UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460 

MEMORANDUM 

DA TE: September 15, 2015 

OFFICE OF 

CHEMICAL SAFETY AND 

POLLUTION PREVENTION 

SUBJECT: Foramsulfuron: Draft Human Health Risk Assessment in Support of 

Registration Review. 

PC Code: 122020 

Decision No.: 500058 

Petition No.: NA 

Risk Assessment Type: Single Chemical Aggregate 

TXRNo.: NA 

MRIDNo.: NA 

DP Barcode: 0425702 

Registration No.: NA 

Regulatory Action: Registration Review 

Case No.: NIA 

CAS No.: 173159-57-4 

40 CFR: 180.1219 

FROM: Karlyn Middleton, M.S., Risk Assessor/Toxicologist 

Zaida Figueroa, DrPH, Industrial Hygienist ~ 

Michael A. Doherty, Ph.D., Chemist . 'A 1 ./ 

Risk Assessment Branch II --'~ ~ 

Health Effects Division (7509P) 

THROUGH: Christina 

Risk Assess

Swartz

ment 

, 

Branch 

Branch 

II 

Chief ~~ 

Health Effects Division (7509P) 

TO: Jose Gayoso, Chemical Review Manager 

Kevin Costello, Branch Chief 

Risk Management and Implementation Branch II (RMIB 11) 

Pesticide Re-Evaluation Division (7508P)As part of registration review, HED has 

examined the toxicological and exposure databases for assessing human health risks 

associated with foramsulfuron. Significant changes relative to the last risk assessment 

(D32420 l , K. Bailey, 2006) include: 

I) The immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and inhalation toxicity study requirements 

have been waived. 

2) HED notes that in accordance with the criteria described in PR Notice 95-3, 

foramsulfuron may be eligible for reduction of the REI to 4 hours. The registered 

labels for foramsulfuron currently specify a restricted entry interval (REI) of 12 

hours. 

Pagel of 13 
Page 2 of 13

Table of Contents

1.0 Executive Summary..................................................................................................3

2.0 HED Recommendations............................................................................................3

3.0 Introduction...............................................................................................................4

3.1 Chemical Identity and Physical/Chemical Characteristics .................................4

3.2 Pesticide Use Pattern and Anticipated Exposure Pathways................................5

3.3 Consideration of Environmental Justice .............................................................5

4.0 Hazard Identification/Toxicology.............................................................................6

4.1 Summary of Toxicological Effects/Endpoint Selection .....................................6

4.2 Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program ............................................................7

5.0 Dietary Exposure ......................................................................................................8

6.0 Residential (Non-Occupational) Exposure/Risk Characterization ...........................8

6.1 Spray Drift...........................................................................................................8

7.0 Aggregate Exposure/Risk Characterization..............................................................9

8.0 Cumulative Exposure/Risk Characterization............................................................9

9.0 Occupational Exposure/ Risk Characterization ........................................................9

10.0 Public Health and Pesticide Epidemiology Data ......................................................9

11.0 Literature References..............................................................................................10

12.0 References...............................................................................................................11

Appendix A. Toxicology Data Requirements and Toxicology Profile..............................11

Appendix B. Registered Foramsulfuron Products and Use Patterns ................................12

Appendix C. Restricted Entry Interval (REI) ...................................................................13
Page 3 of 13

1.0 Executive Summary

Foramsulfuron (2-[[[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbony]amino]sulfonyl]-4-

(formylamino)-N,N-dimethylbenzamide) is a sulfonylurea herbicide used as a postemergent foliar spray. Its mode of action is through inhibition of branched-chain amino

acid synthesis. Foramsulfuron is registered for post-emergence use on field corn, sweet 

corn, popcorn, and also for use on golf course turf, sports fields, commercial lawns, 

cemeteries, parks, campsites, recreational areas, home lawns, roadsides, school grounds, 

and sod farms to control seasonal grasses and broadleaf weeds. 

