological concerns. Incidental acute and/or chronic dietary 
    exposures from residential uses of glyphosate are not expected to pose 
    undue risks to the general population, including infants and children.
        iii. Short- and intermediate-term exposure and risk. EPA identified 
    no toxicological concerns for short- intermediate- and long-term dermal 
    or inhalation routes of exposures for glyphosate. The Agency has 
    concluded that exposures from residential uses of glyphosate are not 
    expected to pose undue risks.
    
    D. Cumulative Effects
    
        Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) requires that, when considering whether to 
    establish, modify, or revoke a tolerance, the Agency consider 
    ``available information''concerning the cumulative effects of a 
    particular pesticide's residues and ``other substances that have a 
    common mechanism of toxicity.''
        EPA does not have, at this time, available data to determine 
    whether glyphosate has a common mechanism of toxicity with other 
    substances or how to include this pesticide in a cumulative risk 
    assessment. Unlike other pesticides for which EPA has followed a 
    cumulative risk approach based on a common mechanism of toxicity, 
    glyphosate does not produce a toxic metabolite that is also produced by 
    other substances. For the purposes of
    
    [[Page 1375]]
    
    this tolerance action, therefore, EPA should assume that glyphosate 
    does not have a common mechanism of toxicity with other substances. For 
    information regarding EPA's efforts to determine which chemicals have a 
    common mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate the cumulative effects of 
    such chemicals, see the final rule for Bifenthrin Pesticide Tolerances 
    November 26, 1997, (62 FR 62961) (FRL-5754-7).
    
    E. Safety Determination
    
        1. U.S. population--i. Acute risk. There was no acute dietary 
    endpoint identified, therefore, there are no acute toxicological 
    concerns for glyphosate.
        ii. Chronic risk. Using the TMRC exposure assumptions described in 
    this unit, EPA has concluded that aggregate exposure to glyphosate from 
    food will utilize 1.5% of the RfD for the U.S. population. The major 
    identifiable subgroup with the highest aggregate exposure is non- 
    nursing infants (less than 1 year) and children (1-6 years old) as 
    discussed below. EPA generally has no concern for exposures below 100% 
    of the RfD because the RfD represents the level at or below which daily 
    aggregate dietary exposure over a lifetime will not pose appreciable 
    risks to human health. Despite the potential for exposure to glyphosate 
    in drinking water and from non-dietary, non-occupational exposure, the 
    aggregate exposure will not exceed 100% of the RfD. EPA has previously 
    concluded that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result 
    from aggregate exposure to glyphosate residues at this level. The 
    safety determination is unaffected by the proposed change in the 
    tolerance regulation.
        iii. Short- and intermediate-term risk. Short-and intermediate-term 
    dermal and inhalation risk is not a concern due to the lack of 
    significant toxicological effects observed with glyphosate under these 
    exposure scenarios. Short- and intermediate-term aggregate exposure 
    takes into account chronic dietary food and water (considered to be a 
    background exposure level) plus indoor and outdoor residential 
    exposure.
        iv. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Glyphosate has been 
    classified as a Group E chemical, with no evidence of carcinogenicity 
    for humans in two acceptable animal studies.
        v. Determination of safety. Based on these risk assessments, 
    Monsanto concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm 
    will result from aggregate exposure to glyphosate residues.
        2. Infants and children. In general, when assessing the potential 
    for additional sensitivity of infants and children to residues of 
    glyphosate, EPA considers data from developmental toxicity studies in 
    the rat and rabbit and a 2-generation reproduction study in the rat. 
    The developmental toxicity studies are designed to evaluate adverse 
    effects on the developing organism resulting from maternal pesticide 
    exposure gestation. Reproduction studies provide information relating 
    to effects from exposure to the pesticide on the reproductive 
    capability of mating animals and data on systemic toxicity.
        FFDCA section 408 provides that EPA shall apply an additional 
    tenfold margin of safety for infants and children in the case of 
    threshold effects to account for prenatal and postnatal toxicity and 
    the completeness of the data base unless EPA determines that a 
    different margin of safety will be safe for infants and children. 
    Margins of safety are incorporated into EPA risk assessments either 
    directly through use of a margin of exposure (MOE) analysis or through 
    using uncertainty (safety) factors in calculating a dose level that 
    poses no appreciable risk to humans. EPA believes that reliable data 
    support using the standard uncertainty factor (usually 100 for combined 
    interspecies and intraspecies variability) and not the additional 
    tenfold MOE/uncertainty factor when EPA has a complete data base under 
    existing guidelines and when the severity of the effect in infants or 
    children or the potency or unusual toxic properties of a compound do 
    not raise concerns regarding the adequacy of the standard MOE/safety 
    factor.
        i. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. The oral prenatal and 
    prenatal data demonstrated no indication of increased sensitivity of 
    rats or rabbits to in utero and postnatal exposure to glyphosate.
        ii. Conclusion. There is a complete toxicity data base for 
    glyphosate and exposure data are complete or are estimated based on 
    data that reasonably accounts for potential exposures. Based on these 
    data, there is no indication that the developing fetus or neonate is 
    more sensitive than adult animals. No developmental neurotoxicity 
    studies have been required at this time. A developmental neurotoxicity 
    data requirement is an upper tier study and is required only if effects 
    observed in the acute and 90-day neurotoxicity studies indicate 
    concerns for frank neuropathy or alterations seen in fetal nervous 
    system in the developmental or reproductive toxicology studies. The 
    Agency has concluded that reliable data support the use of the standard 
    100-fold uncertainty factor for glyphosate, and that a tenfold (10x) 
    uncertainty factor is not needed to protect the safety of infants and 
    children.
        iii. Acute risk. There are no acute toxicological endpoints for 
    glyphosate. The Agency has concluded that establishment of the proposed 
    tolerances would not pose an unacceptable aggregate risk.
        3. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this 
    unit, EPA has concluded that aggregate exposure to glyphosate from food 
    utilizing present tolerances will utilize 3.0% of the RfD for infants 
    and children. EPA generally has no concern for exposures below 100% of 
    the RfD because the RfD represents the level at or below which daily 
    aggregate dietary exposure over a lifetime will not pose appreciable 
    risks to human health. These dietary exposure levels are unaffected by 
    the proposed tolerances on alfalfa, hay and alfalfa, forage, because 
    these commodities are only consumed by livestock, and the existing 
    tolerances in liver and kidney fractions of cattle, goats, horses, 
    sheep, and poultry are considered sufficient to account for any 
    additional dietary burden these animals may encounter. Although there 
    is a low likelihood potential exposure to glyphosate in drinking water 
    and from non-dietary, non-occupational exposure, EPA has previously 
    concluded that the aggregate exposure is not expected to exceed 100% of 
    the RfD. The safety determination is unaffected by the proposed change 
    in the tolerance regulation.
        4. Short- or intermediate-term risk. Short-term and intermediate- 
    term dermal and inhalation risk is not a concern due to the lack of 
    significant toxicological effects observed with glyphosate under these 
    exposure scenarios.
        5. Determination of safety. Based on these risk assessments, EPA 
    has previously concluded that there is a reasonable certainty that no 
    harm will result to infants and children from aggregate exposure to 
    glyphosate residues at these levels.
    
