Chapter 42 - Federal Regulations and Risk Assessment of Organophosphate and Carbamate Pesticides

Abstract

The chapter provides an overview of the federal regulations governing pesticide chemicals in the United States, and the risk assessment practices and approaches used by the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Pesticide Programs (EPA-OPP) to evaluate OP and N-methyl CM pesticides. The text focuses on aspects of OP and N-methyl CM risk assessments that provide the most robust overview, particularly noncancer effects related to the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). This chapter highlights key milestones and accomplishments regarding risk assessments of OP and N-methyl CM pesticides, particularly after the passage of the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) of 1996. This chapter reviews the toxicology of OPs and N-methyl CMs; thus, hazard assessment of OPs and N-methyl CMs is discussed in detail. There are many publicly available sources of information regarding exposure to OPs and N-methyl CMs, including the US Department of Agriculture's pesticide data program, the Food and Drug Administrations food monitoring program, US Geological Survey water monitoring programs, and the National Home and Garden Pesticide Use Survey. Specific exposure assessments for each pesticide can also be found at the EPA's website and/or at the EPA's e-docket. EPA is committed to incorporating the most robust and up-to-date scientific information in its risk assessments, and is actively pursuing improvements in risk assessment approaches and methods. Specifically, improved characterization of PK and PD factors that impact species differences, age-related sensitivities, and the understanding of mechanism of action are important scientific areas that will improve EPA's risk assessments.