CropLife America applauds EDSP Tier 1 results

CropLife America (CLA) released a statement commending the release of the Tier 1 Weight of Evidence for the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP) by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Monday.

EPA originally issued the order in 2009 to test pesticides to determine potential harm to endocrine pathways in both humans and wildlife. The tests included assays representing estrogen, androgen and thyroid pathways.

“The crop protection and chemical industries support EPA’s development of a two-tiered approach to protect public health from chemicals with unintended, harmful effects,” Jay Vroom, president and CEO of CLA, said. “Through the thoroughly developed approach of the EDSP, EPA can separate effective chemicals that benefit society from ones that should not be near people. CLA members have committed significant resources to develop the EDSP, and our industry will continue to work with EPA to help get effective products to growers so that everyone has access to safe, nutritious and affordable food.”

According to the CLA, the EPA's risk- and exposure-based system is one of the more advanced screening programs globally leading to regulations to preserve public and environmental health. Those compounds that have a potential effect on the endocrine system will move onto the second tier for additional testing. Those found with an adverse effect with normal use will be subject to product regulation changes.

The EPA stated that among the first 52 compounds that were tested, 18 had potential interaction results and are believed to have potential risks in one or more of the three pathways.