    F. International Tolerances
    
        No Codex Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) exist for alfalfa, hay, 
    alfalfa, forage; or corn, field, forage. A MRL exists for straw and 
    fodder (dry) of cereal grains (Code as 0091) at 100 ppm. Therefore, the 
    proposed tolerance for stover and straw of cereal grains group at 100 
    ppm will harmonize to United States regulations with those in place 
    internationally. Codex MRLs have been established in or on many RACs. 
    These petitions propose no additional numerical changes; therefore, the
    
    [[Page 1376]]
    
    agreement between United States tolerances and Codex MRLs are not 
    affected by other proposals in this action.
    
    2. Rohm and Haas Company
    
     9F6033
    
        EPA has received a pesticide petition (9F6033) from Rohm and Haas 
    Company, 100 Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA proposing, 
    pursuant to section 408(d) of the FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 346a(d), to amend 40 
    CFR part 180 by establishing a tolerance for residues of 
    methoxyfenozide benzoic acid, 3-methoxy-2-methyl-,2-(3,5-
    dimethylbenzoyl)-2-(1,1- dimethylethyl) hydrazide in or on the RACs 
    grapes, raisins, and fruiting vegetables (except cucurbits) at 1.0, 
    1.5, and 2.0 ppm respectively. EPA has determined that the petition 
    contains data or information regarding the elements set forth in 
    section 408(d)(2) of the FFDCA; however, EPA has not fully evaluated 
    the sufficiency of the submitted data at this time or whether the data 
    supports granting of the petition. Additional data may be needed before 
    EPA rules on the petition.
    
    A. Residue Chemistry
    
        1. Plant metabolism. The metabolism of methoxyfenozide in plants 
    (grapes, apples, cotton, and rice) is adequately understood for the 
    purposes of these tolerances. The metabolism of methoxyfenozide in all 
    crops was similar and involves cleavage of the methoxyl side chain to 
    the free phenol, RH-117236 or oxidation of the alkyl substituents of 
    the aromatic rings primarily at the benzylic positions. In all crops, 
    parent compound comprised the majority of the total dosage. None of the 
    metabolites were in excess of 10% of the total dosage.
        2. Analytical method. A high performance liquid chromatographic 
    (HPLC) analytical method using ultraviolet (UV) or mass selective (MS) 
    detection has been validated for grapes, raisins, grape juice, wine, 
    peppers, tomatoes, and tomato processed fractions (juice, puree, 
    paste). The method involves extraction by blending with solvents, 
    purification of the extracts by liquid-liquid partitions and final 
    purification of the residues using basic alumina column chromatography 
    and solid phase extraction. The LOQ is 0.02 ppm for all matrices.
        3. Magnitude of residues--i. Grapes. Residue studies showed a range 
    of residues in grapes from 0.20-0.86 ppm, and support a tolerance of 
    1.0 ppm in grapes and 1.5 ppm in raisins. Residues did not concentrate 
    in red and white wine or in clarified and unclarified juice.
        ii. Fruiting vegetables. Residue studies showed a range of residues 
    in peppers from 0.032-1.03 ppm and in tomatoes (cherry and non-cherry) 
    from 0.05-1.86, supporting a tolerance of 2.0 ppm for the crop group. 
    No concentration of residues was seen in the tomato processed fractions 
    juice, puree or paste.
    
    B. Toxicological Profile
    
        1. Acute toxicity. Methoxyfenozide has low acute toxicity. 
    Methoxyfenozide was practically non-toxic by ingestion of a single oral 
    dose in rats and mice (LD50 > 5,000 mg/kg) and was 
    practically non-toxic by dermal application (LD50 > 5,000 
    mg/kg). Methoxyfenozide was not significantly toxic to rats after a 4-
    hour inhalation exposure with an LC50 value of > 4.3 
    milligrams per liter (mg/L) (highest attainable concentration), is not 
    considered to be a primary eye irritant or a skin, irritant, and is not 
    a dermal sensitizer. An acute neurotoxicity study in rats did not 
    produce any neurotoxic or neuropathologic effects with a NOAEL > 2,000 
    mg/kg.
        2. Genotoxicty. Methoxyfenozide tested negative (non-mutagenic, 
    non-genotoxic) in a battery of in vitro and in vivo assays, which 
    included an Ames assay with and without metabolic activation, a CHO/
    HGPRT assay, an in vitro chromosome aberration assay in CHO cells with 
    and without a metabolic activation, an in vivo micronucleus assay in 
    mouse bone marrow cells.
        3. Reproductive and developmental toxicity--i. NOAELs for 
    developmental and maternal toxicity to methoxyfenozide were established 
    at 1,000 mg/kg/day HDT in both the rat and rabbit. No signs of 
    developmental toxicity were exhibited.
        ii. In a 2-generation reproduction study in the rat, the 
    reproductive/developmental toxicity NOAELs of 1,552 mg/kg/day was 100-
    fold higher than the parental (systemic) toxicity NOAEL of 200 ppm 
    (15.5 mg/kg/day).
        4. Subchronic toxicity--i. The NOAEL in a 90-day rat feeding study 
    was 1,000 ppm (69.3 mg/kg/day for males, 72.4 mg/kg/day for females). 
    The LOAEL was 5,000 ppm (353 mg/kg/day for males, 379 mg/kg/day for 
    females). Increased liver weight and liver histopathology were observed 
    at the LOAEL of 5,000 ppm. Methoxyfenozide did not produce neurotoxic 
    or neuropathologic effects when administered in the diets of rats for 3 
    months at concentrations up to and including the limit dose of 20,000 
    ppm (NOAEL = 1,318 mg/kg/day for males, 1,577 mg/kg/day for females).
        ii. In a 90-day feeding study with mice, the NOAEL was 2,500 ppm 
    (428 and 589 mg/kg/day for males and females, respectively). The LOAEL 
    was 7,000 ppm (1,149 and 1,742 mg/kg/day for males and females, 
    respectively). Decreases in body weight gain were noted in both sexes 
    of mice at the LOAEL of 7,000 ppm.
        iii. A 90-day dog feeding study gave a NOAEL of 3,000 ppm, the HDT 
    (198 and 209 mg/kg/day for males and females, respectively). Extension 
    of treatment of the low dose animals for 6 weeks at 15,000 ppm (422 and 
    460 mg/kg/day for males and females, respectively) produced no signs of 
    systemic toxicity.
        Methoxyfenozide did not produce toxicity in the rat when 
    administered dermally for 4 weeks at doses up to and including the 
    limit dose of 1,000 mg/kg/day. These findings correlate with the low 
    dermal penetration observed with 14C-methoxyfenozide, 
    formulated as the wettable powder (i.e., after 24 hours 1-3% of the 
    administered dose was systemically absorbed).
        5. Chronic toxicity--i. The NOAEL in a 1 year feeding study in dogs 
    was 300 ppm (9.8 and 12.6 mg/kg/day for male and females, 
    respectively). The LOAEL was 3,000 ppm (106 and 111 mg/kg/day for male 
    and females, respectively) based on minimal hematological effects.
        ii. An 18-month mouse carcinogenicity study showed no signs of 
    carcinogenicity at dosage levels up to and including 7,000 ppm (1,020 
    and 1,354 mg/kg/day for male and females, respectively), the HDT.
        iii. In a combined rat chronic/oncogenicity study, the NOAEL for 
    chronic toxicity was 200 ppm (10.2 and 11.9 mg/kg/day for males and 
    females, respectively) and the LOAEL was 8,000 ppm (411 and 491 mg/kg/
    day for males and females, respectively). No carcinogenicity was 
    observed at the dosage levels up to 20,000 ppm (1,045 and 1,248 mg/kg/
    day for males and females, respectively).
        6. Animal metabolism. In toxicokinetic and metabolism studies in 
    the rat, methoxyfenozide was rapidly absorbed following oral exposure 
    with peak plasma levels occurring within 0.5 hours of administration. 
    Methoxyfenozide does not bioaccumulate in that the compound is rapidly 
    and almost completely eliminated within 24 hours. Methoxyfenozide was 
    extensively metabolized in rats. Including parent compound, 32 
    metabolites, of which 26 were identified, were isolated from the rat 
    urine and feces. The primary pathway of methoxyfenozide metabolism 
    involves demethylation of the A-ring methoxyl moiety to form the 
    corresponding A-ring phenol, RH-
    