A human health scoping document was conducted for foramsulfuron in 2012 (D402334, 

D. McNeilly); the immunotoxicity study was identified as a data gap. However, the 

immunotoxicity study requirement has since been waived for the entire class of 

sulfonylurea chemicals (TXR#0056723). Additionally, HED’s Hazard and Science 

Policy Council (HASPOC) has waived the inhalation toxicity and neurotoxicity (acute 

and subchronic) study requirements for foramsulfuron (TXR# 0056408). The toxicology 

database for foramsulfuron is considered complete and adequate for risk assessment. The 

last human health risk assessment was completed in 2006 (D324201, K. Bailey). Since 

then, no new toxicity, exposure, or residue chemistry data have been received. 

Currently, foramsulfuron has an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance (40 CFR 

§180.1219). The Health Effects Division (HED) previously determined that the 

toxicological profile of foramsulfuron supported a tolerance exemption for food uses 

because no adverse effects were observed in the submitted toxicological studies 

regardless of the route of exposure. The HED Registration Review Team for 

foramsulfuron continues to support the tolerance exemption for this herbicide. In 

addition, no quantitative dietary, occupational, residential, or aggregate exposure 

assessments are needed for HED to conclude that there are no human health risk concerns 

associated with dietary and non-dietary exposure to foramsulfuron. The registered labels 

for foramsulfuron specify a restricted entry interval (REI) of 12 hours based on the acute 

toxicity of the technical material. However, REIs may be further reduced if certain 

criteria are met in accordance with the Pesticide Registration (PR) Notice 95-3 

[Reduction of WPS Interim REIs for Certain Low Risk Pesticides]1

. Foramsulfuron is 

consistent with the criteria outlined in PRN 95-3 that allow for a 4-hour REI (see 

appendix C). Therefore, HED would recommend for reduction of the REI for 

foramsulfuron.

2.0 HED Recommendations

There are no recommendations. However, HED notes that in accordance with the criteria 

described in PR Notice 95-3, foramsulfuron may be eligible for reduction of the REI to 4 

hours. The registered labels for foramsulfuron currently specify a restricted entry interval 

(REI) of 12 hours. 

 1 Available: http://www.epa.gov/PR_Notices/pr95-3.html
Page 4 of 13

3.0 Introduction

Foramsulfuron is a sulfonylurea herbicide used as a post-emergent foliar spray. The 

structure and physical/chemical properties are found in the table in section 3.1.

3.1 Chemical Identity and Physical/Chemical Characteristics

Table 3.1.1. Foramsulfuron Nomenclature.

Compound

Common name Foramsulfuron

IUPAC name 1-(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)-3-[2-(dimethylcarbamoyl)-5-

formamidophenylsulfonyl]urea

CAS name 2-[[[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]-4-

(formylamino)-N,N-dimethylbenzamide

CAS # 173159-57-4

End-use product/EP 35% a.i. WDG

Table 3.1.2. Physicochemical Properties of Technical-Grade Foramsulfuron.

Parameter Value Reference

Molecular weight (g/mole) 452.5 From molecular 

formula

Melting point/range (°C) 202 EPA Fact Sheet

pH 4.5 (1% dilution in distilled 

water)

EPA Fact Sheet

Density (g/cm3) 1.44 g/cm3 at 20°C EPA Fact Sheet

Water solubility ( g/L at 20°C) 3.29 g/L EPA Fact Sheet

Solvent solubility (g/L at 20°C) 1.9 g/L (Acetone)

0.36 (Ethyl Acetate)

0.01 (Heptane)

1.66 (Methanol)

Pesticide Properties 

Database, University of 

Hertfordshire, UK 

Vapor pressure at 20°C (Pa) 4.2x10-11 EPA Fact Sheet

Dissociation constant (pKa)

Octanol/water partition coefficient 

Log(KOW)

4.01 EPA Fact Sheet
Page 5 of 13

3.2 Pesticide Use Pattern and Anticipated Exposure Pathways

Foramsulfuron is registered for post-emergence use on field corn, sweet corn, popcorn, 

and also for use on golf course turf, sports fields, commercial lawns, cemeteries, parks, 

campsites, recreational areas, home lawns, roadsides, school grounds, and sod farms to 

control seasonal grasses and broadleaf weeds. The registered product formulations 

include three water dispersible granules (WDG) and a suspension concentrate (SC). The 

percentage of active ingredient ranges from 19.8 to 35.0% in WDG formulations. The 

SC formulation contains 0.19 lbs ai/gal (Appendix C). Foramsulfuron is labeled for 

ground, aerial, and handheld applications; it is not labeled for application via chemigation 

systems. 

