Document ID: EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0183-0003
Agency: epa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Exemptions from the Requirement of a Tolerance: Pentaerythritol tetrakis
Posted Date: 2016-06-30T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 126 (Thursday, June 30, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42543-42548]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-15613]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0183; FRL-9947-45]

Pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-
hydroxyphenyl)propionate); Exemption From the Requirement of a 
Tolerance

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This regulation establishes exemptions from the requirement of 
a tolerance for residues of pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-
butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate) (CAS Reg. No. 6683-19-8) under 40 CFR 
180.910 and 180.930 when used as an inert ingredient (antioxidant/
stabilizer) in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops and raw 
agricultural commodities after harvest at a maximum concentration of 5% 
by weight in the formulation and applied to animals at a maximum 
concentration of 3% by weight in the formulation, respectively. BASF 
Corporation submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, 
and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of these exemptions 
from the requirement of a tolerance. These regulations eliminate the 
need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of 
pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-
hydroxyphenyl)propionate) for these uses.

DATES: This regulation is effective June 30, 2016. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before August 29, 2016, 
and must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 
CFR part 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).

ADDRESSES: The docket for this action, identified by docket 
identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0183, is available at http://www.regulations.gov or at the Office of Pesticide Programs Regulatory 
Public Docket (OPP Docket) in the Environmental Protection Agency 
Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 
1301 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001. The Public 
Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Public 
Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone number for the OPP 
Docket is (703) 305-5805. Please review the visitor instructions and 
additional information about the docket available at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Lewis, Registration Division 
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; main telephone 
number: (703) 305-7090; email address: RDFRNotices@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Does this action apply to me?

    You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an 
agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer. 
The following list of North American Industrial Classification System 
(NAICS) codes is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a 
guide to help readers determine whether this document applies to them. 
Potentially affected entities may include:
     Crop production (NAICS code 111).
     Animal production (NAICS code 112).
     Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311).
     Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532).

B. How can I get electronic access to other related information?

    You may access a frequently updated electronic version of 40 CFR 
part 180 through the Government Printing Office's e-CFR site at http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/40tab_02.tpl.

C. How can I file an objection or hearing request?

    Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21 U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an 
objection to any aspect of this regulation and may also request a 
hearing on those objections. You must file your objection or request a 
hearing on this regulation in accordance with the instructions provided 
in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must identify 
docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0183 in the subject line on the first 
page of your submission. All objections and requests for a hearing must 
be in writing, and must be received by the Hearing Clerk on or before 
August 29, 2016. Addresses for mail and hand delivery of objections and 
hearing requests are provided in 40 CFR 178.25(b).
    In addition to filing an objection or hearing request with the 
Hearing Clerk as described in 40 CFR part 178, please submit a copy of 
the filing (excluding any Confidential Business Information (CBI)) for 
inclusion in the public docket. Information not marked confidential 
pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be disclosed publicly by EPA without 
prior notice. Submit the non-CBI copy of your objection or hearing 
request, identified by docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0183, by one of 
the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit 
electronically any information you consider to be CBI or other 
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
     Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket 
Center (EPA/DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 
20460-0001.
     Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand 
delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the 
instructions at http://www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
    Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along 
with more information about dockets generally, is available at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.

II. Petition for Exemption

    In the Federal Register of April 25, 2016 (81 FR 24044) (FRL-9944-
86), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 408, 21 U.S.C. 
346a, announcing the filing of a pesticide petition (PP IN-10829) by 
BASF Corporation, 100 Park Avenue, Florham Park, NJ 07932. The petition 
requested that 40 CFR 180.910 and 180.930 be amended by establishing an 
exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of 
pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-
hydroxyphenyl)propionate) (CAS Reg. No. 6683-19-8) when used as an 
inert ingredient antioxidant/stabilizer in pesticide formulations 
applied to growing crops and raw agricultural commodities after harvest 
under 40 CFR 180.910 at a maximum concentration of 5% by weight in the 
formulation; and applied to animals under 40 CFR 180.930 at a maximum 
concentration of 3% by weight in the formulation. That document 
referenced a summary of the petition prepared by Lewis & Harrison LLC 
on behalf of BASF Corporation, the petitioner, which is available in 
the docket, http://www.regulations.gov.

