EPA  730-N-96-006.
£
                 UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
                .              WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460
                                      "...              •       .        .OFFICEOF
                                               .           •       PREVENTION, PESTICIDES AND
                                                      '..-'.       TOXIC SUBSTANCES
                          .      October  1,  1996
                     PESTICIDE REGULATION  (PR) NOTICE 96-7


               NOTICE TO MANUFACTURERS,  PRODUCERS,  FORMULATORS,
                     AND REGISTRANTS OF  PESTICIDE PRODUCTS

ATTENTION:  Persons  Responsible for the Registration of
               Pesticide  Products         '

•SUBJECT:    .TERMITICIDE  LABELING

     This notice  sets  forth the Agency's policy with respect to certain
labeling statements  and  minimum product performance  (5 year period) for soil
treatment termiticide  products.                                      -
                                                                   j
I.    BACKGROUND

     Because of the  highly  specialized nature of termiticides, a number of
labeling issues have evolved over the years regarding:  1) limitations on
distribution,  sale or  use;  2) precautionary" statements; 3) environmental
hazards statements;  4) storage  and disposal statements; 5) use directions;   6)
the minimum product  performance of termiticide treatments; and 7) application
at less than .labeled rates.   This notice describes  the Agency's policies on
these issues for,current and future termiticide products.                  '  .

II.   SCOPE

     This notice  addresses  product labeling statements for currently
registered uses and  future  uses of soil treatment termiticide products.  The
labeling statements  addressed by  the notice include labeling statements »
regarding environmental  hazards, .exposure  information•for construction
workers, retreatment,  and use directions.   This notice is not applicable to
fumigant type  termiticides  such as sulfuryl fluoride,and nitrogen, and dry
baits, such as hexaflumuron.

     In addition,'this notice addresses questions about minimum product
performance and application at  less than labeled rates.,  EPA believes that the
label changes;  and policy clarifications set forth in this PR Notice will
reduce risk while maintaining the efficacy  associated with currently
registered products.. Accordingly,  failure  of any registrant subject to this
notice to adopt the  label changes set forth in this policy may result in the
issuance ,of a  notice of  intent to cancel or an enforcement action. . It should
be noted, however, that  wherever  there is a more protective existing label
requirement, the  more protective  requirement supersedes the PR Notice
provisions.                             '                      '            '
             ,                   .                 '          /
      Lastly,  the Agency is  announcing a new procedure for submission of new
termiticide registration applications  and significant amendments to current
termiticide registrations that will ensure  coordination with the Association
of Structural  Pest Control  Regulatory Officials  (ASPCRO).
                                                                 Recycled/Recyclable
                                                                 Printed with Soy/Canola Ink on paper that
                                                                 contains at least 50% recycled fiber

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III.  EFFECTIVE DATES      '                                       ,

     Registrants should make the changes specified in this notice on all
applicable termiticide products and submit an application for amendment to the
appropriate Product Manager in accordance with Section XII. of this notice.
All' products distributed or sold by registrants and supplemental registrants-
should bear approved labeling which is consistent with this notice and
complies with the Federal  Insecticide,.Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
by October 1. 1997.  All products distributed or sold by any person after
October 1, 1999 should bear this same approved labeling.  After these dates,
the Agency may either -issue a Notice of Intent to Cancel a product or bring
enforcement action against registrants or other persons distributing or
selling products bearing -labeling inconsistent with this notice..  Registrants
should submit their applications for amendment as soon as possible to ensure
adequate time for review and approval from EPA before the effective dates in
this notice.                               '•'..••

IV*  EFFICACY            '                       ,         .  '

      A.  MINIMUM PRODUCT  PERFORMANCE

     The current Agency policy  (see Pesticide Assessment  Guidelines,
Subdivision G, Product Performance, Section  95-12(b)(i)(C)) regarding
termiticides is that soil  treatment termiticide products 'should demonstrate
efficacy for at least five years against termites.  The most recent data from
the USDA Gulfport Mississippi Laboratory indicate that most currently
registered•products are effective for three  to five or more years.  In
addition, the information  from the USDA Gulfport Mississippi Laboratory
supports the current five  year termite soil  treatment warranties required by
Federal housing agencies concerned with new  construction.

     The Agency believes that registration of a product demonstrating less '
than five  (5) years of efficacy for control  of termites is generally not
appropriate from a safety  or efficacy standpoint, considering, the costs of
treatment and the potential damage that could occur.  The Agency does not
believe that the homeowner should be subjected to such costly protection as
would occur with products  that are only efficacious for one year.  Such
products could, quite possibly,, pose unreasonable adverse effects to the
environment and/or humans  because of higher  risks than longer—acting       ;
alternatives.  The more frequent treatments  required could result in greater
exposure and risk, or lower benefits, because of being less effective if not
retreated, or more expensive if retreated.       ...

     Thus, the Agency will generally not -grant a registration for a
termiticide that requires  annual retreatment.  The Agency will continue its
current policy of requiring that applications for registration of soil
'treatment termiticide products be supported  by data showing a minimum of 5
years of efficacy which is accepted by the Agency, unless the applicant can :
demonstrate that the pesticide is either significantly less toxic than
currently registered pesticides or the benefits from the use of the pesticide
are much greater than currently registered alternatives     •  .

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      Until more data can be  gathered and evaluated regarding what the
 longevity of termiticide treatments  should be, the Agency'will consider
 applications requesting registration of  termiticide products on an individual  ..
 basis.  However, in addition to the  standard data package for termiticide
 products and.the risk  and benefit  information just described, the Agency will
 require additional•data on anticipated homeowner and/or applicator exposure
 risks resulting from treatment and retreatment over the projected life-span of
 the structure to be treated  and/or retreated.'