Based on the use patterns (i.e., 2 applications per season), the duration of exposure for 

occupational workers from the registered uses is expected to be short-term (1 to 30 days)

and intermediate-term (1 to 6 months) in duration. Short-term exposures are expected 

from the products registered in residential settings. Long-term exposure is not 

anticipated. 

The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) statement on the registered labels require

workers to wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, shoes with socks, and gloves. The 

restricted entry interval (REI) on all the registered labels is 12 hours.

Exposure Pathways

Individuals may be exposed to foramsulfuron via their diet (food and drinking water). In 

addition, dermal and inhalation exposures are possible for both residential and 

occupational handlers. Post-application exposure is possible for those who re-enter 

treated areas, including incidental oral (hand-to-mouth) and dermal post-application 

exposures for children playing on treated turf and workers entering treated fields. 

Moreover, there is the potential for indirect exposure to foramsulfuron related to spray 

drift. However, there are no risk concerns associated with these exposures, based on the 

lack of adverse effects in the toxicity database.

3.3 Consideration of Environmental Justice

Potential areas of environmental justice concerns, to the extent possible, were considered 

in this human health risk assessment, in accordance with U.S. Executive Order 12898, 

"Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and LowIncome Populations," 

(http://epa.gov/compliance/ej/resources/policy/exec_order_12898.pdf). As a part of 

every pesticide risk assessment, OPP considers a large variety of consumer subgroups 

according to well-established procedures. In line with OPP policy, HED estimates risks 

to population subgroups from pesticide exposures that are based on patterns of that 

subgroup’s food and water consumption, and activities in and around the home that 

involve pesticide use in a residential setting. Extensive data on food consumption 

patterns are compiled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the National 
Page 6 of 13

Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, What We Eat in America, 

(NHANES/WWEIA; 2003-2008) and are used in pesticide risk assessments for all 

registered food uses of a pesticide. These data are analyzed and categorized by 

subgroups based on age and ethnic group. Additionally, OPP is able to assess dietary 

exposure to smaller, specialized subgroups and exposure assessments are performed 

when conditions or circumstances warrant. Whenever appropriate, non-dietary exposures 

based on home use of pesticide products and associated risks for adult applicators and for 

toddlers, youths, and adults entering or playing on treated areas post-application are 

evaluated. Further considerations are currently in development as OPP has committed 

resources and expertise to the development of specialized software and models that 

consider exposure to bystanders and farm workers as well as lifestyle and traditional 

dietary patterns among specific subgroups.

4.0 Hazard Identification/Toxicology

The toxicology database for foramsulfuron is complete. The immunotoxicity study 

requirement (TXR#0056723), as well as the inhalation toxicity and neurotoxicity (acute 

and subchronic) study requirements for foramsulfuron (TXR#0056408) have been 

waived by HED’s HASPOC. Since the last risk assessment and scoping document were

done, no new toxicity data have been received. 

4.1 Summary of Toxicological Effects/Endpoint Selection

No treatment-related effects were seen in subchronic or chronic oral, or dermal toxicity

studies with foramsulfuron. No treatment-related effects were seen in rat or rabbit 

developmental toxicity studies or a rat reproduction study. All toxicity studies were 

conducted with doses up to the limit dose (1000 mg/kg/day), with the exception of the 

developmental rabbit study (high dose = 500 mg/kg/day). There was no evidence of 

carcinogenicity in cancer studies with rats or mice and there is no concern for 

mutagenicity. In rats, foramsulfuron is primarily excreted in feces as parent compound 

within three days of oral dosing. 

Acute lethality studies conducted with foramsulfuron indicate that it has low acute 

toxicity via the oral, dermal, and inhalation routes of exposure (Toxicity Categories III or 

IV). It is mildly irritating to the eyes (Toxicity Category IV) and not a dermal irritant or 

sensitizer.