[[Page 42544]]

There were no comments received in response to the notice of filing.

III. Inert Ingredient Definition

    Inert ingredients are all ingredients that are not active 
ingredients as defined in 40 CFR 153.125 and include, but are not 
limited to, the following types of ingredients (except when they have a 
pesticidal efficacy of their own): Solvents such as alcohols and 
hydrocarbons; surfactants such as polyoxyethylene polymers and fatty 
acids; carriers such as clay and diatomaceous earth; thickeners such as 
carrageenan and modified cellulose; wetting, spreading, and dispersing 
agents; propellants in aerosol dispensers; microencapsulating agents; 
and emulsifiers. The term ``inert'' is not intended to imply 
nontoxicity; the ingredient may or may not be chemically active. 
Generally, EPA has exempted inert ingredients from the requirement of a 
tolerance based on the low toxicity of the individual inert 
ingredients.

IV. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety

    Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish an 
exemption from the requirement for a tolerance (the legal limit for a 
pesticide chemical residue in or on a food) only if EPA determines that 
the tolerance is ``safe.'' Section 408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines 
``safe'' to mean that ``there is a reasonable certainty that no harm 
will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue, 
including all anticipated dietary exposures and all other exposures for 
which there is reliable information.'' This includes exposure through 
drinking water and in residential settings, but does not include 
occupational exposure. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to 
give special consideration to exposure of infants and children to the 
pesticide chemical residue in establishing a tolerance and to ``ensure 
that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to 
infants and children from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical 
residue. . . .''
    EPA establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance only 
in those cases where it can be clearly demonstrated that the risks from 
aggregate exposure to pesticide chemical residues under reasonably 
foreseeable circumstances will pose no appreciable risks to human 
health. In order to determine the risks from aggregate exposure to 
pesticide inert ingredients, the Agency considers the toxicity of the 
inert in conjunction with possible exposure to residues of the inert 
ingredient through food, drinking water, and through other exposures 
that occur as a result of pesticide use in residential settings. If EPA 
is able to determine that a finite tolerance is not necessary to ensure 
that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from 
aggregate exposure to the inert ingredient, an exemption from the 
requirement of a tolerance may be established.
    Consistent with FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(A), and the factors 
specified in FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(B), EPA has reviewed the available 
scientific data and other relevant information in support of this 
action. EPA has sufficient data to assess the hazards of and to make a 
determination on aggregate exposure for pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-
(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate) including exposure 
resulting from the exemption established by this action. EPA's 
assessment of exposures and risks associated with pentaerythritol 
tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate) follows.

A. Toxicological Profile

    EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data and considered their 
validity, completeness, and reliability as well as the relationship of 
the results of the studies to human risk. EPA has also considered 
available information concerning the variability of the sensitivities 
of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, including infants and 
children. Pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-
hydroxyphenyl)propionate) has low acute toxicity via the oral, dermal, 
and inhalation routes of exposure. Pentaerythritol tetrakis 3-(3,5-di-
tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate) is not irritating to the eyes 
and the skin. It is not a dermal sensitizer. In a subchronic study in 
dogs and a subchronic study in rats, effects were limited to decreases 
in body weight gain, food consumption, and thyroid weights in rats. No 
fetal toxicity was reported in developmental toxicity study in the rat. 
In a developmental toxicity study with mice, incompletely ossified 
sternebrae in the high-dose group was observed in the absence of 
maternal toxicity. In a rat 2-generation reproduction study, no adverse 
effects were observed at doses up to 1,000 milligrams/kilogram/day (mg/
kg/day). There was no evidence of carcinogenic potential in a rat 
chronic toxicity/carcinogenicity study. Specific information on the 
studies received and the nature of the adverse effects caused by 
pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-
hydroxyphenyl)propionate) as well as the no-observed-adverse-effect-
level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from 
the toxicity studies can be found at http://www.regulations.gov in the 
document ``Pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-
hydroxyphenyl) propionate) (CAS Reg. No. 6683-19-8).
Human Health Risk Assessment and Ecological Effects Assessment to 
Support
    A Proposed Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance When Used 
as an Inert Ingredient'' at pages 10-15 in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-
2016-018.

