United States
Environmental Protection
Agency	
Prevention, Pesticides
and Toxic Substances
(7508C)	
                                                                 EPA-738-F-98-005
                                                                 October 1998
                  R.E.D.   FACTS
                  Dichlobenil
      Pesticide
Reregistration
    Use Profile
     All pesticides sold or distributed in the United States must be registered
by EPA, based on scientific studies showing that they can be used without
posing unreasonable risks to people or the environment. Because of advances
in scientific knowledge, the law requires that pesticides which were first
registered before November 1, 1984, be reregistered to ensure that they meet
today's more stringent standards.
     In evaluating pesticides for reregi strati on, EPA obtains and reviews a
complete set of studies from pesticide producers, describing the human health
and environmental effects of each pesticide. To implement provisions of the
Food Quality Protection Act of 1996, EPA considers the special sensitivity of
infants and children to pesticides, as well as aggregate exposure of the public
to pesticide residues from all sources, and the cumulative effects of pesticides
and other compounds with common mechanisms of toxicity. The Agency
develops any mitigation measures or regulatory controls needed to effectively
reduce each pesticide's risks.  EPA then reregisters pesticides that meet the
safety standard of the FQPA and can be used without posing unreasonable
risks to human health or the environment
     When a pesticide is eligible for reregi strati on, EPA explains the basis for
its decision in a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED)  document.  This fact
sheet summarizes the information in the RED document for reregi strati on case
0263, 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile (commonly referred to as dichlobenil).

     Dichlobenil (2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile) is a herbicide used to control
weeds, and grasses in agricultural, residential and industrial areas including:
cranberry bogs, dichondra, ornamentals, blackberry, raspberry, and blueberry
fields, apple, pear, filbert and cherry orchards,  vineyards, hybrid poplar-
cottonwood plantations, and rights-of-way, paved areas, sidewalks,
recreational areas, and fences. Dichlobenil is also used to remove tree roots
and inhibit their growth in sewers.
     End Use Formulations  include granulars (1 -10% active ingredient),
liquid-ready to use (0.5% a.i.),  soluble concentrate (0.5% a.i.) and wettable
powders (0.55% a.i.).
     Dichlobenil granules are applied with a range of equipment specified on
the labels, including: aircraft, granule applicator, tractor mounted granular
applicator, gloved hand, and soil incorporation equipment.

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    Regulatory
         History
Human Health
  Assessment
      The wettable powder is applied only at pre-pavement treatment and
sewage system sites.
      Sewer use products containing dichlobenil are applied with equipment
particular to the product's label instructions, such as foam applicator, foam
generator, gloved hand, rod,  or by flushing down toilet.  Some of these sewer
use products also contain the active ingredient metam sodium.

      Dichlobenil was first registered as a pesticide in the U.S. in 1964.  EPA
issued a Registration Standard for dichlobenil in March 1987 (PB87-184834).
On June 1987, November 1993, March 1994, and October 1995 Data Call-Ins
(DCIs) required additional data including: product chemistry, ecological
effects, toxicity, worker exposure, environmental fate, residue chemistry and
reentry protection data.
      Currently, 32 dichlobenil products are registered.

Toxicity
      The Agency assessed data provided for both dichlobenil and  its
metabolite, 2,6-dichlorobenzamide (BAM).
      In studies using laboratory animals, dichlobenil generally is of low acute
toxicity.  It is slightly toxic by the oral, dermal, and inhalation routes and has
been placed in Toxicity Category III (the second lowest of four categories) for
these effects. Dichlobenil is not an ocular or dermal irritant or a skin sensitizer
and has been placed in Toxicity Category IV (the lowest of four categories) for
these effects.
      Dichlobenil's metabolite, 2, 6- dichlorobenzamide (BAM) is  slightly
toxic by oral route, and has been placed in Toxicity Category III for this effect.
      The available evidence for dichlobenil  constituted only limited evidence
for carcinogenicity and dichlobenil is classified as a Group C, possible human
carcinogen.  Additional information is needed to determine the cancer
classification of BAM. Available data for BAM suggests that its potential
carcinogenicity does not exceed that of dichlobenil (and may be lower).
      The end point of concern identified for chronic exposure to dichlobenil
was derived from a two-year dog feeding study where systemic toxicity was
observed.
      The end point of concern identified for chronic exposure to BAM was
determined from a two-year dog feeding study based on decreased body
weight gain in both males and females.
      Evidence of developmental toxicity was observed in rats and rabbits
exposed to dichlobenil. Observations included an increase  in the incidence of
supernumary thoracic ribs in  rats, and increased incidences of post-
implantation loss and late resorptions, and the occurrence of major external,
visceral, and skeletal defects  in rabbits.  Decreased maternal body  weight