Due to the absence of toxicity in the toxicology studies, endpoints and points of departure 

(PODs) were not selected for assessing risks (dietary, incidental oral, dermal, and 

inhalation).
Page 7 of 13

4.2 Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program

As required by FIFRA and FFDCA, EPA reviews numerous studies to assess potential 

adverse outcomes from exposure to chemicals. Collectively, these studies include acute, 

subchronic and chronic toxicity, including assessments of carcinogenicity, neurotoxicity, 

developmental, reproductive, and general or systemic toxicity. These studies include 

endpoints which may be susceptible to endocrine influence, including effects on 

endocrine target organ histopathology, organ weights, estrus cyclicity, sexual maturation, 

fertility, pregnancy rates, reproductive loss, and sex ratios in offspring. For ecological 

hazard assessments, EPA evaluates acute tests and chronic studies that assess growth, 

developmental and reproductive effects in different taxonomic groups. As part of its 

most recent registration decision for foramsulfuron, EPA reviewed these data and 

selected the most sensitive endpoints for relevant risk assessment scenarios from the 

existing hazard database. However, as required by FFDCA section 408(p), 

foramsulfuron is subject to the endocrine screening part of the Endocrine Disruptor 

Screening Program (EDSP). 

EPA has developed the EDSP to determine whether certain substances (including 

pesticide active and other ingredients) may have an effect in humans or wildlife similar to 

an effect produced by a “naturally occurring estrogen, or other such endocrine effects as 

the Administrator may designate.” The EDSP employs a two-tiered approach to making 

the statutorily required determinations. Tier 1 consists of a battery of 11 screening assays 

to identify the potential of a chemical substance to interact with the estrogen, androgen, 

or thyroid (E, A, or T) hormonal systems. Chemicals that go through Tier 1 screening 

and are found to have the potential to interact with E, A, or T hormonal systems will 

proceed to the next stage of the EDSP where EPA will determine which, if any, of the 

Tier 2 tests are necessary based on the available data. Tier 2 testing is designed to 

identify any adverse endocrine-related effects caused by the substance, and establish a 

dose-response relationship between the dose and the E, A, or T effect. 

Under FFDCA section 408(p), the Agency must screen all pesticide chemicals. Between 

October 2009 and February 2010, EPA issued test orders/data call-ins for the first group 

of 67 chemicals, which contains 58 pesticide active ingredients and 9 inert ingredients. A 

second list of chemicals identified for EDSP screening was published on June 14, 20132

and includes some pesticides scheduled for Registration Review and chemicals found in 

water. Neither of these lists should be construed as a list of known or likely endocrine 

disruptors. 

For further information on the status of the EDSP, the policies and procedures, the lists of 

chemicals, future lists, the test guidelines and the Tier 1 screening battery, please visit our 

website.3

 2 See http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=EPA-HQ-OPPT-2009-0477-0074 for the final 

second list of chemicals.

3 http://www.epa.gov/endo/
Page 8 of 13

5.0 Dietary Exposure

The toxicological profile of foramsulfuron supports a tolerance exemption, since no 

adverse effects were observed in the submitted toxicological studies at any dose 

regardless of the route of exposure. A tolerance exemption was previously established 

under 40 CFR §180.1219 for use on field corn, popcorn, and sweet corn. Based on the 

very low toxicity of foramsulfuron described above, HED continues to conclude that

quantitative dietary exposure assessments are not needed, and that there is a reasonable 

certainty that no harm will result to the general population, to infants and children or any 

other population subgroup from dietary (food and water) exposure.

6.0 Residential (Non-Occupational) Exposure/Risk Characterization

Foramsulfuron is registered for controlling broadleaf weeds in lawns and other turf areas 

in residential settings. Even though both registered residential products are intended for 

professional and commercial applicators, they are not labeled as restricted-use products, 

and homeowners may purchase and use these products on residential lawns, resulting in 

the potential for residential handler exposure. However, a quantitative handler exposure 

assessment is not necessary due to the absence of endpoints and PODs for residential 

dermal and inhalation routes of exposure. 

Post-application exposures are also expected for adults and children following use of 

foramsulfuron on residential sites. These exposures include dermal exposures for adults 

and children, and incidental oral (i.e., hand-to-mouth, objects-to-mouth, and soil 

ingestion) exposure for children. In conjunction with the 2007 Part 158 Data 

Requirements, HED typically requires submission of a turf transferable residue (TTR) 

study to determine exposure and risk associated with children playing on treated turf. 

