EPA proposes conditional registration of Nanosilver pesticide product

EPA is proposing to conditionally register a pesticide product containing nanosilver as a new active ingredient for a period of 4 years. The antimicrobial pesticide product, HeiQ AGS-20, is a silver-based product that is proposed for use as a preservative for textiles. Under its new policy concerning public involvement in registration decisions, EPA is providing a 30-day opportunity for public comments on the proposed registration. Public comments will be accepted until September 11, 2010.

As a condition of registration, EPA is proposing to require additional product chemistry, toxicology, exposure, and environmental data. The Agency will evaluate these data as they are submitted during the period of the conditional registration to confirm the product will not cause unreasonable adverse effects to human health and the environment.

The data requirements are based in large part on a November 2009, independent consultation EPA held with the FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP). In its final report, (http://www.epa.gov/scipoly/sap/meetings/2009/november/110309ameetingminutes.pdf), the SAP addressed a number of questions associated with assessing the hazard of and exposure to nanosilver and other nanoscale metal-based pesticides. EPA is closely following the scientific recommendations from the SAP. The Proposed Decision Memo can be found at www.regulations.gov in Docket ID # EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-1012.