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gains, and decreased food consumption by maternal rats and rabbits was also
observed.
     In rabbits exposed to BAM, developmental toxicity was observed as a
nonsignificant decrease in fetal body weight and body weight gain.   Maternal
toxicity was observed as increased moribundity, nonsignificant decreased body
weight gain,  decreased food consumption and increased number of abortions.
Compensatory body weight and food consumption increases above controls
were noted during the post-dosing period.
     Dichlobenil and BAM did not demonstrate mutagenic potential in a
variety of mutagenicity tests.
     In a two-generation reproduction study performed with dichlobenil on
rats, significant decreases in body weight, body weight gain, and food
consumption in parental males and females from both generations were noted.
Whereas, a significant decrease in mean birth weight of the first generation
pups was observed at lower doses where maternal toxicity was absent. These
observations were not considered evidence of post-natal and prenatal
sensitivity because a clear dose response relationship was not evident, nor were
these observations repeated in the second generation.

Dietary  Exposure
       BAM is the major residue observed in plants treated with dichlobenil.
Residues of dichlobenil are not expected in food. People may be exposed
through the diet to residues of dichlobenil in water and  2,6-dichlorobenzamide
(BAM) in water and food through the diet.  The tolerance expression listed
under 40 CFR 180.231 will be modified to include the metabolite 2,6-
dichlorobenzamide and omit the metabolite
2,6-dichlorobenzoic acid (2,6-DCBA). Tolerances or maximum residue limits
are proposed for the combined residues of the herbicide dichlobenil (2,6-
dichlorobenzonitrile) and its metabolite 2,6-dichlorobenzamide (BAM).
      EPA has reassessed the tolerances for the  combined residues of the
herbicide dichlobenil and BAM and found that the established tolerances for
apples  and pears are too low and that increased tolerances are necessary.
Established tolerances for blackberries, cranberries, and raspberries are too
high and tolerances of 0.1 ppm would be more appropriate. A separate
tolerance for filberts will be proposed at 0.1 ppm. Tolerances relating to
food/feed uses that were voluntarily cancelled may be revoked. Additional field
residue data are required for grapes before a complete tolerance reassessment
can be made. Processing studies for apples and grapes remain outstanding.
Following receipt of the requested data on animal metabolism, and the
magnitude of residues, the need for and expression of tolerances for residues in
animal commodities will be determined.

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     No Codex MRLs have been established for residues of dichlobenil.
Therefore, there are no questions with respect to compatibility of U.S.
tolerances with Codex MRLs.
     EPA has assessed the dietary risk posed by dichlobenil and its metabolite,
BAM.  It should be noted that the Agency has insufficient data to assess
dichlobenil and BAM exposure from ground-water, and therefore risk
estimates for drinking water only reflect surface-water data.   Based on the
exposure and toxicological findings for dichlobenil and its metabolite, BAM, an
acute dietary risk assessment was only appropriate for dichlobenil in water.
This is because dichlobenil residues are not found in food, and BAM has no
toxicological endpoint of concern from acute exposure.  The estimated acute
dietary risk for dichlobenil in surface-water derived drinking water is a Margin
of Exposure (MOE) of 3000. This assessed acute dietary risk is within
acceptable dietary limits.  The MOE is greater than 100 which is the
acceptable limit for MOEs derived from animal data.
     Because residues of dichlobenil are not found in food, the  chronic dietary
risk for dichlobenil would only be from water. The Anticipated Residue
Concentration (ARC) for the overall U.S. population represents 10% of the
Reference Dose (RfD), or amount believed not to cause adverse effects if
consumed daily over a 70-year lifetime.  The most highly exposed subgroup,
non-nursing infants less than one year old, has an ARC which represents 26%
of the RfD.  This low fraction of the allowable RfD is considered an acceptable
dietary exposure risk.                    The chronic dietary risk for BAM
was only performed on food since data to conduct a chronic drinking water
assessment are not available for BAM. The Anticipated Residue Concentration
(ARC) for the overall U.S. population represents 5% of the Reference Dose
(RfD), or amount believed not to cause adverse effects if consumed daily over
a 70-year lifetime.  The most highly exposed subgroup, non-nursing infants less
than one year old, has an ARC which represents 20% of the RfD.  This low
fraction of the allowable RfD is considered an acceptable dietary exposure risk.

