Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances
Using sound science as a compass, OPPTS' mission is to protect you, your family, and the environment from potential risks from pesticides and toxic chemicals. Through innovative partnerships and collaboration we also work to prevent pollution before it begins. This reduces waste, saves energy and natural resources, and leaves our homes, schools and workplaces cleaner and safer. Read more basic information.
Recent highlights
November 4, 2009
Pesticide Spray and Dust Drift - To better protect people and the environment from off-target spray and dust drift, EPA is proposing new guidance for pesticide product labeling. When implemented, EPA's draft Pesticide Registration (PR) Notice on Pesticide Drift Labeling will improve the clarity and consistency of pesticide labels, and help prevent harm by prohibiting pesticide drift that could cause an adverse health or environmental effect.
October 30, 2009
Carbofuran Tolerances Revoked - EPA is moving forward to implement its May 2009 final rule revoking tolerances, or residue limits, for the pesticide carbofuran. EPA
continues to find that dietary exposures to carbofuran from all sources combined are not safe.
October 29, 2009
Chemical Testing for Potential Hormone Effects Ordered - EPA has issued the first test orders for pesticide chemicals to be screened for their potential effects on the endocrine system. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interact with and disrupt the hormones produced or secreted by the human or animal endocrine system, which regulates growth, metabolism and reproduction.
October 22, 2009
Lead - EPA responded to a stakeholder petition on lead, and agreed to revisit the current lead dust hazards standard and to work with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to modify the definition of lead-based paint in its regulations. EPA is also proposing to expand coverage of its 2008 Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule as part of its ongoing commitment to eliminate lead poisoning. The proposed rule would eliminate an exemption from the RRP rule.
October 20, 2009
New Information on Insect Repellents - EPA has launched a new Web page containing product information on certain skin-applied insect repellents. The new Web page will provide the public with information on registered insect repellents and their effectiveness claims in a clear, consistent, and user-friendly format.
October 19, 2009
Report to Congress on Mercury Compounds - EPA sent a report to Congress that identifies sources of mercury compounds in the United States and reports quantities in imports, exports, and uses of these compounds in products and processes. Required by Congress under Section 4 of the Mercury Export Ban Act of 2008, the report also assesses the potential for key mercury compounds to be exported for reprocessing into elemental mercury.
October 16, 2009
Test Guidelines and Schedule for Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program Released - As EPA prepares to order a comprehensive screening of chemical effects on hormones, the Agency is making available today the battery of scientific assays and test guidelines for conducting the assays, as well as a schedule for issuing test orders to manufacturers for each of 67 chemicals during the next three months. The documents will publish in the Federal Register on October 21, 2009.
October 7, 2009
New Atrazine Evaluation - EPA is launching this year a comprehensive new evaluation of the pesticide atrazine to determine its effects on humans. At the end of this process, the agency will decide whether to revise its current risk assessment of the pesticide and whether new restrictions are necessary to better protect public health.
October 1, 2009
EPA Opens Transparency Window into Pesticide Registration Decisions - EPA is establishing a new transparent process that will allow public review and comment on risk assessments and proposed registration decisions for pesticides. This expanded process will apply to all new pesticide active ingredients and first food uses, first outdoor uses, and first residential uses.
News Releases - Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals
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