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Summary of Phosmet Final Decision
January 18, 2007
Quick Resources
- Phosmet
- Azinphos-Methyl
- AZM Decision Document (PDF) (31 pp, 400 KB, About PDF)
EPA has issued its final decision on the restricted-entry intervals (REIs) for nine uses of phosmet. Consistent with EPA's June 2006 proposal, most REIs will be lengthened and additional mitigation will be implemented to protect workers and bystanders. This risk mitigation will be included on labels of phosmet products sold or distributed by the registrant after June 2008. The nine uses include: apples (including crabapples), apricots, highbush blueberries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums, and prunes.
Additional mitigation includes:
- lower seasonal maximum application rates
- prohibition of phosmet application until after certain high-exposure activities have occurred
- a 25-foot buffer zone around occupied dwellings for ground applications
- a 50-foot buffer zone around occupied dwellings for aerial applications
- health protective entry restrictions for pick-your-own operations
Additional biomonitoring or other data is also required to address residual uncertainties in the existing data base.
After evaluating the risks and benefits of phosmet use, EPA found in its 2001 Phosmet Interim Reregistration Eligibility Decision (IRED) that 36 uses were eligible for reregistration, three uses would be cancelled, and nine uses would be available on a time limited basis for a period of five years, contingent on the submission of biomonitoring and other data by Gowan Company, the sole technical registrant. EPA announced in the IRED that it would revaluate these uses in 2006, and this decision completes that process.
The organophosphate (OP) pesticide phosmet is an alternative to another OP, azinphos-methyl, on several major crops including apples, blueberries, and pears. Azinphos methyl is being phased out over a six-year period due to occupational and ecological concerns.
For Further Information:
The phosmet decision document and supporting materials are available electronically in the Regulations.gov docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2002-0354.