Occupational and Residential Exposure
     Based on current use  patterns, handlers (mixers, loaders, and applicators)
may be exposed to dichlobenil during and after application to  all commercial
use sites, including farms, orchards, sewers, pre-paving sites, industrial and
residential areas, and plant nurseries.  All the combined dermal and inhalation
short term margins of exposure assessed  for handlers were acceptable.  Short-
term and intermediate term  exposure for handlers at sewer treatment sites, and
commercial granular back pack application sites could not be assessed.  Post-
application exposure is expected to be less than exposure to applicators due to
dissipation and degradation.
     Residential exposure should be minimal. Dichlobenil is used in areas
where all vegetation is to be killed (such as around established trees, fences,

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                     shrubs and other structures) rather than lawns. The recommended timing for
                     application is early spring and late fall, when cooler temperatures are
                     anticipated.  Cool temperatures would minimize vaporization, and warm
                     apparel (long pants, shoes, coats, and sweaters) would reduce exposure.
                          Because dichlobenil is moderately volatile, there are concerns for
                     horticultural workers and homeowners being exposed to dichlobenil vapors
                     during treatment in confined areas.
                          An assessment of exposure to BAM could not be performed. BAM is a
                     soil metabolite, and nursery workers that handle soil treated with dichlobenil
                     may be exposed to BAM during routine activities.

                     Human Risk Assessment
                          Dichlobenil generally is of low acute toxicity, but causes systemic,
                     developmental and reproductive toxicity effects in animal studies and has been
                     classified as a Group C, possible human carcinogen. Food crop uses are
                     registered including cranberry, blackberry, raspberry, blueberry, apple, pear,
                     filbert, cherry and grape.  However, dietary exposure to dichlobenil and BAM
                     residues in foods is extremely low, as is the cancer risk posed to  the general
                     population.
                          Of greater concern is the risk posed to dichlobenil handlers, particularly
                     mixers/loaders/applicators, and nursery workers who come into contact with
                     treated soil following application of this pesticide. Exposure and risk to
                     workers will be mitigated by the use of PPE required by the WPS,  as presented
                     by this RED.  Post-application reentry workers  will be required  to observe a
                     24-hour Restricted Entry Interval for all horticultural and nursery uses within
                     the scope of WPS. Sewer use and granular backpack uses of dichlobenil are
                     not eligible for reregi strati on until dermal and inhalation exposure studies are
                     submitted to EPA and evaluated.
Environmental
   Assessment
Environmental Fate
     Dichlobenil dissipates in the environment (on soil and in surface water)
principally by volatilization. However, it is persistent under field conditions
that reduce the potential for volatilization (i.e., cooler climates). When
transformation proceeds through aerobic soil metabolism, the metabolite, 2,6-
dichlorobenzamide (BAM) is generated (13.1% at 50 weeks). Under
conditions where dichlobenil does not volatilize there is potential for both
dichlobenil and BAM to move to ground water in coarse-textured soils low in
organic matter.  Both dichlobenil and BAM can be extremely mobile and
persistent under anaerobic conditions. Dichlobenil and BAM exceed levels of
concern for ground-water quality. Dichlobenil is predicted to volatilize from
most surface waters; therefore, its persistence in the surface water environment
will depend primarily on the environmental factors which control volatility

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rates. Insufficient data are available to assess the persistence of BAM in
surface water.
Ecological Effects
      On an acute basis, dichlobenil is practically nontoxic to birds, mammals,
honey bees; slightly to moderately toxic to aquatic invertebrates and estuarine
organisms; and moderately toxic to fish.   Dichlobenil is practically nontoxic to
birds on a subacute dietary basis, but insufficient data are available to assess
chronic avian toxicity.  Dichlobenil is toxic to non-target terrestrial and
aquatic plants. Dichlobenil may chronically affect fish at levels as low as 0.33
ppm and may chronically affect aquatic invertebrates at levels as low as 0.75
ppm.   The dichlobenil degradate, BAM is slightly toxic to mammals and
practically nontoxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates on an acute basis.

