Jun 15, 2007

EPA To Begin New Pesticide ScreeningSource: EPA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in the final stages to begin screening pesticides for their potential effect on the endocrine system. The agency is seeking comment on the draft list of 73 pesticides to be evaluated under the new screening regimen.

The draft list of pesticide candidates was selected for screening based on their high potential for exposure to people or the environment and not on possible endocrine disruption effects. The ultimate purpose of the screening will be to determine if the pesticides can adversely influence the endocrine system. This is not a draft list of potential endocrine disruptors.

EPA’s Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program, mandated under the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA), will determine whether certain chemicals have an effect on the endocrine system using validated tests and other scientific information. Under FQPA, all pesticide chemicals will be screened, starting with the draft list.

More information about the draft list can be found at www.epa.gov/endo/index.htm.