EPA's preliminary volatilization assessment for chlorpyrifos open for public comment

US EPA has recently announced the availability of the preliminary volatilization assessment for chlorpyrifos uses.  EPA invites the public comment before March 8, 2013 for the registration review of chlorpyrifos. Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate (OP) used to control many foliar and soil borne insect pests.

Registration review is EPA's periodic review of pesticide registrations to ensure that each pesticide continues to satisfy the statutory standard for registration. FIFRA section 3(g) provides that the registrations of pesticides are to be reviewed every 15 years.

EPA is reviewing the pesticide registration for chlorpyrifos to ensure that it continues to satisfy the FIFRA standard for registration--that is, that chlorpyrifos can still be used without unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment. A preliminary volatilization assessment is the part of the registration review process.

After reviewing comments received during the public comment period, EPA will issue a revised volatilization assessment, explain any changes to the preliminary volatilization assessment, respond to comments, and evaluate the need for risk mitigation for chlorpyrifos. Through this program, EPA is ensuring that each pesticide's registration is based on current scientific and other knowledge, including its effects on human health and the environment.