Ecological Effects Risk Assessment
      The overall acute risk to birds is low. However, the acute risk for birds
from different dichlobenil granule formulations vary with granule size and
concentration of dichlobenil per granule.  The 4% Granular (4G) formulation is
not expected to pose a potential for acute risk. The 10% Granular (10 G)
formulation poses a potential for acute risk to birds at the 6 Ib.  ai/A or greater
application rate when dichlobenil is not incorporated into soil. Endangered
species of birds may be affected by applications of the larger 4G and 10G
dichlobenil granules at all unincorporated rates and at the  10 Ib. ai/A or higher
incorporated rates.  Chronic risk to birds cannot be assessed due to lack of
avian  reproduction studies.
      There is minimal likelihood of acute and chronic risk to mammals and
insects; and minimal likelihood of chronic risk to fish.
      At the 20 Ib. ai/A rate for unincorporated application, a level of concern
was exceeded for most of the organisms assessed. At this unincorporated rate,
the levels of concern (LOG) for acute effects are exceeded for endangered fish,
endangered aquatic invertebrates; and the LOG is exceeded for potentially
high acute risk to mollusks.
      Incorporation reduces exposure to animals. Incorporated applications up
to 20  Ibs. a.i./A do not exceed potentially high acute risk LOCs for the
assessed animal species.
      The restricted use LOG for mollusks is exceeded by unincorporated
applications at or above  6 Ibs. ai/A,  and incorporated applications at 20 Ibs.
a.i./A. Unincorporated applications at or above 4 Ibs. ai/A and incorporated
applications at or above  6 Ibs. ai/A exceed the LOG for endangered mollusk
species.
      Risk to estuarine invertebrates is expected to  be minimal but could not be
assessed because  of uncertainly about exposure.

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 Risk Mitigation
Additional Data
        Required
      High acute risk LOCs are exceeded for all vascular terrestrial, semi-
aquatic, and aquatic plants at application rates as low as 2 Ibs. a.i./A.  Use of
dichlobenil on all sites may  adversely affect nontarget terrestrial and semi-
aquatic plants, including endangered species. This evaluation does not take
into account the dissipation of dichlobenil from volatilization, so the risk may
be significantly less.
      The registration of hybrid cotton wood-poplar plantation use has been
expanded to regions beyond the Oregon- Washington desert sites originally
evaluated. Use of dichlobenil at hybrid cotton wood-poplar plantation sites in
the eastern Oregon-Washington desert region was not initially considered a
forestry use.  The Agency does not have sufficient forestry dissipation data to
evaluate use of dichlobenil at hybrid cotton wood-poplar plantation sites
beyond the evaluated area.

      To lessen the ecological risks posed by dichlobenil, EPA is requiring the
following risk mitigation measures.
N Ground water advisory
N Application rate reduction to < 10 Ibs. a.i./A.
N Soil incorporation of 10% Granular formulation.
      To lessen the occupational risks posed by dichlobenil, EPA is requiring
the following risk mitigation measures.
N Soil incorporation of granular formulations applied to ground in liners in
which ornamental stock placed.
N Ventilation requirements for application of sewer products in inhabited
buildings.
N Reentry Interval of 24 hours for horticultural/nursery use sites, unless the
product is soil incorporated or soil injected.
N Restricted entry until granules are thoroughly watered in and treated soil has
dried for uses on ornamentals, residential and commercial landscaping, and all
products intended primarily for home use.
N Personal protective equipment
      EPA is requiring the following additional generic studies for dichlobenil
and its metabolite, BAM to confirm its regulatory assessments and
conclusions:
      To assess risk from backpack application of granular formulations and
from application to sewer pipes to mixers,  loaders and applicators, dermal and
inhalation exposure studies are required.
      To confirm the adequacy of the 24-hour reentry interval for horticultural
and nursery sites, post-application exposure studies for applications to
ornamentals are  required. These include foliar and  soil residue dissipation, and
dermal and inhalation passive dosimetry exposure studies. The soil residue
dissipation study is required for both dichlobenil and the BAM metabolite.