    [[Page 1377]]
    
    117,236, which is readily conjugated with glucuronic acid to RH-1518. 
    Hydroxylation on the B-ring methyl moieties is also an important 
    metabolic pathway.
        7. Metabolite toxicology. Common metabolic pathways for 
    methoxyfenozide have been identified in both plants (grape, apple, 
    rice, and cotton) and animals (rat, goat, hen). Extensive degradation 
    and elimination of polar metabolites occurs in animals such that 
    residues are unlikely to accumulate in humans or animals exposed to 
    these residues through the diet. The rapid metabolism and excretion of 
    methoxyfenozide in part accounts for the compound's overall low 
    toxicity profile in animals.2 The main metabolite of methoxyfenozide in 
    plants and animals, the A-ring phenol, RH-117,236, produced no toxicity 
    in mice (LD50 > 5,000 mg/kg) and was negative when tested in 
    the Ames mutagenic assay. Other metabolites of methoxyfenozide (e.g., 
    glucuronides) would be expected to produce minimal to no toxicity given 
    structure activity considerations.
        8. Endocrine disruption. Based on structure-activity information as 
    well as the lack of developmental and reproductive toxicity, 
    methoxyfenozide is unlikely to exhibit estrogenic activity. No 
    indicators of estrogenic or other endocrine effects were observed in 
    mammalian chronic studies or in mammalian and avian reproduction 
    studies. Methoxyfenozide is within a class of chemistry 
    (diacylhydrazines) that is not known to bind to mammalian steroid 
    receptors. Overall, the weight of evidence provides no indication that 
    methoxyfenozide has endocrine activity in vertebrates.
    
    C. Aggregate Exposure
    
        1. Dietary exposure. Tolerances are proposed for the residues of 
    methoxyfenozide in or grapes, raisins, and fruiting vegetables. Risk 
    assessments were conducted by Rohm and Haas to assess dietary exposures 
    and risks from methoxyfenozide as follows:
        i. Food--a.  Acute exposure and risk. No acute endpoint of concern 
    was identified for methoxyfenozide and no acute risk assessment is 
    required.
        b. Chronic exposure and risk. For chronic dietary risk assessment, 
    the proposed tolerance values and anticipated (average) residues are 
    used and the assumption that 100% of all grapes and fruiting vegetables 
    (in addition to cotton, and pome fruit) will contain residues of 
    methoxyfenozide at the tolerance or anticipated residue levels. The RfD 
    used for the chronic dietary analysis is 0.1 mg/kg/day based on the 
    NOAEL of 9.8-10.0 mg/kg/day from the rat and dogs chronic studies. 
    Potential chronic exposures were estimated using NOVIGEN'S (DEEM 
    Version 6.74) which uses USDA food consumption data from the 1994-1996 
    survey. With the proposed tolerances and anticipated residue levels for 
    methoxyfenozide, the percentage of the RfD utilized is as follows:
    