B. Toxicological Points of Departure/Levels of Concern

    Once a pesticide's toxicological profile is determined, EPA 
identifies toxicological points of departure (POD) and levels of 
concern to use in evaluating the risk posed by human exposure to the 
pesticide. For hazards that have a threshold below which there is no 
appreciable risk, the toxicological POD is used as the basis for 
derivation of reference values for risk assessment. PODs are developed 
based on a careful analysis of the doses in each toxicological study to 
determine the dose at which no adverse effects are observed (the NOAEL) 
and the lowest dose at which adverse effects of concern are identified 
(the LOAEL). Uncertainty/safety factors are used in conjunction with 
the POD to calculate a safe exposure level--generally referred to as a 
population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a reference dose (RfD)--and a safe 
margin of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold risks, the Agency assumes 
that any amount of exposure will lead to some degree of risk. Thus, the 
Agency estimates risk in terms of the probability of an occurrence of 
the adverse effect expected in a lifetime. For more information on the 
general principles EPA uses in risk characterization and a complete 
description of the risk assessment process, see http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/riskassess.htm.
    Based on the results of the available safety studies for 
pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-
hydroxyphenyl)propionate, the reference dose (RfD) for repeated oral, 
dermal, and inhalation exposures to pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-
di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate is 1.35 mg/kg/day. The key 
study for deriving the RfD is the chronic toxicity study in rats. The 
NOAEL for in this study is 135 mg/kg/day based on decreases in body 
weight gain, food consumption, and thyroid weights in

[[Page 42545]]

males at the LOAEL of 446 mg/kg/day. Applying an uncertainty factor of 
100 for extrapolation from animal to human (interspecies variation) and 
potential variation in sensitivity among members of the human 
population (intraspecies sensitivity) results in the RfD of 1.35 mg/kg/
day. The Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) (Pub. L. 104-170) safety 
factor for pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-
hydroxyphenyl)propionate is 1X. The resultant population adjusted dose 
(PAD) is 1.35 mg/kg/day. The margin of exposure (MOE) for residential 
exposure is 100 or greater and is based upon the NOAEL derived from the 
chronic oral toxicity study in rats (135 mg/kg/day) with an assumption 
of 10% dermal absorption (based on molecular weight and octanol-water 
partition coefficient) and inhalation toxicity being equivalent oral 
toxicity.