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  Product Labeling
Changes Required
      To assess the potential of the BAM metabolite to contaminate surface
waters, solubility and vapor pressure data are required for BAM.  Depending
on the observed physical properties of BAM, additional environmental fate
data may be required for BAM including photodegradation in water, Aerobic
soil metabolism,  Aerobic aquatic metabolism, and Adsorption/desorption
studies.
      To determine if any additional ground water mitigation measures or
prospective groundwater studies are needed, a drinking water monitoring study
is required that samples from existing drinking water wells.  Samples must be
analyzed for both the parent and the degradate, BAM.
      The environmental risk assessment for hybrid cotton wood-poplar
plantation use sites was limited to available data from dichlobenil's use in the
eastern desert areas of Oregon and Washington.  To  support the use of
dichlobenil at hybrid cotton wood-poplar plantation use sites outside the
mentioned region, one or more small-scale prospective ground water
monitoring and forestry dissipation studies are required. Alternatively,
registrants may modify the label to geographically limit the use of dichlobenil
on hybrid cotton wood-poplar plantations to the desert areas in Oregon and
Washington defined as 15 miles from the Columbia river in the counties of
Walla Walla, Franklin and Benton in Washington and Umatilla and Morrow in
Oregon.
      To assess chronic toxicity to birds, avian reproduction studies are
required on the technical grade of dichlobenil.
      The Agency also is requiring product-specific data including product
chemistry and acute toxicity studies, revised Confidential Statements of
Formula (CSFs), and revised labeling for reregi strati on.

      All dichlobenil end-use products must comply with EPA's current
pesticide product labeling requirements and with the following. For a
comprehensive list of labeling requirements, please see the Dichlobenil RED
document.
      Ground-Water Advisory— The label must state the following:   "This
chemical has properties and characteristics associated with chemicals detected
in ground water. The use of this chemical in areas where soils are permeable,
particularly where the water table is shallow may result in ground-water
contamination."
      Application Rate Reduction—Use rates at sites with maximum
application rates at 20 Ibs. a.i./A, including drainage systems, rights-of-way,
fencerow, hedgerow, cemeteries, in industrial areas, recreational areas, and
uncultivated areas must be reduced so the maximum  application rates listed on
the label are < 10 Ibs. a.i/A.
      10G Soil Incorporation Requirements—For all uses other than pre-
paving sites, the labels for the 10G formulation must instruct the user to

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thoroughly incorporate the granules into the soil. The 10G may also be subject
to additional incorporation requirements shown below.

PPE Requirements for Pesticide Handlers
      Sole-active-ingredient end-use products that contain dichlobenil must be
revised to  adopt the handler personal protective equipment requirements set
forth in this section. Any conflicting PPE requirements on their current
labeling must be removed.
      Multiple-active-ingredient end-use products that contain dichlobenil must
compare the handler personal protective equipment requirements set forth in
this section to the PPE requirements on their current labeling and retain the
more protective.  For guidance on which PPE is considered more protective,
see PR Notice 93-7.
      The  labels and labeling of all products must comply with EPA's current
regulations and requirements as specified in 40 CFR §156.10 and other
applicable  notices.

PPE Requirements for Products Intended Primarily for Occupational Use
      Actual end-use product PPE requirements ~ The PPE that would
otherwise be established based on the acute toxicity of each end-use product
must be compared with the minimum (baseline) personal protective equipment,
if any, specified below. The more protective PPE must be placed on the
product labeling. For guidance on which PPE is considered more protective,
see PR Notice 93-7.
Wettable Powder Formulations
      Asphalt Use: The minimum (baseline) PPE for all occupational uses of
dichlobenil end-use products formulated as wettable powders for the asphalt
use is: "Applicators and other handlers (other than mixers and loaders) must
wear:
      -Long-sleeved shirt and long pants
      —Shoes plus socks"
"Mixers and loaders must wear:
      —Long-sleeved shirt and long pants
      —Shoes plus socks
      -Chemical-resistant gloves,
      -Chemical-resistant apron."
      Sewer Use: The minimum (baseline) PPE for applicator and other
handlers (other  than mixers and loaders) occupational uses of dichlobenil
end-use products formulated as wettable powders and labeled for use in sewer
sites is the same as above, except that they  must also wear:
      "-Chemical-resistant gloves"