       B.  MINIMUM APPLICATION RATE                         .          •    .    '
.: • / ~^          .                 '                                         •       .
      Under Section 2(ee) of'  FIFRA, a pesticide may be applied at any dosage,
 concentration, or frequency  less than that specified on the labeling, unless
 the labeling specifically prohibits  such a  deviation.'. However, EPA has been ,
 informed by state enforcement agencies of inadequate efficacy and unnecessary
 retreatments resulting from  termiticide  applications at less than the labelled
 rates-.  Xn this regard some  states have  in accordance with FIFRA section 24(a)
 regulated the use of termiticides  to prohibit the application of less than the
 specified dosage or concentration.   Until now, the Agency has not officially
 addressed the application of termiticides at less than the labeled rate. ..

      EPA has always required efficacy data to be submitted by registrants to
• demonstrate that termiticides perform their intended function as claimed.. EPA
 has reviewed such data prior to registration to assure that the benefits of
 the use would outweigh the potential risks.                           .

     .No efficacy data  have been submitted by registrants or reviewed by EPA
. concerning use of termiticides at  rates  lower than the minimum rate specified
 on the label.  Consequently, EPA has no  evidence that such lower rates would
 result in adequate efficacy.  Accordingly, EPA is concerned that registered
 termiticides used at rates lower than those specified on the label may not
 achieve adequate.benefits to counterbalance the risks from use.

      'EPA is further concerned that application at rates lower than the .minimum
 would likely necessitate more frequent applications which, in turn, would
 increase the risks to  applicators  and users.  Such increased risks, when
' balanced against lower or inadequate efficacy, -would likely make a product
 unregisterable  (or subject to cancellation).  EPA realizes however, that'there
 are significant differences  between  pre-construction and post-construction    :
. treatment which affect the applicators ability to•apply the full label rate.
 For the purposes of this PR  Notice,  pre-construction applications are defined
 as those applications  made prior to  the  finished grade being installed, and
 post-construction applications are defined as those applications made after
 the final grade is installed.  There are often circumstances encountered in
 post-construction treatment  that make application at the full label rate
 impossible or undesirable.   These  circumstances could include environmental
 conditions such as the presence of a :well, structural, barriers that do not
 allow application of the labeled volume, or construction elements that would
 encourage a reduced volume.  Treatment to the top of the fo'oting is sometimes
 not po&sible because^of equipment  limitations or the inordinate amount of
 labor involved.                                         ;

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      In order to assure  that termiticide products perform their intended
 function,  that the benefits of their use outweigh their risks, and that  state.s
 are*able to carry out enforcement necessary to protect the,public, EPA has
 determined that, for pre-construct:lon applications, no termiticide should be
 used at less than the dosage and/or concentration specified on the labeling.
 Accordingly,  registrants should add the following statement to the labeling of
 tentuLticides:  .                                         v  •

       "PRE-CONSTRUCTION  TREATMENT:  DO NOX APPLY AX A LOWER DOSAGE AND/OR
       CONCENTRATION THAN SPECIFIED ON THIS LABEL FOR APPLICATIONS PRIOR  TO
       INSTALLATION OF THE FINISHED GRADE."

         EPA has also determined thcit for post-construction applications, the
 dosage and/or concentration of use may be less than label rates.  However,
 states may continue to prohibit applications at less than label dosage and/or
 concentration if they so choose.,

 V.     LIMITATIONS ON USE         "   .

     Most  currently registered termiticide products are not classified for
 restricted use,  but contain label statements limiting their, use to commercial
 applicators.   Registrants should replace the current statement on the labeling
 of general use termiticide products intended for use by commerical
 applicators,  or individuals/firms licensed or registered by the state to apply
 termiticide products,  with the following statement:        -  .

       "For use by individuals/firms licensed or registered by the state  '
       to apply termiticide products.  States may have more restrictive
       requirements  regarding qualifications of persons using this
       product.   Consult  the structural pest control regulatory agency of
       your state,prior to use of this product."

     Termiticide  products, already classified for "Restricted Use" will remain
 so classified and must bear the required restricted use statements on product
 labeling.                                      ,'•-•:

VX.     PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT STATEMENTS

        Registrants  of  end-use termiticide products should make revisions
necessary  to  ensure that their product labeling contains.the current personal,
protective equipment (PPE) terminology described in this section.'  An end-use
termiticide -product is a product for which the labeling bears instructions for
using  or applying the product (as packaged and sold, or after dilution by the
applicator) for controlling termites.  In general, PPE requirements for.
pesticide  handlers  should be based on the acute toxicity of the end-use
product, by route of entry, and the amount of expected exposure.  Handlers,
under  this  guidance, are  defined as persons directly exposed to a. pesticide,
such as mixers, loaders,  and applicators.  Registrants of end-use termiticide
products should refer to  the acute toxicity data for the end-use product and
determine the PPE required based on that data.  Additionally,  the Agency
through the pesticide reregistration program may impose additional PPE and/or
engineering control requirements due to the toxicity of the active ingredient..
Such requirements will be imposed through Reregistration Eligibility Decision
documents.

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      The following sample personal protective equipment statements are for
products with acute toxicity endpoints in the same acute toxicity category;
reflect the minimum requirements, based on the acute toxicity of the end-use
product, and expected exposure; and contain.acceptable terminology.  Refer to
the footnotes for specific guidance on respiratory and ocular protection.,

A.  Toxicity Category I.  "Signal Word: DANGER ,(Add POISON + Skull and Cross-
bones if Toxicity Category I by oral, inhalation or dermal routes)

      "All pesticide handlers  (mixers, loaders, and applicators) must wear
      long—sleeved coveralls worn over long—sleeved shirt and long pants,
      socks, chemical—resistant'footwear, chemical—resistant gloves, ,
      respiratory protection device1,and protective eyewear2."

