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A Framework for Evaluating Engineered Nanomaterials within EPA’s Pesticide Program
Citation:
Su, C., A. Byro, E. Sahle-Demessie, D. Wang, K. Ho, R. Burgess, R. Zepp, T. Luxton, S. Hu, D. McShan, AND R. Meyers. A Framework for Evaluating Engineered Nanomaterials within EPA’s Pesticide Program. CSS BOSC Meeting, NA, Virtual, November 04, 2021.
Impact/Purpose:
This presentation highlights a collaborative research project between ORD and OSCPP/OPP that will have regulatory implications with regard to nanopesticides registration. At this time, OPP has no strict scientific definition for what is considered a nanomaterial. Until now, Agency scientists reviewed each product and alerted every registrant of the data necessary to submit for each product on a case-by-case basis. There is a need to establish a framework for identifying what kinds of data are required and examples of acceptable versions of these data. We are developing a framework to guide the user through a decision tree to determine whether or not a material would be considered a NM by OPP. This product will be used by OPP, other program offices, States, industry, and public.
Description:
A nanomaterial (nano) determination framework is designed to guide the users (both product registrants and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) evaluators) through a flow chart (decision tree) to determine whether or not a material would be considered a nanomaterial (NM) by the Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP). The framework is currently limited to the determination of most metals, metal oxides, silica, and combinations of these materials. The flow chart consists of five questions about the type of material, size, composition, matrix, leachability, and solubility. Explanations are given provided for each step in the flowchart with examples of data using appropriate analytical methods such as scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and zeta potential measurements that could help facilitate the nano determination.