However, HED has reasonable certainty that no harm will result from this exposure since 

there is no toxicity associated with the dermal or oral routes of exposure to 

foramsulfuron. As a result, HED has concluded that a TTR study is not needed. 

 

There are no residential handler and/or post-application risks of concern associated with 

residential uses of foramsulfuron, based on the absence of endpoints and doses for 

residential dermal and inhalation routes of exposure. 

6.1 Spray Drift

Spray drift is a potential source of exposure to those nearby pesticide applications. This 

is particularly the case with aerial application, but, to a lesser extent, spray drift can also 

be a potential source of exposure from the ground application methods employed for 

foramsulfuron. However, for the reasons discussed under Residential Exposure/Risk 

Characterization (section 6.0), there are no risks of concern associated with potential 

spray drift exposure to foramsulfuron. 
Page 9 of 13

7.0 Aggregate Exposure/Risk Characterization

Aggregate risk is determined from the combined exposure from dietary and residential 

sources and relevant endpoints for risk assessment. In the case of foramsulfuron, 

aggregate exposure is not of concern based on the lack of toxicity for any exposure route 

or duration at levels relevant to assessing human health risks. 

8.0 Cumulative Exposure/Risk Characterization

In 2015, EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs released a guidance document entitled, 

Pesticide Cumulative Risk Assessment: Framework for Screening Analysis 

[http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/cb/csb_page/updates/2015/framework-for-screeninganalysis.html]. This document provides guidance on how to screen groups of pesticides 

for cumulative evaluation using a two-step approach beginning with the evaluation of 

available toxicological information and if necessary, followed by a risk-based screening 

approach. This framework supplements the existing guidance documents for establishing 

common mechanism groups (CMGs)4 and conducting cumulative risk assessments 

(CRA)5

. The Agency has utilized this framework to evaluate the SUs of which 

orthosulfamuron is a member (J. D’Agostino; D428798; 9/9/15). Although the SUs share 

some chemical and toxicological characteristics, the toxicological database does not 

support a testable hypothesis for a common mechanism of action. No further mechanistic 

data are required and no further cumulative evaluation is necessary.

9.0 Occupational Exposure/ Risk Characterization

Use of foramsulfuron for weed control in agricultural, residential, commercial/industrial, 

and public areas will result in occupational handler and post-application exposures. 

However, there are no occupational handler or post-application risks of concern

associated with agricultural and non-agricultural uses of foramsulfuron based on the lack 

of toxicity for any exposure route or duration at levels relevant to assessing human health 

risks. Due to the low toxicity of foramsulfuron, the label specified PPE (i.e., longsleeved shirt, long pants, shoes with socks, and gloves) is expected to provide adequate 

protection for handlers. Post-application exposures also are not of concern; workers may 

re-enter treated areas after the labeled Restricted Entry Interval (REI) of 12 hours based 

on the acute toxicity of foramsulfuron. 

10.0 Public Health and Pesticide Epidemiology Data

For this evaluation, the OPP Incident Data System (IDS) was utilized to retrieve pesticide 

incident data (D4036110). The purpose of the database search is to identify potential 

 4 Guidance For Identifying Pesticide Chemicals and Other Substances that have a Common Mechanism of 

Toxicity (USEPA, 1999)

5 Guidance on Cumulative Risk Assessment of Pesticide Chemicals That Have a Common Mechanism of 

Toxicity (USEPA, 2002)
Page 10 of 13

patterns in the frequency and severity of the health effects attributed to foramsulfuron 

exposure. IDS records incidents resulting in higher severity outcomes in more detail, in a 

module called the Main IDS module. This system stores incident data for death, major 

and moderate incidents, and it includes more details about the location, date and nature of 

the incident. Main IDS incidents involving only one pesticide are considered to provide 

more certain information about the potential effects of exposure from the pesticide. The

less severe human incidents (minor, unknown, or no effects outcomes) are reported by 

registrants as counts called aggregate summaries and are recorded in a separate module 

called Aggregate IDS. 

 

In Aggregate IDS (minor, unknown, or no effects outcomes), from January 1, 2007 to 

June 13, 2012, there were 3 reported incidents involving foramsulfuron. 