B.   Toxicity Category II.  Signal Word:  WARNING

      "All pesticide handlers  (mixers, loaders, and applicators) must wear
      long-sleeved coveralls worn over a minimum of short-sleeved shirt and
    .  short pants, socks, chemical—resistant footwear, chemical—resistant
      gloves, and protective eyewear2.  In addition,  all pesticide handlers-
      must wear a respiratory protection device1 when handling the concentrate
      'or when working in a non—ventilated space."                    '

C.  Toxicity Categories III or IV.  Signal Word:  CAUTION

      "All pesticide handlers  (mixers, loaders, and applicators) must wear -
      long—sleeved shirt and long, pants, socks, shoes, and chemical—resistant
     . gloves-.  In addition:  all pesticide handlers must wear a respiratory
      protection device1 when'working in a non—ventilated .space; all pesticide
_..     handlers must wear protective eyewear2 when working in a non-ventilated
      space or when applying termiticide by rodding or sub-slab injection."
      1 If the,inhalation Toxicity of the end-use.product is Category !• or II,
      or if the Inhalation Toxicity of the end-use product is Category III or
     .IV, but the termiticide is being applied in a non-ventilated space, then
      one of the following respirator types and the appropriate Mine Safety
      and Health Administration (MSHA)/National Institute.for Occupational
      Safety and Health  (NIOSH) approval number prefix must be indicated: (i)
      Dust/mist filtering respirator with,MSHA/NIOSH approval number prefix
      TC-21C; or (ii) Respirator with an organic-vapor removing cartridge and
      a prefilter approved for pesticides with -MSHA/NIOSH approval number
      prefix TC-14G; or  (iii) Supplied-air respirator with MSHA/NIOSH approval
      number prefix TC-19C or self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with
      MSHA/NIOSH approval number TC-13F.   '   _   ,

      2 Protective  eyewear is goggles, a faceshield,. or safety glasses with
      front, brow,- and temple protection.  "Protective eyewear" is the term to
      be used instead of-goggles and/or faceshield and/or shielded safety
     ^glasses.                    .                                   •

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VII. PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS                                        •

     The Agency's current policy regarding precautionary statements is that
they apply to both the concentrate and any use dilution unless the registrant
provides data on the use dilution product which demonstrate lower toxicity
than the concentrate.  For example, if a label states "Do not get in eyes or
on skin.  Wear chemical-resistant gloves and protective eyewear. etc.," the
Agency means that a handler must abide by those precautions during handling of
the concentrate and during application .of the product diluted for use unless
specifically stated otherwise on the pesticide labeling.

      Termiticide labels should be consistent with respect to precautionary
statements for applicators, bystanders, and pets.  In order to standardize
termiticide labels so that they include precautions for each of these three
groups, the following additional precautionary statements should be added to
all termiticide labels that contain directions for subterranean use:      ,

      "When treating adjacent to an existing structure, the applicator must
      check the area to be treated, and immediately adjacent areas of the.
      structure, for visible and accessible cracks and holes to prevent any
      leaks or significant exposures to persons occupying the structure.
      People present or residing .in the structure during application must be
      advised to remove their pets and themselves from the structure if they
      see any signs of leakage..  After application, the applicator is required
      to check for leaks..  All leaks resulting in the deposition of
      termiticide in -locations other than those prescribed on this label must
      be cleaned up prior to leaving the application site.  Do not allow
      people or pets to contact contaminated areas or to reoccupy contaminated
      areas of the structure until the clean up is completed."

VIII. ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS STATEMENTS

     Because termiticides are applied both indoors .and outdoors, product
labels are required to carry generic environmental hazard statements that may,-
in some cases, result in inappropriate information.  For example, a statement
such as "Cover and incorporate spills" on a product intended .to be applied
only indoors would be inappropriate.  Some termiticides may also carry a bee
toxicity statement.  Such a statement would not be applicable to products
intended only to be injected into the soil or applied as a trench treatment.
Registrants should modify the Environmental Hazard statements on termiticide
products labeled for indoor use where existing Environmental Hazard statements
transmit inappropriate .or inapplicable information.  Existing Environmental
Ha'zard statements should, however, be retained on termiticide products labeled
for other uses for which the Environmental Hazard statements are appropriate.

IX. '  STORAGE AND DISPOSAL STATEMENT'S

     The Agency has proposed revised Storage and Disposal statements for
pesticide products (59 FR 6712, Feb. 11,  1994)..  Until those statements are
issued in final form, the Agency will continue to require the standard storage
and disposal label language,  as specified in P.R. Notices 83-3,, Label
Improvement Program for Storage and. Disposal Labeling Statements, and 84-1,
Clarification of Label Improvement for Farmworker, Safety and Pesticide Storage
and Disposal Instructions.                                         .         ,

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X. USE DIRECTIONS                                        '                   ','

      A.  RETREATMENT

   .  To .remain-consistent with the requirements, of FIFRA, registrants  should
-add the following retreatment statement to their labels:    ,,

      "Retreatment for subterranean termites can only be performed if
      there is clear evidence of reinfestatiori  or disruption of the
      barrier due to construction, excavation,  or landspaping and/or
      evidence of the breakdown of the termiticide barrier  in the  soil.
      These vulnerable or. reihfested areas may  be retreated in         .
      accordance with application techniques described in this product's  .
      labeling.  The timing and type of these retreatments  wi3,l vary,
      depending on'factors such as termite pressure, soil types, soil
      conditions anol other factors which may reduce the effectiveness  of
      the barrier.

      Annual retreatment of the structure is prohibited unless there is
      clear evidence that reinfestation or barrier disruption'has
      occurred."                            ,                                .

     B.  MIXING DIRECTIONS

     To remain consistent with the requirements of- FIFRA,. -registrants  should <
include clear and specific mixing directions for each application  rate on the"
label.  A table should be added to each label to make the label mixing
directions as simple as possible.  Only the rates 'that are  applicable  to'the
product, at that site and target pest should be  on the label.        •

      The following generic directions should be used in labeling  each
termiticide for soil treatment:        •     . .