     
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Groups                      Tolerance Levels, Total %RfD      Anticipated Residues, Total %RfD
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    U.S. Population - 48 contiguous States..                                 6.8                                 0.6
    Hispanics...............................                                 7.5                                 0.6
    Non-Hispanic/non-white/non-black........                                 6.9                                 0.7
    Nursing Infants > 1 year old............                                 5.2                                 0.8
    Non-Nursing Infants > 1 year old........                                14.7                                 2.0
    Children 1-6 years old..................                                20.2                                 1.9
    Children 7-12 years old.................                                 9.3                                 0.8
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        The chronic dietary risks from these uses do not exceed EPA's level 
    of concern.
        ii. Drinking water. Submitted environmental fate studies suggest 
    that methoxyfenozide is moderately persistent and mobile, and could 
    potentially leach to ground water and runoff to surface water under 
    certain environmental conditions. However, in terrestrial field 
    dissipation and orchard dissipation studies, residues of 
    methoxyfenozide showed minimal mobility and remained associated with 
    the upper layers of soil. Foliar interception (up to 70% of the total 
    dosage applied) by target crops reduces the ground level residues of 
    methoxyfenozide.
        Acute and chronic exposures to methoxyfenozide in drinking water 
    were estimated using the GEENEC V1.2 and SCI-GROW models, as directed 
    in OPP's Interim Approach for Addressing Drinking Water Exposure. 
    GEENEC is a highly conservative model used to estimate residue 
    concentrations in surface water. SCI-GROW is an equally conservative 
    model used to estimate residue concentrations in shallow, highly 
    vulnerable ground water (i.e., sites with sandy soils and depth to 
    ground water of 10 to 20 feet). As indicated in EPA's drinking water 
    exposure guidance, a very small percentage of people in the United 
    States would derive their drinking water from such sources. GEENEC (56-
    day average) and SCI-GROW water exposure values for methoxyfenozide 
    utilize 1% or less of the RfD for adults and children.
        There is no established Maximum Concentration Level (MCL) for 
    residues of methoxyfenozide in drinking water. No drinking water health 
    advisory levels have been established for methoxyfenozide. There is no 
    entry for methoxyfenozide in the ``Pesticides in Groundwater Database'' 
    (EPA 734-12-92-001, September 1992).
        iii. Chronic exposure and risk. There are insufficient water-
    related exposure data to complete a comprehensive drinking water 
    assessment for methoxyfenozide at this time. However, in order to 
    mitigate the potential for methoxyfenozide to leach into ground water 
    or runoff to surface water, precautionary language has been 
    incorporated into the proposed product label. Also, to the best of our 
    knowledge, previous experience at EPA with more persistent and mobile 
    pesticides for which there were available data to perform quantitative 
    risk assessments demonstrated that drinking water exposure was 
    typically a small percentage of the total dietary exposure. This 
    observation holds even for pesticides detected in wells and drinking 
    water at levels nearing or exceeding established MCLs. Considering the 
    precautionary language on the label and our knowledge of previous 
    experience with persistent chemicals, no risk from residues of 
    methoxyfenozide in drinking water is anticipated.
        2. Non-dietary exposure. Methoxyfenozide is not currently 
    registered for any indoor or outdoor residential uses; therefore, no 
    non-
    
    [[Page 1378]]
    
    dietary residential exposure is anticipated.
    
    D. Cumulative Effects
    
        The methodologies to resolve the complex scientific issues 
    concerning common mechanism of toxicity in a meaningful way are not 
    available at this time. EPA has begun a pilot process to study this 
    issue further through the examination of particular classes of 
    pesticides. The Agency hopes that the results of this pilot process 
    will increase the Agency's scientific understanding of this question 
    such that EPA will be able to develop and apply scientific principles 
    for better determining which chemicals have a common mechanism of 
    toxicity and evaluating the cumulative effects of such chemicals. The 
    Agency anticipates, however, that even as its understanding of the 
    science of common mechanisms increases, decision on specific classes of 
    chemicals will be heavily dependent on chemical-specific data, much of 
    which may not be presently available.
        Although at present the Agency does not know how to apply the 
    information in its files concerning common mechanism issues to most 
    risk assessments, there are pesticides for which the common mechanism 
    issues can be resolved. These pesticides include pesticides that are 
    toxicologically dissimilar to existing chemical substances (in which 
    case the Agency can conclude that it is unlikely that a pesticide 
    shares a common mechanism of activity with other substances) and 
    pesticides that produce a common toxic metabolite (in which case common 
    mechanism of activity will be assumed).
        At this time, no data are available to determine whether 
    methoxyfenozide benzoic acid, 3-methoxy-2-methyl-, 2-(3,5-
    dimethylbenzoyl)-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)hydrazide has a common mechanism 
    of toxicity with other substances. Thus, it is not appropriate to 
    include this pesticide in a cumulative risk assessment. Unlike other 
    pesticides for which EPA has followed a cumulative risk approach based 
    on a common mechanism of toxicity, methoxyfenozide benzoic acid, 3-
    methoxy-2-methyl-,2-(3,5-dimethylbenzoyl)-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl) 
    hydrazide does not produce a toxic metabolite produced by other 
    substances. For the purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, 
    methoxyfenozide benzoic acid, 3-methoxy-2-methyl-,2-(3,5-
    dimethylbenzoyl)-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl) hydrazide is assumed not to have 
    a common mechanism of toxicity with other substances.
    
    E. Safety Determination
    
        1. U.S. population--i. Acute exposure and risk. Since no acute 
    endpoint of concern has been identified for methoxyfenozide, no acute 
    risk assessment is required.
        ii. Chronic exposure and risk. Using the conservative exposure 
    assumptions described above and taking into account the completeness 
    and reliability of the toxicity data, the percentage of the RfD that 
    will be utilized by dietary (food only) exposure to residues of 
    methoxyfenozide from the proposed tolerances is 6.8% (tolerance levels) 
    and 0.6% (anticipated residues) for the U.S. population. Aggregate 
    exposure (food and water) are not expected to exceed 100%. EPA 
    generally has no concern for exposures below 100% of the RfD because 
    the RfD represents the level at or below which daily aggregate dietary 
    exposure over a lifetime will not pose appreciable risks to human 
    health. Rohm and Haas concludes that there is a reasonable certainty 
    that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to methoxyfenozide 
    residues to the U.S. population.
        2. Infants and children--i. Children. The potential for additional 
    sensitivity of infants and children to residues of methoxyfenozide are 
    assessed using data from developmental toxicity studies in the rat and 
    rabbit and 2-generation reproduction studies in the rat. The 
    developmental toxicity studies are designed to evaluate adverse effects 
    on the developing organism resulting from maternal pesticide exposure 
    during gestation. Reproduction studies provide information relating to 
    effects from exposure to the pesticide on the reproductive capability 
    of mating animals and data on systemic toxicity.
        ii. Developmental toxicity studies--a. Rats. In a developmental 
    toxicity study in rats, the maternal (systemic) NOAEL was 1,000 mg/kg/
    day HDT. The developmental (pup) NOAEL was > 1,000 mg/kg/day HDT
        b. Rabbits. In a developmental toxicity study in rats, the maternal 
    (systemic) NOAEL was 1,000 mg/kg/day HDT. The developmental (pup) NOAEL 
    was > 1,000 mg/kg/day HDT.
        iii. Reproductive toxicity study--Rats. In a multi-generation 
    reproductive toxicity study in rats, the parental (systemic) NOAEL was 
    15.5 mg/kg/day, based on liver effects at the LOAEL of 153 mg/kg/day. 
    The reproductive (pup) NOAEL was 1,552 mg/kg/day HDT. No adverse 
    reproductive effects were observed.
        iv. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity--a. Prenatal sensitivity. 
    The developmental NOAELs of > 1,000 mg/kg/day HDT from the 
    developmental toxicity studies in rats and rabbits demonstrate that 
    there is no developmental (prenatal) toxicity present for 
    methoxyfenozide. Additionally, these developmental NOAELs are greater 
    than 100-fold higher than the NOAEL of 9.8-10.0 mg/kg/day from the rat 
    and dogs chronic studies which are the basis of the RfD.
        b. Postnatal sensitivity. In the reproductive toxicity study in 
    rats, the reproductive NOAEL (1,552 mg/kg/day) is about 100-fold higher 
    than the parental NOAEL (15.5 mg/kg/day). These developmental and 
    reproductive studies indicate that methoxyfenozide does not have 
    additional prenatal and postnatal sensitivity for infants and children 
    in comparison to other exposed groups.
        v. Acute exposure and risk. No acute endpoint was identified for 
    methoxyfenozide, and therefore, no acute risk assessment is required.
        vi. Chronic exposure and risk. For chronic dietary risk assessment, 
    tolerances and anticipated residue values are used and the assumption 
    that 100% of all grapes and fruiting vegetables (in addition to cotton 
    and pome fruit) will contain residues at the tolerance or anticipated 
    residue levels. The percentage RfD utilized from the proposed 
    tolerances and anticipated residues is calculated using the DEEM 
    (Version 6.74, licensed by Novigen Sciences Inc.) which uses USDA food 
    consumption data from the 1994-1996 survey.
        With the proposed tolerances and anticipated residues for 
    methoxyfenozide, the percentage of the RfD that will be utilized by 
    dietary (food only) exposure to residues of methoxyfenozide is 20.2% 
    (tolerance levels ) and 1.9% (anticipated residues) for children 1-6 
    years old. Aggregate exposure (food and water) are not expected to 
    exceed 100%. Rohm and Haas concludes that there is a reasonable 
    certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to 
    methoxyfenozide residues to non-nursing infants.
    