For the Main IDS, from January 1, 2007 to June 13, 2012, there were 2 incidents reported 

for the single chemical only in the database and 1 additional incident reported involving 

more than one chemical. These incidents were classified as moderate severity. Overall, 

there are few incidents involving foramsulfuron reported to IDS. 

The AHS is a high quality, prospective epidemiology study evaluating the link between 

pesticide use and various health outcomes including cancer. The AHS includes private 

and commercial pesticide applicators and their spouses. If there are AHS findings 

relevant to a particular pesticide going through registration review, the Agency will 

ensure they are considered in the problem formulation/scoping phase of the process and, 

if appropriate, fully reviewed in the risk assessment phase of the process. The AHS 

includes information on use of 50 different pesticide active ingredients commonly used in 

agriculture. Foramsulfuron is not included in the AHS, and therefore this study does not 

provide information for this document.

Based on the low frequency and severity of the incident cases reported for foramsulfuron, 

there does not appear to be a concern at this time that would warrant further investigation. 

11.0 Literature References

A literature search was performed for foramsulfuron. The search did not reveal 

information that would impact the current risk assessment.
Page 11 of 13

12.0 References

Author Barcode Date Title

K. Rury TXR#0056723 6/06/2013 Sulfonylureas: Summary of Hazard and Science Policy Council 

(HASPOC) Meeting on July 18, 2013: Recommendations on Data 

Requirement for Immunotoxicity Studies for Sulfonylurea Pesticides

D. McNeilly D402334 11/08/2012 Foramsulfuron: Human Health Assessment Scoping

Document in Support of Registration Review

S. Recore D403611 7/19/2012 Foramsulfuron: Review of Human Incidents

K. Rury TXR#0056408 6/08/2012 Foramsulfuron: Summary of Hazard and Science Policy Council 

(HASPOC) Meeting on July 19th, 2012: Recommendations on data 

requirements for immunotoxicity, acute and subchronic neurotoxicity, 

and subchronic inhalation studies

K. Bailey D390069 12/20/2006 Human Health Risk Assessment for the Proposed uses in/on Sweet 

Corn and Popcorn.

Appendix A. Toxicology Data Requirements and Toxicology Profile

A.1. Toxicology Requirements

The toxicology requirements (40 CFR 158.340) for foramsulfuron are presented below. 

Test Technical

Required Satisfied

870.1100 Acute Oral Toxicity......................................................

870.1200 Acute Dermal Toxicity.................................................

870.1300 Acute Inhalation Toxicity.............................................

870.2400 Primary Eye Irritation...................................................

870.2500 Primary Dermal Irritation.............................................

870.2600 Dermal Sensitization ....................................................

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

870.3100 Oral Subchronic (rodent)..............................................

870.3150 Oral Subchronic (nonrodent)........................................

870.3200 21/28-Day Dermal........................................................

870.3465 21/28-Day Inhalation....................................................

yes

yes

yes

no

yes

yes

yes

no*

870.3700a Developmental Toxicity (rodent) .................................

870.3700b Developmental Toxicity (nonrodent) ...........................

870.3800 Reproduction ................................................................

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

870.4100a Chronic Toxicity (rodent).............................................

870.4100b Chronic Toxicity (nonrodent).......................................

870.4200a Oncogenicity (rat) ........................................................

870.4200b Oncogenicity (mouse) ..................................................

870.4300 Chronic/Oncogenicity ..................................................

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

870.5100 Mutagenicity—Gene Mutation - bacterial....................

870.5375 Mutagenicity—Structural Chromosomal Aberrations..

870.5395 Mutagenicity—Other Genotoxic Effects......................

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes
Page 12 of 13

Test Technical

Required Satisfied

870.6100a Acute Delayed Neurotoxicity (hen)..............................

870.6100b 90-Day Neurotoxicity (hen) .........................................

870.6200a Acute Neurotoxicity Screening Battery (rat)................

870.6200b 90 Day Neurotoxicity Screening Battery (rat)..............

870.6300 Develop. Neurotoxicity ................................................

no

no

yes

yes

no

---

---

Not required*

Not required*

---

870.7485 General Metabolism.....................................................

870.7800 Immunotoxicity

yes

yes

yes

Not required*

* The Hazard and Science Policy Council (HASPOC) determined that these studies are not required.