      "Mix the termiticide use dilution in the  following.manner:        ,

      1.   Fill tank. 1/4 to' 1/3 full.                               ,
      2.   Start pump to begin by-pass -agitation and place  end of  treating
            tool in tank to allow circulation through hose.
      3.   Add appropriate amount of (product name).
      4. ,  Add remaining amount of water.     .                       '         .
      5.   Let pump run and allow recirculatipn through the hose for. 2 to 3
            •minutes.                 '     '   >

 ;     To prepare a     % water emulsion,  ready  for use, dilute
      gallons of (product name) with	 gallons of water.,  To prepare
      a ____'%' (for labels with moire than one rate) water emulsion, ready
      .for.use, dilute	 gallons of (product name) with 	 gallons
      of water.   For termite control operations requiring smaller
      volumes use 	 fluid ounces of (product name) per gallon of  :
      water to achieve a	_% concentration.

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                                 8             . '                   .


Application Volume;   To  provide maximum control  and protection
against termite  infestation apply the  specified  volume of the
finished water emulsion  and active  ingredient  as set forth in the
directions for use section of this  label.   If  soil will not accept
the labeled application  volume, the volume  may be 'reduced provided
there is a corresponding increase in concentration so that the
amount of active ingredient applied to the  soil  remains the same.
NOTE:  Large reductions  of application volume  reduce the ability
to obtain a continuous barrier^  Variance is allowed when volume
and concentration are consistent with  label directed rates and a
continuous barrier can still be achieved."

All labels should contain the following statement:

"Do not treat soil that  is water saturated  or  frozen.  Do not treat
while precipitation is occurring."

C.  PRE-CONSTRUCTION  SUBTERRANEAN TERMITE TREATMENT

      1.  TREATMENT OF FOUNDATIONS

      Registrants should add the following  statement to the pre-r
construction section  of  their label:           .  •

      "PRE-CONSTRUCTION  TREATMENT:  DO NOT  APPLZ AT A LOWER. DOSAGE
      AND/OR CONCENTRATION THAN SPECIFIED ON THIS LABEL FOR APPLICATIONS
      PRIOR TO THE INSTALLATION OF  THE FINISHED GRADE.

      When treating foundations deeper than 4  feet, apply the •   ,    .
      termiticide as  the backfill is 'being  replaced, or if the
      construction contractor fails to notify  the applicator to permit
      this, treat the foundation to a  minimum  depth of 4 feet after the
      backfill has been  installed.  The applicator must trench and rod
      into the trench or trench along  the foundation walls and around
      pillars and other  foundation  elements, at the rate prescribed from
     " grade to a minimum depth of 4 feet.   When the top of the footing
      is exposed, the applicator must  treat the soil adjacent to the
      footing to a depth not to exceed the  bottom of the footing.
      However, in no  case should a  structure be treated below the
      footing."

D.  POST-CONSTRUCTION SOIL TREATMENT

      •1.  TREATMENT OF FOUNDATIONS          -  '

      Treatment  to the top.of the footing is sometimes not possible in
post-construction soil treatment because of equipment limitations or the
inordinate amount of  labor involved.   Also, termite activity is        ..
generally limited to  the  upper four (4)  feet of soil.  The following
statements should be'added to the post—construction soil treatment
section of all termiticide labels:  •                    •

      "POST-CONSTRUCTION  TREATMENT:  For,applications made after the
      final grade is  installed,  the applicator must trench and rod into
      the trench  or trench along the foundation walls and around pillars
      and other  foundation elements, at the rate prescribed .from grade
      to the top  of the  footing.  When the  footing is more than four (4)
      feet below  grade,  the  applicator must trench and rod into the
      trench or trench along the foundation walls at the rate prescribed
      to a minimum depth  of  four feet.  The actual depth of treatment
      will vary depending  on soil type, degree of compaction,  and

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      location of termite activity.  When the top of the footing is
      exposed, the applicator must treat the soil adjacent to the
      footing to a depth not to exceed the bottom of the footing.
      However, in no case should a structure be treated below the
      footingi"
      2.  CRAWL SPACES                             ,

     The wording used on labels dealing with overall crawl space
treatment must- indicate precisely where and how overall soil treatment
may be applied in crawl spaces.  To provide standardized labeling for
treating crawl spaces (both accessible and inaccessible'), the following
standardized wording for treatment of crawl space areas should be used.


      a.  Accessible Crawl Spaces  .

      "For crawl spaces, apply vertical termiticide barriers at
      the rate of>4 gallons of.emulsion per- 10 linear feet per
      foot of depth from'grade to the top of the footing, or if
      the footing is more than 4 feet below grade, to a minimum
      depth of 4 feet.  Apply by trenching and rodding into the
      trench, or trenching.  Treat both sides of foundation and
      around all piers and pipes.  Where physical obstructions,
      such as concrete walkways adjacent to foundation elements,
      prevent trenching, treatment may be made by rodding alone.
      When soil type and/or conditions make trenching prohibitive,  •
      rodding may be used.  When the top of the footing is
      exposed, the applicator must treat the soil adjacent to. the
      footing to a depth not to exceed the bottom of  the footing.
      Read and follow the mixing and use direction section of the
      label if situations are, encountered where the soil will not .      :
      accept the full -application volume.

     ,1).    Rod holes and trenches must not extend below the
            bottom of the footing.      •     . •       .

      2).    Rod holes must be spaced so as to achieve a continuous
            chemical barrier but in no.case more than 12 inches.
            apart.     '',•'•'        .     .
               s  ' f        '                  •                •
    ,  3).    Trenches, must be a minimum^ of  6 'inches deep or to the
            bottom of the footing, whichever is less,  and need not
            be wider than 6 inches.  When  trenching in sloping
          .  (tiered) soil,  the trench must be stepped to ensure
            adequate distribution .and to prevent termiticide from
            running  off.  The. emulsion must be mixed  with the soil
            as it is. replaced in the trench.

      4).    when tre'ating crawl  spaces,  turn of f the  air circulation
            system of the  structure until  application has  been completed
            and all  termiticide  has been absorbed by.the soil."

     b.     Inaccessible Crawl Spaces •                     .

