Farm, pesticide groups blast EPA’s ‘lack of science’ on chlorpyrifos

A Scientific Advisory Panel is questioning EPA’s proposed use of a controversial Columbia University epidemiological study as the basis for a decision on whether to cancel pesticide registrations. The SAP, which was convened by EPA back on April 19-21, referred specifically to the continued registration of chlorpyrifos, which is sold under the trade name Lorsban. But farm and farm input organizations are criticizing the potential use of the study on other pesticides. Among those are atrazine and glyphosate, which will be the subject of a Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act Scientific Advisory Panel Review in Washington on Oct. 18-21. EPA appears to be seeking scientists with backgrounds in cancer research for the panel rather than crop protection.

“We see yet again, in the minutes submitted to EPA by the (chlorpyrifos) SAP, that the panelists question EPA’s shift to the use of certain epidemiological study outcomes, rather than toxicological data, in human health risk assessments,” said Jay Vroom, president and CEO of CropLife America.

Vroom was commenting on EPA’s release of the minutes from the Scientific Advisory Panel on April 19-21. The minutes are included in a 77-page report titled “Chlorpyrifos: Analysis of Biomonitoring Data.” (CropLife America represents the nation’s pesticide manufacturers.)

Source: Delta Farm Press, August 2, 2016
http://deltafarmpress.com/cotton/farm-pesticide-groups-blast-epa-s-lack…