A.2. Toxicity Profiles

Toxicity profiles are not presented since no treatment related effects were seen in any of 

the available toxicity studies up to the limit dose tested. Also, the available mutagenicity 

studies were all negative. 

Appendix B. Registered Foramsulfuron Products and Use Patterns

Table B.1. Use Patterns of End-use Product Formulations of Foramsulfuron.

EPA Reg. No. & 

(Formulation types) % AI Use sites Application method/Comments

264-685 (WDG) 35.0 Field, sweet and pop corn 

Air and ground broadcast spray, 2 

applications per year. A RTI was not 

specified. Maximum application rate is 

0.038 lbs ai/A. 

264-688 99.1

Field, sweet and pop corn, golf 

course turf, sports fields, 

commercial lawns, cemeteries, 

parks, campsites, recreation 

areas, home lawns, roadsides, 

school grounds, and sod farms.

NA [Technical Active Ingredient]

432-1266 (SC)

2.34 

(0.19 lbs 

ai/gal)

Commercial and residential turf 

Ground broadcast and spot treatments; 2 

applications at 14-21 day interval. 

Maximum single application rate is 0.052 

lbs ai/A.

432-1519 (WDG) 19.8 Commercial and residential turf

Ground broadcast and spot treatments; 2 

applications per year at 14-21 day interval. 

No interval specified for the spot treatment 

use.

432-1533 (WDG) 24 Many non-crop sites... Ground broadcast and spot treatments;

Abbreviations used: AI = active ingredient, NA = not applicable, RTI = re-treatment interval: SC=soluble 

concentrate, WDG = water dispersible granule or dry flowable (DF).
Page 13 of 13

Appendix C. Restricted Entry Interval (REI) 

Based on the acute toxicity categories and post-application assessment for foramsulfuron 

the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) Interim Restricted Entry Interval (REI) for 

foramsulfuron is 12-hours. REIs may be further reduced if certain criteria are met in 

accordance with the Pesticide Registration (PR) Notice 95-3 [Reduction of WPS Interim 

REIs for Certain Low Risk Pesticides]6

. In PR Notice 95-3, there are a set of criteria 

listed for the active ingredient that must be met for chemicals to be eligible for a reduced 

REI. These criteria include:

1. The active ingredient is in Toxicity category III or IV based upon data for acute 

dermal toxicity, acute inhalation toxicity, primary skin irritation, and primary eye 

irritation. Acute oral toxicity data were used if no acute dermal data were 

available. If EPA lacked data on primary skin irritation, acute inhalation, or 

primary eye irritation of the active ingredient, the Agency reviewed data on that 

end-point for similar active ingredients (analogs), and excluded such active 

ingredients from consideration for the reduced REI, if the analog is in Toxicity 

Category I or II for that endpoint.

2. The active ingredient is not a dermal sensitizer (or in the case of biochemical and 

microbial active ingredients, no known reports of hypersensitivity exist).

3. The active ingredient is not a cholinesterase inhibitor (NMethyl carbamate and 

Organophosphate) as these chemicals are known to cause large numbers of 

pesticide poisonings and have the potential for serious neurological effects.

4. No known reproductive, developmental, carcinogenic, or neurotoxic effects have 

been associated with the active ingredient. If active ingredients did not have data 

available for these chronic health effects, EPA considered data on appropriate 

chemical and biological analogs. Active ingredients that have been classified as 

carcinogenic in Category B (probable human carcinogen) or Category C with a 

potency factor, Q* (possible human carcinogen, for which quantification of 

potential risk is considered appropriate), or are scheduled for the Health Effects 

Division's Cancer Peer Review process, were omitted from consideration.

5. EPA does not possess incident information (illness or injury reports) that are 

``definitely'' or ``probably'' related to post-application exposures to the active 

ingredient.

Upon review of the criteria for the active ingredient only, it appears that foramsulfuron is 

consistent with the criteria in PRN 95-3 that allow for a 4-hour REI. Note: The PR 

Notice also includes similar criteria for the end-use product. These criteria have not 

been evaluated by HED. Based solely on the active ingredient criteria, HED would 

recommend for reduction of the REI for foramsulfuron.

 6 Available: http://www.epa.gov/PR_Notices/pr95-3.html