      "For inaccessible  interior areas,  such as areas  where there
     is insufficient clearance  between floor joists  and ground
     surfaces to allow  operator access, excavate,  if  possible,
     and  treat  according  to the instructions  for accessible  crawl
     spaces.   Otherwise,  apply  one,  or a  combination  of the
     following  two  methods.                        .

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                                      10                    .

            1).   To establish a horizontal barrier, apply to the soil
                  surface, 1 gallon of emulsion per 10 sq. ft. overall
                  using a nozzle pressure .of less.than 25 p.s.i. and a
                  coarse application nozzle (e.g.,  Delavan Type RD.
                  Raindrop, RD-7 or larger, or Spraying Systems Co.
                  8010LP TeeJet or comparable nozzle).  For an area that
                  cannot be reached with the application wand, usie one
                  or more extension rods to make the application to the   . <
                  soil.  Do not broadcast or powerspray with higher
                  pressures.                   .                          -

            2).   To establish a horizontal barrier, drill through-the
                  foundation wall or through the. floor above and treat the
                "  soil perimeter at a rate of 1 gallon of emulsion, per 10
                  square feet.  Drill spacing must be at intervals not to
                  exceed ,16 inches.  Many states have smaller intervals so
                  check state regulations which may apply.          .

            When treating crawl spaces, turn off the air circulation system.of
            the structure until application has been completed and all
            termiticide has been absorbed by the soil."

     Because overall surface application may increase indoor air
concentrations of termiticides, the Agency has required registrants with these
use patterns on their product label to submit air monitoring data or relevant
information to assess the risk to applicators and inhabitants from inhalation
exposure.  Accordingly, the Agency will generally require
registrants/applicants applying to add these uses" to currently registered
termiticide products or applying to register new products with .these uses to
use the above standard labeling language and to submit air monitoring data or
relevant information to assess the risk from exposure via the respiratory
route to applicators and inhabitants.  Such labeling and data must be accepted
by the Agency before applications for these uses will be approved.   .  ,

     Registrants who have currently registered products with these use
patterns on their label shpuld submit an amended application to add the above
standard language to the label.  No additional data are required for these
registrants, at this time, if they have already submitted acceptable air
monitoring data or exposure information.

     E.  TREATMENT OF VOIDS

     The Agency requires that, termiticide product labels provide clear and
specific instructions for the treatment of different types of structural
voids.  In order to provide more adequte treatment of voids and to remain
consistent with the requirements of FIFRA, registrants should adopt the
following label language on all termiticide product .labels intended for
treatment of voids:          ,         ,                   .

      "Drill and treat voids in multiple masonry elements pf the structure
      extending from the structure to the soil in "order to create a continuous
      treatment barrier in the area to be treated.   Apply at the rate of 2
      gallons of emulsion per 10 linear feet of footing using a nozzle
      pressure of less than 25 p.s.i.  When using this treatment access holes
      must be drilled below the sill plate and should be as close as possible
      to the footing as is practical.  Treatment of voids ±n block or rubble
     .foundation walls must be closely examined:  Applicators must inspect
      areas of possible runoff as a precaution against application leakage in
      the treated areas.  Some areas may not be treatable or may require
      mechanical alteration prior to treatment.                 .

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--.,.•••.                      11
                           \ '            '           -      •             '  '

       All  leaks resulting in the deposition of termiticide in  locations  other
       than those  prescribed on this label must be cleaned up prior to  leaving
   '   the  application  site.  Do not allow people or pets to contact
       contaminated areas or to reoccupy the contaminated areas of the
       structure until  the clean up is completed."

       It.should be .noted that newly constructed buildings may  contain  rigid
 foam insulation.  If the registrant intends for its, product to be used in
 voids containing  rigid foam insulation, then use directions must be provided
 on the  label.  If the  registrant does not intend for its product to be used on
 these systems, then the label should prohibit such use with the following
 statement.

       "Not for use in  voids insulated with rigid foam."

      The Agency also encourages more training of applicators in the treatment
 of different types of  structural voids and encourages national and state pest
 cpntrol associations,  termiticide registrants, State Cooperative Extension
 Services,  and State Lead Agencies to continue to provide training and
 materials  in these areas.                         .       •

      P.  FOAM TREATMENT

      Foam  application  is a recent innovation enabling volumetric treatment of
 certain inaccessible voids.  It has been found to be useful in treating areas
 where, conventional application may not give acceptable distribution of an
 aqueous emulsion.  These sites would include situations such as sub-slab
 treatments  where  the fill has settled, and voids in and behind fireplaces,
 veneers, piers, etc.           !           .

      Most  current labels give dilution directions only for water and provide
 treatment  information  in gallons per square feet.  Because foam applications
 involve the vise of foaming agents other than water, termiticide labels must
 bear specific instructions for use of such agents or such use constitutes a
 misuse pursuant to section 12 of FIFRA.  Registrants must have specific rates
 for using  foam or liquid, including proper dosage and dilution, incorporated
 into the Directions for Use'under post-construction treatments.  The sites of
, application where foam treatment is appropriate,  recommended.expansion ratios
 for .each site, and the methods of application must be provided.  The. labels
 must include an explanation of what an expansion ratio actually is; meaning
 how many gallons  of foam are required to move one gallon of termiticide
 solution.   Also there must be an explanation of how to determine the expansion
 ratio by calibration-of the foaming equipment.  Also, the label must indicate
 what the desired  ratio would'be to yield effective delivery of their product.
 Generally,  the Agency recommends that the termiticide solution be applied with
 .at least 75% of the labeled rate delivered with typical liquid.application.
 The remaining 25% or less may be delivered to appropriate areas,  such as
 hollow voids, beneath concrete slabs,  and earth-filled porches,, using foam-  '
 application.            "

       Registrants should develop language of their own which follows the above "
 guidelines  or add the following label statement which addresses foam treatment
 to their labels:

       "FOAM APPLICATIONS:  The emulsion may be converted to a foam and the
       foam used to control or prevent termite infestations.

