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Science Panel Completes Report to Agency on Possible Effects of Herbicide on Amphibians

Release Date: 08/06/2003
Contact Information:


David Deegan 202-564-7839 / deegan.dave@epa.gov

(08/06/03) Scientific experts have completed and submitted a report to EPA regarding potential developmental effects of the widely-used herbicide atrazine on amphibians. The scientists, convened by a Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) to advise the Agency on pesticide-related issues, met in June to review EPA’s evaluation of 17 laboratory and field studies concerning potential developmental effects of atrazine on amphibians. The SAP was also asked to comment on EPA’s conceptual model for future studies to evaluate the potential effects of this pesticide on frogs and other amphibians. The SAP experts concluded that EPA’s review was thorough, the approaches and criteria were appropriate and that the Agency’s conclusions were valid, given the data reviewed. The SAP also agreed that additional studies are warranted to reduce scientific uncertainty regarding whether atrazine causes replicable effects on amphibians. EPA will consider the SAP comments for the revised “Interim Reregistration Eligibility Decision” for atrazine, which is expected to be completed before Oct. 31. The panel’s report, and additional information is available at: https://www.epa.gov/scipoly/sap/ .