Products cause risk to aquatic animals and environments
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to cancel all flubendiamide products from Bayer CropScience and Nichino America. Moreover, these products pose a risk to aquatic invertebrates that support healthy aquatic environments.
Flubendiamide Risks and Environmental Impact
Flubendiamide threatens fragile aquatic systems. Moreover, it breaks down into highly toxic compounds. These chemicals harm invertebrates that fish rely on for food. In addition, they remain in water and soil for long periods. Regulators consider this persistence dangerous. Therefore, controlling flubendiamide use is essential to protect rivers and lakes. Officials work to reduce contamination. Moreover, they aim to preserves healthy ecosystems for future generations. Taking action now prevents long-term environmental damage.
Studies show flubendiamide breaks down into a more toxic material. It harms species vital to aquatic food chains, especially fish. In addition, it persists in the environment.
Officials concluded continued use of flubendiamide would cause unreasonable adverse effects. Therefore, they requested a voluntary cancellation as required by the original registration terms.
Companies face strict rules for pesticide use. Moreover, they must prove products do not harm the environment. Regulators review scientific data carefully. In addition, they check for toxic breakdown products. Companies cannot ignore these findings. Therefore, the decision to cancel protects waterways and wildlife. Public health depends on safe practices. Moreover, agencies will continue to monitor pesticides closely. They act when risks appear. Consequently, this process keeps communities safer and ecosystems healthier.
Manufacturers fail to comply with the terms of the registration
The agency issued a time-limited registration with clear conditions. Moreover, the companies understood and agreed to these terms. If officials found unreasonable adverse effects on the environment from flubendiamide use on the crops, the companies would need to request voluntary cancellation within one week of notification.
On January 29, 2016, regulators delivered their finding. Therefore, they asked the companies to submit a request for voluntary cancellation by February 5, 2016. However, the companies rejected that request. Consequently, the agency began canceling all registered flubendiamide products for failing to meet the registration terms.
Flubendiamide
Flubendiamide is registered for use on over 200 crops. Moreover, these include soybeans, almonds, tobacco, peanuts, cotton, lettuce, alfalfa, tomatoes, watermelon, and bell peppers. Some crops get up to six applications of flubendiamide each year.
Crops properly treated with flubendiamide can still be sold legally. In addition, growers may use existing stocks. Provisions for handling these stocks will be finalized once the products are cancelled. Therefore, farmers must stay updated on the rules.
To view a copy of the Notice of Intent to Cancel and all supporting documents: https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/flubendiamide-notice-intent-cancel-and-other-supporting
The registrants or adversely affected parties have 30 days from the date of the Notice to request a hearing. Details on how to request a hearing are contained within the Notice of Intent to Cancel.
Source: USEPA