 '.     Depending on the circumstances,  foam applications may be used alone or
       in combination with liquid emulsion applications.  Applications may be"
       made behind veneers,  piers,  chimney bases,  into rubble foundations, into
       block voids or structural voids,  under slabs,  stoops,  porches,  or to,the
       soil in crawlspaces,-and other similar voids.

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                                      12

      Foam and liquid application must be consistent with volume and active
      ingredient instructions in order to ensure proper application has been
      made.  The volume and amount of active ingredient are essential to an
      effective treatment.  At.least X% (fill in the correct number) of the
      labeled liquid emulsion volume of product must be applied, with the
      remaining percent delivered to appropriate areas using foam application.
      Refer to label and use recommendations of the foam manufacturer and the
      foaming equipment manufacturer.                       .

      Foam applications are generally a good' supplement to liquid treatments .
      in difficult areas r but may be used alone in difficult spots."

     Registrants applying to add these uses to currently registered
termiticide products or to register new products with these uses should
incorporate the above instructions or develop language of their own which
follows the above guidelines.  Product performance data are required to
support new label uses unless adequate distribution data are provided, with the
submission.  Such data will be-reviewed by the Agency in light of the
Pesticide Assessment Guidelines, Subdivision G, Product Performance, Section
95-12(b)(i)(C), which states that soil treatment termiticide products should
demonstrate efficacy for at least five years (Refer to Section IV. Efficacy).
Such labeling and,data must be accepted by the Agency before applications for
these uses will be approved.     .                  ,    • •  "                .

     Registrants who currently have registered products With these use
patterns on their label should submit an amended application to add the above
standard language or language they developed which follows, the above
guidelines-to the label..  No additional data are required for these   . • .
registrants, at this time, if they have already submitted acceptable
data/information.            •                .  .

      G.  TREATMENT AROUND WELLS OR CISTERNS                           . , •

     To remain consistent with the. requirements, of FIFRA,.registrants should
have specific instructions for treatment of structures that contain wells or
cisterns which address the following general guidelines.  Treatment
restrictions on structures which contain a cistern should be limited to a
cistern in use or in usable condition.  Structures which contain cisterns
which have been permanently disabled may be treated by normal methods.  For
wells, the treatment technique(s) specified must consider the proximity of the.
well to the structure, soil type, and the characteristics of the termiticide.
The applicator should be instructed to take these and other site specific
conditions into consideration when selecting a treatment method.  The label .
should refer the applicator to state, county, and local authorities, including
the state Wellhead Protection Program, for good practices .to determine proper
treatment procedures relating to factors such as water table, soil conditions,
etc.  The treated backfill technique may be permitted to allow treatment of a
structure when a well is within, adjacent, or near the structure.

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               '•    '        .    '       13   - :         .                   •

      To remain consistent with the requirements of .FIFRA, registrants should
add the following specific label statement which addresses treatment around
wells or cisterns.                      •        .

                  "Do not contaminate wells or cisterns.

              "STRUCTURES WITH WELLS/CISTERNS INSIDE FOUNDATIONS

                  Structures that contain wells or cisterns within the  .
            foundation of a structure can only be treated using the following
            techniques:         •

      (1)  Do hot treat soil while it is beneath or within the foundation or
            along the exterior perimeter of a structure that contains a well
            or cistern.  The treated backfill method must be used if soil is
            removed and treated outside/away from the foundation.  The treated
            backfill -technique, is  described as follows:

            (a)  trench and remove soil to be treated onto heavy plastic
                  sheeting or similar material or into a wheelbarrow.

            (b)  treat the soil at the rate of 4 gallons of dilute emulsion
         ,         per 10 linear feet per foot of depth of the trench, or 1
                  gallon per 1.0 cubic feet of soil.  See "Mixing Directions"
                  section of the label.  (If Mixing Directions are-not already
                  on the label,  provide directions in this section.)  Mix
                  thoroughly into  the soil taking care to contain the liquid
                  and prevent runoff or spillage.                            .

            (c)  After the treated soil has absorbed the diluted emulsion,
                  replace the soil into the trench.

      (2)   Treat 'infested and/or damaged wood  in place using an injection
            technique such as described in the "Control-of Wood Infesting
            Insects" section of  this label.          .              .       •

                   STRUCTURES WITH ADJACENT WELLS/CISTERNS          '
        '•    ,.,             AND/OR  OTHER WATER  BODIES          -

            Applicators must inspect all structures with.nearby water sources
      such  as wells,  cisterns,  surface ponds,  streams,  and other bodies of
      water and. evaluate,  at a minimum,  the'treatment recommendations listed '
      below prior  to making an application.                     '           '

      (1)   Prior to  treatmentf  if  feasible, expose  the  water pipe(s)  coming
            from the well to the structure, if the  pipe(s)  enter the structure
            within 3 feet of grade.

      (2).  Prior to,treatment applicators  are  advised to take precautions  to
            limit  the risk of applying the.termiticide  into subsurface drains
            that could empty into  any bodies of water.   These precautions
            include -evaluating whether application  of the termiticide to the
            top of the footer may  result in contamination of the  subsurface
            drain.   Factors  such as  depth  to the drain  system and soil type
            and degree of compaction should be taken into account in
            determining the  depth  of treatment.

      (3)   When appropriate  (i.e., on the  water side of the structure),  the
           •treated  backfill technique (described above)  can also be  used  to
            minimize  off-site movement of  termiticide."

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                                       14


      H.  PLUGGING OP HOLES      .

      For safety reasons all exterior holes and accessible drilled holes  in
 commonly occupied areas into which material has been applied must be  plugged.  ,
 To remain consistent with the requirements of FIFRA, registrants  of currently
 registered termiticide products should add the following statements to the
 product  label:

       "All holes in commonly occupied areas into which material has been
       applied must be plugged.  Plugs must be of a non-cellulose  material  or
       covered by an impervious, non-cellulose material."                .

