EPA Announces New Measures for Pesticide Spray Drift

Enhanced Safety Measures

Spray drift refers to the airborne movement of pesticide particles during or shortly after application, potentially affecting areas beyond the intended target, such as residential lawns and recreational spaces. The updated measures require the incorporation of chemical-specific data, including usage patterns, exposure levels, and hazard information, to estimate the risk and exposure to bystanders.

Since 2014, the EPA has integrated chemical-specific human health spray drift analysis into its Registration Review Program, which evaluates the safety of pesticides already on the market. The new measures extend this rigorous analysis to the registration of new active ingredients and certain amendments to existing registrations.

Key Actions Announced

1. New Active Ingredients: All petitions for new active ingredients seeking initial U.S. registration must include a detailed human health spray drift assessment.
2. Amended Use Decisions: For amendments to existing pesticide registrations involving active ingredients that have previously undergone a chemical-specific spray drift analysis, new use decisions will incorporate updated human health spray drift assessments.
3. Section 24(c) and Section 18 Registrations: While most Section 24(c) registrations, which address special local needs, do not typically involve human health risk assessments, the EPA will review these applications under the updated guidelines. Similarly, Section 18 emergency exemptions will now include spray drift analyses to ensure safety standards are met during emergency pesticide applications.

Implementation Plan

The EPA has outlined a comprehensive plan for integrating these changes, applying the new requirements to both pending and future registration applications. This proactive approach ensures that any new active ingredient or use pattern introduced into the market will be scrutinised for potential spray drift risks from the outset.

Environmental and Public Health Impact

The EPA's updated measures reflect its commitment to environmental justice and the protection of public health. By enforcing these stringent safety assessments, the agency aims to mitigate risks associated with pesticide exposure, especially in vulnerable communities adjacent to agricultural and recreational areas.

The EPA emphasizes that these changes align with its goal of maintaining pesticide regulations based on the latest scientific advancements. The new measures do not alter existing registration fees or review times but ensure that all pesticides are evaluated using the most current methodologies.