C. Exposure Assessment

    1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary 
exposure to pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-
hydroxyphenyl)propionate), EPA considered exposure under the proposed 
exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. EPA assessed dietary 
exposures from pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-
hydroxyphenyl)propionate) in food as follows:
    An acute dietary risk assessment was not conducted because no 
endpoint of concern following a single exposure was identified in the 
available studies. A chronic dietary exposure assessment was completed 
and performed using the Dietary Exposure Evaluation Model DEEM-
FCID\TM\, Version 3.16, EPA used food consumption information from the 
U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Health and Nutrition 
Examination Survey, What we eat in America, (NHANES/WWEIA). This 
dietary survey was conducted from 2003 to 2008. As to residue levels in 
food, no residue data were submitted for pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-
(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate). In the absence of 
actual residue data, EPA has developed an approach which uses surrogate 
information to derive upper bound exposure estimates for the subject 
inert ingredient. In the absence of actual residue data, the inert 
ingredient evaluation is based on a highly conservative model which 
assumes that the residue level of the inert ingredient would be no 
higher than the highest established tolerance for an active ingredient 
on a given commodity. Implicit in this assumption is that there would 
be similar rates of degradation between the active and inert ingredient 
(if any) and that the concentration of inert ingredient in the 
scenarios leading to these highest of tolerances would be no higher 
than the concentration of the active ingredient. The model assumes 100 
percent crop treated (PCT) for all crops and that every food eaten by a 
person each day has tolerance-level residues. A complete description of 
the general approach taken to assess inert ingredient risks in the 
absence of residue data is contained in the memorandum entitled ``Alkyl 
Amines Polyalkoxylates (Cluster 4): Acute and Chronic Aggregate (Food 
and Drinking Water) Dietary Exposure and Risk Assessments for the 
Inerts.'' (D361707, S. Piper, 2/25/09) and can be found at http://www.regulations.gov in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0738.
    In the case of pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-
hydroxyphenyl)propionate) EPA made specific adjustments to the dietary 
exposure assessment to account for the use limitations of 
pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-
hydroxyphenyl)propionate) as an inert ingredient in pesticide 
formulations applied to growing crops and raw agricultural commodities 
after harvest at a maximum concentration of % by weight in the 
pesticide formulation and as an inert ingredient in pesticide 
formulations applied to animals at a maximum concentration of 3% by 
weight in the pesticide formulation. Preharvest uses.
    2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. For the purpose of the 
screening level dietary risk assessment to support this request for an 
exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for pentaerythritol 
tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate), a 
conservative drinking water concentration value of 100 ppb based on 
screening level modeling was used to assess the contribution to 
drinking water for the chronic dietary risk assessments for parent 
compound. These values were directly entered into the dietary exposure 
model.
    3. From non-dietary exposure. The term ``residential exposure'' is 
used in this document to refer to non-occupational, non-dietary 
exposure (e.g., for lawn and garden pest control, indoor pest control, 
termiticides, and flea and tick control on pets). Based on the 
requested use of pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-
hydroxyphenyl)propionate), the Agency does not expect non-occupational, 
non-dietary exposures. However, once approved, there is a potential for 
residential exposure from use as an inert ingredient in pesticide 
formulations used in residential settings. These residential exposures 
could occur by ingestion of materials to which pesticides containing of 
pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-
hydroxyphenyl)propionate have been applied as well as dermal and 
inhalation exposures through the use of such products. These 
residential pesticide exposures are considered short-term and 
intermediate-term in nature.
    4. Cumulative effects from substances with a common mechanism of 
toxicity. Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA requires that, when 
considering whether to establish, modify, or revoke a tolerance, the 
Agency consider ``available information'' concerning the cumulative 
effects of a particular pesticide's residues and ``other substances 
that have a common mechanism of toxicity.''
    EPA has not found pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-
hydroxyphenyl)propionate) to share a common mechanism of toxicity with 
any other substances, and pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-
butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate) does not appear to produce a toxic 
metabolite produced by other substances. For the purposes of this 
tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that pentaerythritol 
tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate) does not 
have a common mechanism of toxicity with other substances. For 
information regarding EPA's efforts to determine which chemicals have a 
common mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate the cumulative effects of 
such chemicals, see EPA's Web site at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.

D. Safety Factor for Infants and Children

    1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA provides that EPA 
shall apply an additional tenfold (10X) margin of safety for infants 
and children in the case of threshold effects to account for prenatal 
and postnatal toxicity and the completeness of the database on toxicity 
and exposure unless EPA determines based on reliable data that a 
different margin of safety will be safe for infants and children. This 
additional margin of safety is commonly referred to as the FQPA Safety 
Factor (SF). In applying this provision, EPA either retains the default 
value of 10X, or uses a different additional safety factor when 
reliable data available to EPA support the choice of a different 
factor.
    2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. Fetal susceptibility was not 
observed in