    F. International Tolerances
    
        There are currently no CODEX, Canadian or Mexican MRLs established 
    for methoxyfenozide in grapes, raisins, or fruiting vegetables, so no 
    harmonization issues are required for this action.
    
    3. Rohm and Haas Company
    
     9F6062
    
        EPA has received a pesticide petition (9F6062) from Rohm and Haas
    
    [[Page 1379]]
    
    Company, 100 Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA, proposing, 
    pursuant to section 408(d) of the FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 346a(d), to amend 40 
    CFR part 180 by establishing a tolerance for residues of 
    methoxyfenozide benzoic acid, 3-methoxy-2-methyl-, 2-(3,5-
    dimethylbenzoyl)-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl) hydrazide in or on the RACs, 
    leafy green vegetables, leaf petioles, head and stem brassica, and 
    leafy brassica greens at 25.0, 10.0, 6.5, and 20.0 ppm respectively. 
    EPA has determined that the petition contains data or information 
    regarding the elements set forth in section 408(d)(2) of the FFDCA; 
    however, EPA has not fully evaluated the sufficiency of the submitted 
    data at this time or whether the data supports granting of the 
    petition. Additional data may be needed before EPA rules on the 
    petition.
    
    A. Residue Chemistry
    
        1. Plant metabolism. The metabolism of methoxyfenozide in plants 
    (grapes, apples, cotton, and rice) is adequately understood for the 
    purposes of these tolerances. The metabolism of methoxyfenozide in all 
    crops was similar and involves cleavage of the methoxyl side chain to 
    the free phenol, RH-117236, or oxidation of the alkyl substituents of 
    the aromatic rings. In all crops, parent compound comprised the 
    majority of the total dosage. None of the metabolites were in excess of 
    10% of the total dosage.
        2. Analytical method. A high performance liquid chromatographic 
    (HPLC) analytical method using ultraviolet (UV) or mass selective (MS) 
    detection has been validated for vegetable crops. The method involves 
    extraction by blending with solvents, purification of the extracts by 
    liquid-liquid partitions and final purification of the residues using 
    basic alumina column chromatography and solid phase extraction. The LOQ 
    is 0.02 ppm for all matrices.
        3. Magnitude of residues. The crop field trial data submitted with 
    the petition support the proposed tolerances for residues of 
    methoxyfenozide in leafy and cole crop vegetables.
    