       I. COVERING TREATED SOIL                   .       .    .

      The Agency no longer requires the label statement "cover treated soil
 with a layer of untreated soil'! and this statement has been deleted on most
 termiticide labels.  This statement was originally required due to the cpncern
 for exposure to certain termiticides such as. chlordane and heptachlor.
 Because  all termiticide products containing these active ingredients  have  been
 cancelled, the  Agency believes this statement is no longer necessary  to  •
 prevent  adverse health effects and may in fact limit the efficacy of  all
 currently registered products.  To remain consistent with the requirements of
'FIFRA, registrants should delete this statement from all termiticide  products.

      . J.  EXPOSURE INFORMATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS

      EPA does not have any information demonstrating that a precautionary
 statement informing construction workers to wear protective clothing  during or
 subsequent to pre-construction termiticide applications is necessary. In
 general, construction .personnel or other individuals on-site during or
 subsequent to a pre-c,onstruction treatment application are neither directly
 nor frequently  exposed to the- pesticides being applied and, therefore, are
 generally considered not to be at risk.  However, to ensure that  construction
 personnel and other individuals are not exposed, to termiticides during or
 subsequent to treatment, the Agency believes that label precautions are  '
 necessary.  Accordingly, to remain" cpnsistent with the requirements of FIFRA,
 the following-statement should be added to the label of all termiticide. •
 products with pre-construction application use directions:

             "Prior to each application, applicators must notify
             the general contractor, construction superintendent,              1
             or. similar responsible party, of the intended
             termiticide application and intended sites of          .
             application and instruct the responsible person to
             notify construction workers and other individuals to
             leave the area to be treated during application and
             until the termiticide is absorbed into the soil."

       K.  VARIABLE CONCENTRATIONS                                  '

      The Agency encourages termiticide registrants, pest control  companies,
 national and state pest control associations, state Cooperative Extension
 Services, State Lead Agencies and others responsible for applicator training
 to emphasize the importance of training applicators in the use of- proper
 application volumes, dosages, and uniform distribution to control all species
 of subterranean termites in.their applicator training plans and in their
 research and development plans.  Termiticide product registrants, pest  control
 companies, and others responsible for applicator training should incorporate
 data from USDA's starkville,-Mississippi Laboratory, as well as regional
 research centers, together with recommendations of appropriate state
 entomologists,  in the training of applicators in order to facilitate  their ,

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                                        .•.:   •          -        ,   . .   -
 choice.of the proper concentration where variable concentrations exist on the
 termiticide product label.                        '

       The Agency is also receptive to the generation of data supporting
 variable concentrations and appropriate label provisions regarding variable
 concentrations.  In addition, the Agency encourages the development of
 information and label provisions regarding the efficacy of such treatments in
 different soil types.

    '. However, any change in concentration will likely affect the product's
 efficacy and the duration of the efficacy.  Therefore, product performance
 data to support use of lower concentrations than those currently specified on
 the label must be submitted to the Agency with an application to amend the
 product registration to add those lower concentrations (refer to Section
 XII.).  Such data will be reviewed by the Agency in light of the Pesticide
 Assessment Guidelines, Subdivision G, Product Performance, Section 95-
 12(b)(i)(C), which states that soil treatment termiticide  products should
 demonstrate efficacy for at least five years (Refer'to Section IV. Efficacy).
 Such labeling and data must be accepted by the Agency before applications for
 these uses will be approved.            ,         •

       L.  FORMOSAN TERMITES                                                  .

      The Agency encourages:termiticide registrants, pest control companies, •
 national and state 'pest control associations, State Cooperative Extension
 Services, State Lead Agencies and others responsible for applicator training
 to emphasize the importance of training applicators in the control of Formosan
 termites.  Applicators should be instructed in the. use of proper•application
 volumes, dosages and uniform distribution to control Formosan termites in
 their applicator.training plans and in their research arid development plans in
 areas where Formosan termites are known or suspected to occur.  In this
 regard, considerable data concerning application rates for Formosan termites
 and other types of termites are well documented by the United States
• Department of Agriculture's Forest Service (USDA-FS).  USDA-FS can provide
 such data to interested parties.  Requests for such, data should be sent to:

       USDA-FS, Southern Research Station          •       , .
       P.O. Box 928                                            '             '
       Starkville^  Mississippi 39760-0928                              ,

       Street .Address:       ,  .
       201 Lincoln Green
       Starkville,  Mississippi  39759  '

       Phone Number: •.'•...
       601-325-0199                        -

      Because application rates and method of control for the treatment of
 Formosan termites  may differ from current labeling, any registrant adding
 Formosan Termite Treatment to his/her product label or seeking to  register a
 new product for Formosan Termite Treatment may have to submit applicator
 exposure and pos-sibly air monitoring data to the Agency.   Registrants
 contemplating adding this use pattern to their product label should consult  •-'
 with the .A.gency Product Manager for guidance prior to submitting their
 application.    •              •       '

      M.  PLENUM CONSTRUCTION                                                -

      The Agency's  policy with regard to plenum construction is that label
 directions for use in plenum construction will be the responsibility of the
 individual registrant,  subject to Agency approval. ;However,  registrants
 should be aware that they should also .contact the Agency to determine any data

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                                      16 .                        •       •   •

needed to support application to such areas.  For-example", because these
treatments are likely to increase air concentrations, adequate air monitoring
data or relevant information to assess the risk from exposure via the
respiratory route to applicators and inhabitants must first be submitted by
the registrant and accepted by the Agency.                             •

      At a minimum, labels which include directions for application in plenum
airspaces should include the following standard language:

      "When treating plenums, turn off the .air circulation system of the
      structure until application has been completed and all termiticide has
      been absorbed by the soil."

