EPA Proposes Ban on Acetamiprid, Restricting its Use to Tree Injections Only

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently put forth a proposal to ban the widespread use of acetamiprid, a chemical compound, while allowing its limited application solely for tree injections. This move comes in response to a comprehensive risk assessment conducted by the EPA, which revealed significant dietary risks associated with the presence of acetamiprid in drinking water. By proposing this ban, the EPA aims to mitigate the potential risks posed to workers, homeowners, and the environment.

The EPA has taken a significant step toward addressing the risks associated with acetamiprid by introducing a temporary proposal to restrict its use. Acetamiprid, classified as an organophosphate insecticide, has been extensively employed in the agricultural sector since its registration by the EPA in 1973. Its applications include the cultivation of crops such as cotton and soybeans, as well as non-agricultural purposes.

The proposed ban is based on the EPA's updated human health risk assessment and drinking water evaluation, both of which were revised in August 2023. These assessments highlighted the potential significant dietary risks posed by the current registered uses of acetamiprid in drinking water. Furthermore, the EPA emphasizes that implementing the proposed ban will effectively reduce the risks faced by workers, homeowners, and the ecological environment.

Acetamiprid exerts its insecticidal properties by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the nervous system, making it highly effective against insects. However, this mechanism of action also raises concerns about its impact on mammals, including humans, depending on the level of exposure. AChE inhibition is considered the most sensitive health effect indicator when evaluating the impact of acetamiprid exposure on human health, according to the federal agency EPA.

The EPA has specifically evaluated the use and pest control benefits of acetamiprid in soybean production. The agency's report indicates that this insecticide is predominantly used in the southern-central regions of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, which account for 19% of soybean cultivation areas in those states. Although the nationwide usage of acetamiprid in insect pest management programs represents a small proportion, less than 2%, its application in the southern-central regions is more significant.

While the EPA's preliminary decision (PID) recommends canceling most of acetamiprid's uses, the agency intends to retain its application for tree injections. According to the EPA, this practice does not increase the exposure risk to drinking water, poses no harm to workers, and does not threaten the environment, as it allows the insecticide to flow within trees for effective pest control. However, this limited use is restricted to trees that do not produce fruits intended for human consumption.

The proposed agricultural ban on acetamiprid has received mixed public reactions. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on farms and communities that rely on acetamiprid for combating destructive pests such as red-banded stink bugs. The director of the American Soybean Association (ASA) in Louisiana, Luke Sayes, expressed worry about the limited pest control tools available and the potential for significant yield losses if these pests are not effectively managed.

On the other hand, Nathan Donley, the Director of Environmental Health Science at the Center for Biological Diversity, welcomed the EPA's action to cancel the use of this highly hazardous insecticide. Donley believes that the proposed ban on acetamiprid is a positive step toward its permanent discontinuation.

The EPA is currently undergoing the standard registration review process for acetamiprid. The revised human health risk assessment, drinking water evaluation, and PID are open to public review and commentary for a period of 60 days, ending on July 1, 2024. The public has the opportunity to provide suggestions for alternative mitigation measures concerning the partial or complete uses of acetamiprid, which will be taken into consideration by the EPA.

The EPA's proposal to ban most uses of acetamiprid while preserving its application solely for tree injections reflects a comprehensive risk assessment that identifies significant dietary risks associated with acetamiprid in drinking water. By implementing this ban, the EPA aims to protect workers, homeowners, and the environment from potential harm. The proposal has generated differing opinions, with concerns raised about the impact on pest control in certain agricultural regions, while others view it as a necessary step in safeguarding public health. The EPA is actively seeking public input as part of the registration review process for acetamiprid.