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Granular Formulations
      The minimum (baseline) PPE for all occupational uses of dichlobenil end-
use products formulated as granulars are identical to sewer use PPE listed
above.
Respirator Type
      If the acute inhalation toxicity of the end-use product is in category I or
II, a respirator is required for pesticide handlers. The following type of
respirator is appropriate to mitigate dichlobenil inhalation concerns:
      "A respirator with either an organic-vapor-removing cartridge with a
      prefilter approved for pesticides (MSHA/NIOSH approval number prefix
      TC-23C), or a canister approved for pesticides (MSHA/NIOSH approval
      number prefix TC-14G)"

PPE Requirements for Products Intended Primarily for Homeowner Use
      There are no minimum (baseline) PPE being established for homeowner
uses of dichlobenil end-use products formulated as granulars.

Post-Application/Entry Restrictions for Products Intended Primarily for
Occupational Use
      Restricted-entry interval ~ A 24-hour restricted entry interval (REI) is
required for horticultural/nursery uses within the scope of the WPS (see PR
Notice 93-7) on all end-use products with WPS uses (see tests in PR Notices
93-7 and 93-11).  The REI for all other uses within the scope of WPS  is 12
hours. Exception: If the product is soil-injected or soil incorporated, the
Worker Protection Standard, under certain circumstances allows workers to
enter the treated area if there will be no contact with anything that has been
treated.
      NonWPS outdoor uses  on shelterbelt plantings, rights-of-way, fence
rows, hedge rows, pre-paving  treatment, uncultivated areas, buildings  and
structures, industrial and recreational areas, and sewage and drainage  systems
have no entry restrictions.
      Early-entry personal protective equipment (PPE) ~ The PPE required
uses for early entry following applications at WPS sites is:
      -Coveralls,
      -Chemical-resistant gloves, and
      —Shoes plus socks.
      Placement in labeling ~ The REI must be inserted into the standardized
REI statement required by Supplement Three of PR Notice
93-7.  The PPE required for early entry must be inserted into the standardized
early entry PPE statement required by Supplement Three of PR Notice 93-7.
                        10

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     For non-WPS uses on ornamental woody shrubs and vines,
ornamental/shade trees, and residential and commercial landscaping, labels
must state:  "Do not enter or allow workers to enter the treated area until
granules are thoroughly watered in and the treated soil has dried.".

Post-Application/Entry Restrictions for Products Intended Primarily for
Home Use
     Product labels intended primarily for home use must state:
"Do not enter or allow persons or pets to enter the treated area until granules
are thoroughly watered in and the treated soil has dried."

Other Labeling Requirements for Products Intended Primarily for
Occupational Use
     The Agency is requiring the following labeling statements to be located
on all end-use products containing dichlobenil intended primarily for
occupational use.
Application Restrictions:
     For Granular Formulations: "Do not apply this product in a way that will
contact workers of other persons, either directly or through drift. Only
protected handlers may be in the area during application."

     For Granular Formulations With Use Directions on Ground (Soil or
Gravel) in Liners in Which Ornamental Stock Will Be Placed:  (associate the
following statement with the directions for this use.)  "Thoroughly incorporate
the granules into the soil (or other target surface) through watering-in. Once
the application has been correctly incorporated through watering-in and the
treated surface is dry, the WPS permits workers to enter the treated area
during the restricted-entry interval without personal protective equipment or
any other restriction if they are performing tasks that do not involve contact
with the soil subsurface."
     For Wettable Powder Formulations with Directions for Sewer
Treatments:  "When used in inhabited buildings (residences, offices, hospitals,
etc.), windows must be open or an exhaust fan must be operating during the
application."