    B. Toxicological Profile
    
        1. Acute toxicity. Methoxyfenozide has low acute toxicity. 
    Methoxyfenozide was practically non-toxic by ingestion of a single oral 
    dose in rats and mice (LD50 > 5,000 mg/kg) and was 
    practically non-toxic by dermal application (LD50 > 5,000 
    mg/kg). Methoxyfenozide was not significantly toxic to rats after a 4-
    hour inhalation exposure with an LC50 value of > 4.3 mg/L 
    (highest attainable concentration), is not considered to be a primary 
    eye irritant or a skin irritant, and is not a dermal sensitizer. An 
    acute neurotoxicity study in rats did not produce any neurotoxic or 
    neuropathologic effects with a NOAEL > 2,000 mg/kg.
        2. Genotoxicty. Methoxyfenozide tested negative (non-mutagenic, 
    non-genotoxic) in a battery of in vitro and in vivo assays, which 
    included an Ames assay with and without metabolic activation, a CHO/
    HGPRT assay, an in vitro chromosome aberration assay in CHO cells with 
    and without a metabolic activation, an in vivo micronucleus assay in 
    mouse bone marrow cells.
        3. Reproductive and developmental toxicity--i. NOAELs for 
    developmental and maternal toxicity to methoxyfenozide were established 
    at 1,000 mg/kg/day HDT in both the rat and rabbit. No signs of 
    developmental toxicity were exhibited.
        ii. In a 2-generation reproduction study in the rat, the 
    reproductive/developmental toxicity NOAEL of 1,552 mg/kg/day was 100-
    fold higher than the parental (systemic) toxicity NOAEL of 200 ppm 
    (15.5 mg/kg/day).
        4. Subchronic toxicity--i. The NOAEL in a 90-day rat feeding study 
    was 1,000 ppm (69.3 mg/kg/day for males, 72.4 mg/kg/day for females). 
    The LOAEL was 5,000 ppm (353 mg/kg/day for males, 379 mg/kg/day for 
    females). Increased liver weight and liver histopathology were observed 
    at the LOAEL of 5,000 ppm. Methoxyfenozide did not produce neurotoxic 
    or neuropathologic effects when administered in the diets of rats for 3 
    months at concentrations up to and including the limit dose of 20,000 
    ppm (NOAEL = 1,318 mg/kg/day for males, 1,577 mg/kg/day for females).
        ii. In a 90-day feeding study with mice, the NOAEL was 2,500 ppm 
    (428 and 589 mg/kg/day for males and females, respectively). The LOAEL 
    was 7,000 ppm (1,149 and 1,742 mg/kg/day for males and females, 
    respectively). Decreases in body weight gain were noted in both sexes 
    of mice at the LOAEL of 7,000 ppm.
        iii. A 90-day dog feeding study gave a NOAEL of 3,000 ppm, the HDT 
    (198 and 209 mg/kg/day for males and females, respectively). Extension 
    of treatment of the low dose animals for 6 weeks at 15,000 ppm (422 and 
    460 mg/kg/day for males and females, respectively) produced no signs of 
    systemic toxicity.
        Methoxyfenozide did not produce toxicity in the rat when 
    administered dermally for 4 weeks at doses up to and including the 
    limit dose of 1,000 mg/kg/day. These findings correlate with the low 
    dermal penetration observed with 14C-methoxyfenozide, 
    formulated as the wettable powder (i.e., after 24 hours 1-3% of the 
    administered dose was systemically absorbed).
        5. Chronic toxicity--i. The NOAEL in a 1 year feeding study in dogs 
    was 300 ppm (9.8 and 12.6 mg/kg/day for male and females, 
    respectively). The LOAEL was 3,000 ppm (106 and 111 mg/kg/day for male 
    and females, respectively) based on minimal hematological effects.
        ii. An 18-month mouse carcinogenicity study showed no signs of 
    carcinogenicity at dosage levels up to and including 7,000 ppm (1,020 
    and 1,354 mg/kg/day for male and females, respectively), the HDT.
        iii. In a combined rat chronic/oncogenicity study, the NOAEL for 
    chronic toxicity was 200 ppm (10.2 and 11.9 mg/kg/day for males and 
    females, respectively) and the LOAEL was 8,000 ppm (411 and 491 mg/kg/
    day for males and females, respectively). No carcinogenicity was 
    observed at the dosage levels up to 20,000 ppm (1,045 and 1,248 mg/kg/
    day for males and females, respectively).
        6. Animal metabolism. In toxicokinetic and metabolism studies in 
    the rat, methoxyfenozide was rapidly absorbed following oral exposure 
    with peak plasma levels occurring within 0.5 hour of administration. 
    Methoxyfenozide does not bioaccumulate in that the compound is rapidly 
    and almost completely eliminated within 24 hours. Methoxyfenozide was 
    extensively metabolized in rats. Including parent compound, 32 
    metabolites, of which 26 were identified, were isolated from the rat 
    urine and feces. The primary pathway of methoxyfenozide metabolism 
    involves demethylation of the A-ring methoxyl moiety to form the 
    corresponding A-ring phenol, RH-117,236, which is readily conjugated 
    with glucuronic acid to RH-1518. Hydroxylation on the B-ring methyl 
    moieties is also an important metabolic pathway.
        7. Metabolite toxicology. Common metabolic pathways for 
    methoxyfenozide have been identified in both plants (grape, apple, 
    rice, and cotton) and animals (rat, goat, hen). Extensive degradation 
    and elimination of polar metabolites occurs in animals such that 
    residues are unlikely to accumulate in humans or animals exposed to 
    these residues through the diet. The rapid metabolism and excretion of 
    methoxyfenozide in part accounts for the compound's overall low 
    toxicity profile in animals. The main metabolite of methoxyfenozide in 
    plants and animals, the A-ring phenol, RH-117,236, produced no toxicity 
    in mice (LD50 > 5,000 mg/kg) and was
    
    [[Page 1380]]
    
    negative when tested in the Ames mutagenic assay. Other metabolites of 
    methoxyfenozide (e.g., glucuronides) would be expected to produce 
    minimal to no toxicity given structure activity considerations.
        8. Endocrine disruption. Based on structure-activity information as 
    well as the lack of developmental and reproductive toxicity, 
    methoxyfenozide is unlikely to exhibit estrogenic activity. No 
    indicators of estrogenic or other endocrine effects were observed in 
    mammalian chronic studies or in mammalian and avian reproduction 
    studies. Methoxyfenozide is within a class of chemistry 
    (diacylhydrazines) that is not known to bind to mammalian steroid 
    receptors. Overall, the weight of evidence provides no indication that 
    methoxyfenozide has endocrine activity in vertebrates.
    
    C. Aggregate Exposure
    
        1. Dietary exposure. Tolerances are proposed for the residues of 
    methoxyfenozide in or grapes, raisins, and fruiting vegetables. Risk 
    assessments were conducted by Rohm and Haas to assess dietary exposures 
    and risks from methoxyfenozide as follows:
        i. Food--a. Acute exposure and risk. No acute endpoint of concern 
    was identified for methoxyfenozide and no acute risk assessment is 
    required.
        b. Chronic exposure and risk. For chronic dietary risk assessment, 
    the proposed tolerance values and anticipated (average) residues are 
    used and the assumption that 100% of all leafy and cole crop vegetable 
    crops (in addition to cotton, pome fruit, grapes, and fruiting 
    vegetables) will contain residues of methoxyfenozide at the tolerance 
    levels. The RfD used for the chronic dietary analysis is 0.1 mg/kg/day 
    based on the NOAEL of 9.8-10.0 mg/kg/day from the rat and dogs chronic 
    studies. Potential chronic exposures were estimated using NOVIGEN'S 
    (DEEM Version 6.74) which uses USDA food consumption data from the 
    1994-1996 survey. With the proposed tolerances for methoxyfenozide, the 
    percentage of the RfD utilized is as follows:
    
