EPA has released additional materials to support the Interim Re-registration Eligibility Decision (IRED) that was released in January. The materials give EPA's assessment of studies on the affects of atrazine.
EPA has carefully evaluated and received scientific peer review of studies regarding possible developmental effects on amphibians exposed to low doses of atrazine. These data do not provide evidence to show that atrazine produces a consistent, reproducible effect on amphibian development. An independent science peer review panel convened in June supported the Agency's conclusions and recommended that more data be generated to evaluate this potential relationship. Generation of this data is underway. Based on the available scientific work on the potential association between atrazine and cancer, the Agency does not find any studies that would lead the Agency to conclude that potential cancer risk is likely from exposure to atrazine. However, EPA will continue to review new studies on this issue and plans to convene and another independent Scientific Advisory Panel concerning atrazine and its potential association with carcinogenic effects.
As part of the agreement with EPA, the manufacturers of atrazine are required to monitor residue levels of atrazine in 40 indictor watersheds. If monitoring in these watersheds shows atrazine above set levels, the company is responsible for remediating the watershed, using standards and techniques like the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program through the Clean Water Act. If the remediation is not sufficient, EPA may withdraw atrazine use from the watersheds considered in jeopardy. (Source: EPA Pesticide Program Update, 11/03/03)