Engineering  Controls:
     For wettable powder formulations:  "When handlers use closed systems
(including water soluble bags) or enclosed cabs in a manner that meets the
requirements  listed in the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) for agricultural
pesticides (40 CFR 170.240(d)(4-6), the handler PPE requirements may be
reduced or modified as specified in the WPS."
                        11

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                      For granular formulations that may be applied from enclosed cabs or
                 aircraft: "When handlers use enclosed cabs or aircraft in a manner that meets
                 the requirements listed in the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) for
                 agricultural pesticides (40 CFR 170.240(d)(4-6), the handler PPE requirements
                 may be reduced or modified as specified in the WPS."
                      User Safety  Requirements:  "Follow manufacturer's instructions for
                 cleaning/maintaining PPE. If there are no such instructions for washable PPE,
                 use detergent and  hot water.  Keep and wash PPE separately from other
                 laundry."
                      User Safety  Recommendations:
                 •    "Users should wash hands before eating, drinking, chewing gum, using
                      tobacco, or using the toilet."
                 •    "Users should remove clothing immediately if pesticide gets inside.  Then
                      wash thoroughly and put on clean clothing."
                 •    "Users should remove PPE immediately after handling this product.
                      Wash the outside of gloves before removing. As soon as possible, wash
                      thoroughly and change into clean clothing."

                 Other Labeling Requirements for Products Intended Primarily for Home
                 Use
                      Application  restrictions: "Do not apply this product in a way that will
                 contact any person or pet, either directly or through drift. Keep people and
                 pets out of the area during application."    Immediately following application,
                 thoroughly water-in the granules.
                      User safety recommendations:  See the first two "User Safety
                 Recommendations" listed above.
                      If the acute inhalation toxicity of the end-use product is in category I or
                 II, a respirator is required for pesticide handlers. For additional information see
                 "Respirator Type" description under "PPE Requirements for Occupational
                 Use" heading above.

 Regulatory
Conclusion        EPA has determined that products containing dichlobenil are eligible for
                 reregi strati on except products labeled for sewer treatment use and granular
                 backpack applications.  The use of eligible dichlobenil products in accordance
                 with labeling specified in this RED will not pose unreasonable adverse effects
                 to humans or the environment. These products will be reregistered once the
                 required confirmatory generic data, product specific data, CSFs,  and revised
                 labeling are received and accepted by EPA. Products which contain active
                 ingredients in addition to dichlobenil will be reregistered when all of their other
                 active ingredients  also are eligible for reregi strati on.
                                         12

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   For More
Information
     EPA does not have enough information at this time to decide the
eligibility of dichlobenil products labeled for use in sewer treatment or
application with a granular backpack. The Agency is requiring additional data
to develop a more complete data base regarding these uses of dichlobenil.

     EPA is requesting public comments  on the Reregistration Eligibility
Decision (RED) document for dichlobenil  during a 60-day time period, as
announced in a Notice of Availability published in the Federal Register.  To
obtain a copy of the RED document or to  submit written comments, please
contact the Pesticide Docket, Public Information and Records Integrity
Branch, Information Resources and Services Division (7502C), Office of
Pesticide Programs (OPP), US EPA, Washington, DC 20460, telephone
703-305-5805.
     Electronic copies of the RED and this fact sheet are available on the
Internet.  See http://www.epa.gov/REDs.
     Printed copies of the RED and fact sheet can be obtained from EPA's
National Center for Environmental Publications and Information
(EPA/NCEPI), PO Box 42419, Cincinnati, OH 45242-2419, telephone 1-800-
490-9198; fax 513-489-8695.
     Following the comment period, the dichlobenil RED document also will
be available from the National Technical Information Service (NTIS), 5285
Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161,  telephone 703-605-6000.
     For more information about EPA's pesticide reregi strati on program, the
dichlobenil RED, or reregi strati on of individual products containing
dichlobenil, please contact the Special Review and Reregistration Division
(7508W), OPP, US EPA, Washington, DC 20460, telephone 703-308-8000.
     For information about the health effects of pesticides, or for assistance in
recognizing and managing pesticide poisoning symptoms, please contact  the
National Pesticides Telecommunications Network (NPTN).  Call toll-free 1-
800-858-7378, from 6:30 am to 4:30 pm Pacific Time, or 9:30 am to 7:30 pm
Eastern Standard Time, seven days a week.
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