Is the fungicide pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) canceled in the US pesticide registration?
Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) published a proposed decision on Pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB), recommending that all registrations for this pesticide be canceled. The decision is in the public comment period until November 22.
Reason for disabling:
According to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the US EPA is required to re-evaluate registered pesticides every 15 years.
In 2021, the US EPA assessed the risk of PCNB in the ecological environment and human health environment, as follows:
In terms of ecological risk:
Risks to fish, amphibians, aquatic invertebrates, aquatic plants, birds, reptiles, mammals and bees were identified;
According to the environmental fate and transport properties, it can be determined that PCNB and its degradation products persist in the environment, and there is a risk of bioaccumulation to organisms in the aquatic food chain.
In addition, residues of PCNB have been found in soil, plants, air, water and animals far from areas of use.
Human health risks:
Potential non-carcinogenic risks of exposure to PCNB were determined based on adverse effects on the thyroid, including bystanders exposed to PCNB due to spray drift, and users due to direct application at university and professional sports fields;
When applied to crops such as flowering bulbs and woody ornamentals, the risk of exposure of occupational applicators to PCNB during and after application was determined;
Impurities in PCNB technical and manufactured products are also associated with potential human health risks.
Based on the above-mentioned significant ecological risks and human health hazards caused by PCNB, the US EPA proposes to cancel all registrations of PCNB.
