Overview
Title
Tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP); Order To Voluntarily Terminate a Certain Use
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The EPA is stopping the use of a chemical called Tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP) on pets like dogs and cats because a company asked them to and nobody objected. So, from now on, people can only use or sell the stuff they already have, and they have to follow the rules on the label.
Summary AI
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final order to stop the use of a chemical called Tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP) on dogs, cats, and in kennels and dog houses. This decision was made after the company Chem-Tech, Ltd voluntarily requested to end these uses, and no public comments were received during the comment period that would change this decision. The order is effective from February 18, 2021, meaning that any sale, distribution, or use of products with TCVP must comply with the new rules. Existing stocks can still be used or sold until they run out, as long as it's done according to the existing labeling.
Abstract
This notice announces EPA's final order for the amendment to terminate uses, voluntarily requested by the registrant and accepted by the Agency, of the uses listed in Table 1 of Unit II., pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This termination order follows an August 6, 2020 Federal Register Notice of Receipt of Request from the registrant listed in Table 2 of Unit II. to voluntarily amend Chem-Tech, Ltd (Chem-Tech) dust formulations to terminate TCVP use on dogs, cats and in kennels and dog houses. In the August 6, 2020 notice, EPA indicated that it would issue an order implementing the use deletions, unless the Agency received substantive comments within the 30-day comment period that would merit its further review of these requests, or unless the registrant withdrew their request. The Agency did not receive any comments on the notice nor did the registrant withdraw their request. Accordingly, EPA hereby issues in this notice a termination order granting the requested amendments to terminate TCVP use on dogs, cats and in kennels and dog houses. Any distribution, sale, or use of the products subject to this use deletion order is permitted only in accordance with the terms of this order, including any existing stocks provisions.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken a significant regulatory step by finalizing an order to cease the use of a chemical known as Tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP) on pets and in pet-related environments such as kennels and dog houses. This decision arises from Chem-Tech, Ltd's voluntary request, and it becomes effective as of February 18, 2021. The order outlines the conditions under which existing stocks can be used or sold, emphasizing compliance with pre-existing labels.
General Summary
The document announces an important regulatory change regarding the use of TCVP, a pesticide that until now has been applied in products used for dogs, cats, and their environments. After receiving a request from the manufacturer to stop these uses, and not having received any opposing public comments, the EPA has sanctioned this cessation. This notice is part of a routine procedure under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) where the EPA can approve amendments to pesticide registrations upon the registrant’s request.
Significant Issues and Concerns
While the document is intended to inform the public about this regulatory action, it poses certain challenges for a lay audience. Firstly, it references technical legal frameworks and regulatory sections, such as FIFRA, that might not be easily understood without some prior knowledge. Moreover, it discusses pathways for stakeholders to submit comments, yet indicates that no comments were received. This might point to a gap in public awareness or an unclear process for submitting feedback. Additionally, the document references tables (Table 1 and Table 2 of Unit II) which are not provided, potentially causing confusion for readers trying to fully understand the impacted products or companies.
Public Impact
For the general public, this action chiefly affects those who use pet products containing TCVP. The termination of these uses may lead to changes in the market availability of some familiar pet care products. Consumers might need to search for alternative products if they currently rely on those containing TCVP. This move potentially improves public and animal health by limiting exposure to such chemicals, aligning with broader concerns about environmental and health safety.
Stakeholder Impact
Specific stakeholders, including pet owners, the chemical industry, and environmental advocates, might experience different impacts from this change. Pet owners looking for TCVP-based pest control solutions might need to switch to other products. For the chemical and pesticide industry, this decision reflects the ongoing regulatory scrutiny and adjustments they must navigate, potentially impacting business operations and product lines. Conversely, environmental and health advocates may view this as a positive step toward reducing chemical risks associated with pet products, fulfilling broader advocacy goals for safer environments for humans and animals alike.
By making such adjustments, the EPA demonstrates its commitment to responding to industry requests while simultaneously ensuring public safety through a structured regulatory approach. Such actions emphasize the balance between supporting industry-led decisions and maintaining rigorous health and safety standards.
Issues
• The document uses technical terms and references regulatory sections (e.g., FIFRA section 6(f), 7 U.S.C. 136d(f)) which might be difficult for the general public to understand without background knowledge.
• The pathway for stakeholders to provide comments is mentioned, but the notice indicates that no comments were received, which could suggest either lack of awareness of the opportunity to comment or lack of clarity in how to engage in the process.
• The references to table numbers (Table 1 and Table 2 of Unit II) might confuse readers who do not have access to those tables within this text, as they are not included in the document text.
• The process for the disposition of existing stocks is described in detail, but without prior knowledge of relevant CFR codes or FIFRA provisions, it may be challenging for non-experts to fully understand compliance requirements.