     
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Population Subgroup             Tolerance Levels, Total %RfD
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    U.S. Population - 48 contiguous                                     16.4
     States.............................
    Non-Hispanic/non-white/non-black....                                22.4
    Nursing Infants < 1="" year="" old........="" 5.4="" non-nursing="" infants="">< 1="" year="" old....="" 23.1="" children="" 1-6="" years="" old..............="" 29.9="" children="" 7-12="" years="" old.............="" 18.1="" females="" 13+="" (nursing)...............="" 16.7="" ------------------------------------------------------------------------="" the="" chronic="" dietary="" risks="" from="" these="" uses="" do="" not="" exceed="" epa's="" level="" of="" concern.="" ii.="" drinking="" water.="" submitted="" environmental="" fate="" studies="" suggest="" that="" methoxyfenozide="" is="" moderately="" persistent="" and="" mobile,="" and="" could="" potentially="" leach="" to="" ground="" water="" and="" runoff="" to="" surface="" water="" under="" certain="" environmental="" conditions.="" however,="" in="" terrestrial="" field="" dissipation="" and="" orchard="" dissipation="" studies,="" residues="" of="" methoxyfenozide="" showed="" minimal="" mobility="" and="" remained="" associated="" with="" the="" upper="" layers="" of="" soil.="" foliar="" interception="" (up="" to="" 70%="" of="" the="" total="" dosage="" applied)="" by="" target="" crops="" reduces="" the="" ground="" level="" residues="" of="" methoxyfenozide.="" acute="" and="" chronic="" exposures="" to="" methoxyfenozide="" in="" drinking="" water="" were="" estimated="" using="" the="" geenec="" v1.2="" and="" sci-grow="" models,="" as="" directed="" in="" opp's="" interim="" approach="" for="" addressing="" drinking="" water="" exposure.="" geenec="" is="" a="" highly="" conservative="" model="" used="" to="" estimate="" residue="" concentrations="" in="" surface="" water.="" sci-grow="" is="" an="" equally="" conservative="" model="" used="" to="" estimate="" residue="" concentrations="" in="" shallow,="" highly="" vulnerable="" ground="" water="" (i.e.,="" sites="" with="" sandy="" soils="" and="" depth="" to="" ground="" water="" of="" 10="" to="" 20="" feet).="" as="" indicated="" in="" epa's="" drinking="" water="" exposure="" guidance,="" a="" very="" small="" percentage="" of="" people="" in="" the="" united="" states="" would="" derive="" their="" drinking="" water="" from="" such="" sources.="" geenec="" (56-="" day="" average)="" and="" sci-grow="" water="" exposure="" values="" for="" methoxyfenozide="" utilize="" 1%="" or="" less="" of="" the="" rfd="" for="" adults="" and="" children.="" there="" is="" no="" established="" maximum="" concentration="" level="" (mcl)="" for="" residues="" of="" methoxyfenozide="" in="" drinking="" water.="" no="" drinking="" water="" health="" advisory="" levels="" have="" been="" established="" for="" methoxyfenozide.="" there="" is="" no="" entry="" for="" methoxyfenozide="" in="" the="" ``pesticides="" in="" groundwater="" database''="" (epa="" 734-12-92-001,="" september="" 1992).="" iii.="" chronic="" exposure="" and="" risk.="" there="" are="" insufficient="" water-="" related="" exposure="" data="" to="" complete="" a="" comprehensive="" drinking="" water="" assessment="" for="" methoxyfenozide="" at="" this="" time.="" however,="" in="" order="" to="" mitigate="" the="" potential="" for="" methoxyfenozide="" to="" leach="" into="" ground="" water="" or="" runoff="" to="" surface="" water,="" precautionary="" language="" has="" been="" incorporated="" into="" the="" proposed="" product="" label.="" also,="" to="" the="" best="" of="" our="" knowledge,="" previous="" experience="" at="" epa="" with="" more="" persistent="" and="" mobile="" pesticides="" for="" which="" there="" were="" available="" data="" to="" perform="" quantitative="" risk="" assessments="" demonstrated="" that="" drinking="" water="" exposure="" was="" typically="" a="" small="" percentage="" of="" the="" total="" dietary="" exposure.="" this="" observation="" holds="" even="" for="" pesticides="" detected="" in="" wells="" and="" drinking="" water="" at="" levels="" nearing="" or="" exceeding="" established="" mcls.="" considering="" the="" precautionary="" language="" on="" the="" label="" and="" our="" knowledge="" of="" previous="" experience="" with="" persistent="" chemicals,="" no="" risk="" from="" residues="" of="" methoxyfenozide="" in="" drinking="" water="" is="" anticipated.="" 2.="" non-dietary="" exposure.="" methoxyfenozide="" is="" not="" currently="" registered="" for="" any="" indoor="" or="" outdoor="" residential="" uses;="" therefore,="" no="" non-dietary="" residential="" exposure="" is="" anticipated.="" d.="" cumulative="" effects="" the="" methodologies="" to="" resolve="" the="" complex="" scientific="" issues="" concerning="" common="" mechanism="" of="" toxicity="" in="" a="" meaningful="" way="" are="" not="" available="" at="" this="" time.="" epa="" has="" begun="" a="" pilot="" process="" to="" study="" this="" issue="" further="" through="" the="" examination="" of="" particular="" classes="" of="" pesticides.="" the="" agency="" hopes="" that="" the="" results="" of="" this="" pilot="" process="" will="" increase="" the="" agency's="" scientific="" understanding="" of="" this="" question="" such="" that="" epa="" will="" be="" able="" to="" develop="" and="" apply="" scientific="" principles="" for="" better="" determining="" which="" chemicals="" have="" a="" common="" mechanism="" of="" toxicity="" and="" evaluating="" the="" cumulative="" effects="" of="" such="" chemicals.="" the="" agency="" anticipates,="" however,="" that="" even="" as="" its="" understanding="" of="" the="" science="" of="" common="" mechanisms="" increases,="" decisions="" on="" specific="" classes="" of="" chemicals="" will="" be="" heavily="" dependent="" on="" [[page="" 1381]]="" chemical-specific="" data,="" much="" of="" which="" may="" not="" be="" presently="" available.="" although="" at="" present="" the="" agency="" does="" not="" know="" how="" to="" apply="" the="" information="" in="" its="" files="" concerning="" common="" mechanism="" issues="" to="" most="" risk="" assessments,="" there="" are="" pesticides="" for="" which="" the="" common="" mechanism="" issues="" can="" be="" resolved.="" these="" pesticides="" include="" pesticides="" that="" are="" toxicologically="" dissimilar="" to="" existing="" chemical="" substances="" (in="" which="" case="" the="" agency="" can="" conclude="" that="" it="" is="" unlikely="" that="" a="" pesticide="" shares="" a="" common="" mechanism="" of="" activity="" with="" other="" substances)="" and="" pesticides="" that="" produce="" a="" common="" toxic="" metabolite="" (in="" which="" case="" common="" mechanism="" of="" activity="" will="" be="" assumed).