     Registrants applying to add these uses to currently registered
termiticide products or to register new products with these uses.should use
the above labeling statement and submit air monitoring data or relevant
information to assess the risk from exposure via the respiratory route to
applicators and inhabitants.  Such labeling and data must be accepted by the
Agency before applications for these uses will.be approved.

     Registrants who have currently registered products with these use
patterns on their label should submit an amended application to add .the above
standard language .to the label.  No additional data are required for these
registrants, at this time, i£ they have already submitted acceptable air
monitoring data or exposure information.
                                                                      /
XI.  COORDINATION WITH THE ASSOCIATION OP STRUCTURAL PEST      -
      CONTROL REGULATORY OFFICIALS (ASPCRO)

      Effective as of.the date of this notice, the Agency requests that
registrants submit a copy of the.proposed label and the relevant efficacy data
for any new termiticide product or .for any significant amendment to a •
currently registered termiticide product, such as a change in concentration or
method of .application, to the Association of Structural Pest Control
Regulatory Officials (ASPCRO) at the same time the application is 'submitted to
the Agency.  This will allow ASPCRO the opportunity to review the pertinent
portions of the proposed registration or amendment and communicate any
concerns or, questions they have regarding the proposed' registration or
amendment to the Agency and the registrant in the early stages of the
registration process and to provide sufficient time for resolving any issues
prior to a registration decision.

      ASPCRO-will designate 3 to 5 state officials to serve on a Termiticide
Review Committee whose function will be 'to review the proposed
registrations/amendment's.  ASPCRO agrees to appoint to this committee only-
representatives from those states whose pesticide laws provide the ability to
maintain the integrity of Confidential Business Information (CBI) received
with the submission.  ASPCRO and its representatives assigned to this  •
committee agree that they will sign and abide by confidentiality agreements
provided by the registrants with respect to. any information provided to them
that is not available to the general public under federal law, and' is clearly
marked as CBI.  Further, no information which later becomes public shall be
covered by these agreements.  ASPCRO representatives agree to sign such
agreements prior to receiving any information under this PR Notice.  ASPCRO
will review the submission and submit written recommendations to the Agency •
within 90 days of their receipt of the submission.  ASPCRO's recommendations
will be one of the factors considered in the Agency's decision making process.-
The specifics of this coordinated review process will be further detailed in a

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                                      17
Memorandum of  Understanding  (MOU) between the Agency and ASPCRO.   The Agency
believes that  the  involvement of ASPCRO in the review process will speed
review of 'amendments  and applications and therefore strongly encourages
registrants to submit applications to ASPCRO.  Copies of termiticide
applications should be sent  to the .following address:
           '      .       "  *     /•   '     '                     ,          '
      ASPCRO Termiticide  Review  '                           .
      c/o  George Saxton                                            .          .
      Office of the Indiana  State Chemist
      Purdue University             .
      1154 Biochemistry Building
      West Lafayette,  IN'47907-1154
      ATTN:  Jim Wright

  •XI I.*  PROCEDURES

     All modifications to termiticide product labeling should be submitted! as
proposed amendments on the EPA application form 8570-1.  In Section I. of the
application, indicate the Registration Division (RD) Product Manager (PM) for
the product^   In ..Section  II. of the application, make the following notation:
"Amendment to  product label  in accordance with PR Notice 96-7 on
Termiticides."   The amendment should be accompanied by five (5)
copies of  the  proposed revised labeling.  Applications should be sent to the
following  address:

      For  USPS  Submissions:                ,

            Document  Processing Desk (AMEND)
            Office of Pesticide Programs (75Q4-C)    "
            U.S. Environmental Protection Agency   ,                   :
            401  M Street, S.W.
            Washington, D.C.  20460-0001                       .    .

      For  Courier Deliveries:

            Office of  Pesticide Programs
            Document  Processing Desk (AMEND)
            Room 266A,  Crystal Mall 2                                        .
            1921 Jefferson Davis Highway   -...-.
            Arlington, Virginia  22202

XIII.  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

     You may call Rebecca S.  Cool,  Insecticide-Rodenticide Branch, RD at (703)
305-7690 if you have  any questions^about fchis notice.    *
                                           ,  Director
                                          sion

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                        Office of Pesticide Programs


Fall 1996	Labeling  Alert	Number 2

  TO:          Manufacturers,  Formulators,   Producers  and  Registrants  of
               Pesticide Products

  FROM:      The Labeling Unit 7505W
               Protecting Life Through Better Pesticide Labeling

  SUBJECT:  Supplemental Distribution (Private labels)

  BACKGROUND:     Regarding Supplemental Distribution, 40 CFR 152.132(d), provides that
  the label for the distributor product must be the same as that of the basic product, except that:

       (1) The product name of the distributor product may be different (but may not be misleading);
       (2) The name and address of the distributor may appear instead of that of the registrant;
       (3) The registration number of the registered product must be followed by a dash, followed
       by the distributor's company number (obtainable in advance from the Agency);
       (4) The establishment number must be that of the final establishment at which the product
       was produced; and
       (5) Specific claims may be deleted, provided that no other changes are necessary.

  ALERT:    You must ensure that labeling statements made on a distributor product are
  identical to those made for the EPA-reviewed  and approved basic product labeling.
  Distributors who seek to revise label statements must work through the product registrant to
  make changes to  the base product label. Only after the base product  bears approved
  changes can the distributor  product label reflect those changes.  The Agency will generally
  permit,  minor formatting differences, such as different label colors and backgrounds, type
  styles or label sizes, provided the text, prominence and location of labeling statements on the
  distributor product  are identical (subject to the exceptions listed above) to that of the basic
  product. If you have questions about the acceptability of a specific label formatting change,
  you should contact the EPA Product Manager responsible for the registration of the product.

       It is important to note that it is the responsibility of both you, the registrant and the
  supplemental distributor to ensure  that the distributor label is in compliance with the
  requirements of FIFRA and  EPA's implementing regulations.

       Contact the Labeling Unit if you have  any questions about this  issue.   Phone:
  703-308-8641  FAX: 703-308-8369

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