The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially registered veratrine, a new pesticide active ingredient, for use on exterior vertical surfaces of man-made structures. Announced on October 31, 2024, this registration follows a comprehensive risk assessment ensuring no unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment.
Understanding Veratrine's Role and Application
Veratrine, a mixture of alkaloids including veratridine and cevadine, acts as a sodium channel agonist targeting insect nervous systems. This new active ingredient is approved for direct application to pests such as brown marmorated stink bugs, boxelder bugs, and house flies on non-food commercial structures. The EPA's decision to register veratrine was based on its limited use pattern, which restricts applications to spot, crack, and crevice sites on exterior vertical surfaces, thereby minimising exposure to non-target organisms.
Safety and Environmental Considerations
The EPA's risk assessments concluded that veratrine poses minimal risk to humans and non-target species due to its non-volatile, immobile, and non-persistent nature. The product is not intended for use on horizontal surfaces or as a perimeter treatment, and it prohibits more than 12 applications per year. The agency's No Effect determination under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) further supports the safety of veratrine, as its use sites are unlikely to overlap with critical habitats.
Addressing Public Concerns and Regulatory Compliance
During the public comment period, concerns were raised about veratrine's potential toxicity and environmental impact. The EPA clarified that veratrine is practically non-toxic to highly toxic depending on the taxon, but its limited application reduces exposure risks. The agency also emphasised that veratrine's registration complies with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), ensuring it will not cause unreasonable adverse effects when used as directed.
Future Implications and Monitoring
While veratrine's current registration is limited to specific use patterns, any future expansion in its application will require additional assessments. The EPA remains committed to monitoring veratrine's impact and ensuring compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) requirements to maintain data integrity and safety standards.