="" at="" this="" time,="" no="" data="" are="" available="" to="" determine="" whether="" methoxyfenozide="" benzoic="" acid,="" 3-methoxy-2-methyl-,="" 2-(3,5-="" dimethylbenzoyl)-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)="" hydrazide="" has="" a="" common="" mechanism="" of="" toxicity="" with="" other="" substances.="" thus,="" it="" is="" not="" appropriate="" to="" include="" this="" pesticide="" in="" a="" cumulative="" risk="" assessment.="" unlike="" other="" pesticides="" for="" which="" epa="" has="" followed="" a="" cumulative="" risk="" approach="" based="" on="" a="" common="" mechanism="" of="" toxicity,="" methoxyfenozide="" benzoic="" acid,="" 3-="" methoxy-2-methyl-,2-(3,5-dimethylbenzoyl)-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)="" hydrazide="" does="" not="" produce="" a="" toxic="" metabolite="" produced="" by="" other="" substances.="" for="" the="" purposes="" of="" this="" tolerance="" action,="" therefore,="" methoxyfenozide="" benzoic="" acid,="" 3-methoxy-2-methyl-,2-(3,5-="" dimethylbenzoyl)-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)="" hydrazide="" is="" assumed="" not="" to="" have="" a="" common="" mechanism="" of="" toxicity="" with="" other="" substances.="" e.="" safety="" determination="" 1.="" u.s.="" population--i.="" acute="" exposure="" and="" risk.="" since="" no="" acute="" endpoint="" of="" concern="" has="" been="" identified="" for="" methoxyfenozide,="" no="" acute="" risk="" assessment="" is="" required.="" ii.="" chronic="" exposure="" and="" risk.="" using="" the="" conservative="" exposure="" assumptions="" described="" above="" and="" taking="" into="" account="" the="" completeness="" and="" reliability="" of="" the="" toxicity="" data,="" the="" percentage="" of="" the="" rfd="" that="" will="" be="" utilized="" by="" dietary="" (food="" only)="" exposure="" to="" residues="" of="" methoxyfenozide="" from="" the="" proposed="" tolerances="" is="" 16.4%="" for="" the="" u.s.="" population.="" aggregate="" exposure="" (food="" and="" water)="" are="" not="" expected="" to="" exceed="" 100%.="" epa="" generally="" has="" no="" concern="" for="" exposures="" below="" 100%="" of="" the="" rfd="" because="" the="" rfd="" represents="" the="" level="" at="" or="" below="" which="" daily="" aggregate="" dietary="" exposure="" over="" a="" lifetime="" will="" not="" pose="" appreciable="" risks="" to="" human="" health.="" rohm="" and="" haas="" concludes="" that="" there="" is="" a="" reasonable="" certainty="" that="" no="" harm="" will="" result="" from="" aggregate="" exposure="" to="" methoxyfenozide="" residues="" to="" the="" u.s.="" population.="" 2.="" infants="" and="" children--i.="" in="" general.="" the="" potential="" for="" additional="" sensitivity="" of="" infants="" and="" children="" to="" residues="" of="" methoxyfenozide="" are="" assessed="" using="" data="" from="" developmental="" toxicity="" studies="" in="" the="" rat="" and="" rabbit="" and="" 2-generation="" reproduction="" studies="" in="" the="" rat.="" the="" developmental="" toxicity="" studies="" are="" designed="" to="" evaluate="" adverse="" effects="" on="" the="" developing="" organism="" resulting="" from="" maternal="" pesticide="" exposure="" during="" gestation.="" reproduction="" studies="" provide="" information="" relating="" to="" effects="" from="" exposure="" to="" the="" pesticide="" on="" the="" reproductive="" capability="" of="" mating="" animals="" and="" data="" on="" systemic="" toxicity.="" ii.="" developmental="" toxicity="" studies--a.="" rats.="" in="" a="" developmental="" toxicity="" study="" in="" rats,="" the="" maternal="" (systemic)="" noael="" was="" 1,000="" mg/kg/="" day="" hdt.="" the="" developmental="" (pup)="" noael="" was=""> 1,000 mg/kg/day HDT.
        b. Rabbits. In a developmental toxicity study in rats, the maternal 
    (systemic) NOAEL was 1,000 mg/kg/day HDT. The developmental (pup) NOAEL 
    was > 1,000 mg/kg/day.
        iii. Reproductive toxicity study rats. In a multigeneration 
    reproductive toxicity study in rats, the parental (systemic) NOAEL was 
    15.5 mg/kg/day, based on liver effects at the LOAEL of 153 mg/kg/day. 
    The reproductive (pup) NOAEL was 1,552 mg/kg/day HDT. No adverse 
    reproductive effects were observed.
        iv. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity--a. Prenatal sensitivity. 
    The developmental NOAELs of > 1,000 mg/kg/day HDT from the 
    developmental toxicity studies in rats and rabbits demonstrate that 
    there is no developmental (prenatal) toxicity present for 
    methoxyfenozide. Additionally, these developmental NOAELs are greater 
    than 100-fold higher than the NOAEL of 9.8-10.0 mg/kg/day from the rat 
    and dogs chronic studies which are the basis of the RfD.
        b. Postnatal sensitivity. In the reproductive toxicity study in 
    rats, the reproductive NOAEL (1,552 mg/kg/day) is about 100-fold higher 
    than the parental NOAEL (15.5 mg/kg/day). These developmental and 
    reproductive studies indicate that methoxyfenozide does not have 
    additional prenatal and postnatal sensitivity for infants and children 
    in comparison to other exposed groups.
        3. Acute exposure and risk. No acute endpoint was identified for 
    methoxyfenozide, and therefore, no acute risk assessment is required.
        4. Chronic exposure and risk. For chronic dietary risk assessment, 
    tolerances and anticipated residue values are used and the assumption 
    that 100% of all leafy and cole crop vegetables (in addition to cotton, 
    pome fruit, grapes, and fruiting vegetables) will contain residues at 
    the tolerance levels. The percentage RfD utilized from the proposed 
    tolerances is calculated using the DEEM (Version 6.74, licensed by 
    Novigen Sciences Inc.) which uses USDA food consumption data from the 
    1994-1996 survey.
        With the proposed tolerances for methoxyfenozide, the percentage of 
    the RfD that will be utilized by dietary (food only) exposure to 
    residues of methoxyfenozide is 29.9% for children 1-6 years old. 
    Aggregate exposure (food and water) are not expected to exceed 100%. 
    Rohm and Haas concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no 
    harm will result from aggregate exposure to methoxyfenozide residues to 
    non-nursing infants.
    
    F. International Tolerances
    
        There are currently no CODEX, Canadian or Mexican maximum residue 
    levels (MRLs) established for methoxyfenozide in leafy or cole crop 
    vegetables so no harmonization issues are required for this action.
    [FR Doc. 00-492 Filed 1-7-00; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6560-50-F
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
01/10/2000
Department:
Environmental Protection Agency
Entry Type:
Notice
Action:
Notice.
Document Number:
00-492
Dates:
Comments, identified by docket control number PF-901, must be received on or before February 9, 2000.
Pages:
1370-1381 (12 pages)
Docket Numbers:
PF-902, FRL-6394-6
PDF File:
00-492.pdf