[[Page 42546]]

the developmental toxicity study in mice. In a developmental toxicity 
study with rats, fetal effects (decreased ossification of the 
sternebrae) were observed without accompanying maternal toxicity at the 
high dose group of 500 mg/kg/day. There are no concerns for 
reproductive toxicity (no effects at up to the limit dose of 1,000 mg/
kg/day were observed in a 2-generation reproductive toxicity study in 
rats).
    3. Conclusion. EPA has determined that reliable data show the 
safety of infant and children would be adequately protected if the FQPA 
SF were reduced to 1X. That decision is based on the following 
findings:
    i. The toxicity database for pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-(3,5-di-
tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate) includes a subchronic toxicity 
study, two developmental toxicity studies, a reproductive toxicity 
study, chronic/carcinogenicity studies, and several mutagenicity 
studies. No parental or offspring effects were observed in a 2-
generation reproductive toxicity study in rats at dose levels up to 500 
mg/kg/day, the highest dose tested. In a developmental study in mice, 
no fetal or maternal effects were observed at doses up to 1,000 mg/kg/
day. In a developmental toxicity study in rats no maternal effects were 
observed at 500 mg/kg/day, the highest dose tested, however, fetal 
effects were observed, albeit only in the high dose test group of 500 
mg/kg/day. Since a clear NOAEL (150 mg/kg/day) for fetal effects was 
established in this study, no effects are observed in the mice 
developmental and rat reproductive toxicity study, and the selected 
point of departure for risk assessment purposes is based on dose levels 
below which effects are seen in the rat developmental toxicity study, 
there is no need for an additional UF to account for fetal 
susceptibility.
    ii. There is no indication that pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-
di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate) is a neurotoxic chemical. 
Although no neurotoxicity studies were available in the database, no 
clinical signs of neurotoxicity were observed in the available 
subchronic and chronic studies. Therefore, there is no need for a 
developmental neurotoxicity study or additional UFs to account for 
neurotoxicity.
    iii. There is no indication that pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-
di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate) is an immunotoxic chemical. 
Although no immunotoxicity studies were available in the database, no 
signs of immunotoxicity were observed in the available studies. 
Therefore, there is no need for an immunotoxicity study or additional 
UFs to account for immunotoxicity.
    iv. The dietary food exposure assessment utilizes 100% crop treated 
information for all commodities. By using these screening-level 
assessments, chronic exposures/risks will not be underestimated. EPA 
made conservative (protective) assumptions in the ground and surface 
water modeling used to assess exposure to pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-
(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate) in drinking water. EPA 
used similarly conservative assumptions to assess postapplication 
exposure of children as well as incidental oral exposure of toddlers. 
These assessments will not underestimate the exposure and risks posed 
by pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-
hydroxyphenyl)propionate).

E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety

    EPA determines whether acute and chronic dietary pesticide 
exposures are safe by comparing aggregate exposure estimates to the 
acute PAD (aPAD) and chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer risks, EPA 
calculates the lifetime probability of acquiring cancer given the 
estimated aggregate exposure. Short-, intermediate-, and chronic-term 
risks are evaluated by comparing the estimated aggregate food, water, 
and residential exposure to the appropriate PODs to ensure that an 
adequate MOE exists.
    1. Acute risk. An acute aggregate risk assessment takes into 
account acute exposure estimates from dietary consumption of food and 
drinking water. No adverse effect resulting from a single oral exposure 
was identified and no acute dietary endpoint was selected. Therefore, 
pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-
hydroxyphenyl)propionate) is not expected to pose an acute risk.
    2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this 
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to 
pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-
hydroxyphenyl)propionate) from food and water will utilize 26% of the 
cPAD for children 1-2 years old, the population group receiving the 
greatest exposure based on the explanation in this unit, regarding 
residential use patterns, chronic residential exposure to residues of 
pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-
hydroxyphenyl)propionate) is not expected.
    3. Short-term aggregate risk. A short-term aggregate risk 
assessment takes into account exposure estimates from chronic dietary 
consumption of food and drinking water; and short-term residential 
exposure. Pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-
hydroxyphenyl)propionate) may be used as an inert ingredient in 
pesticide products that would result in short-term residential 
exposure. Short-term risk is assessed based on short-term residential 
exposure plus chronic dietary exposure. The Agency has concluded that 
the aggregate short-term MOEs for adult and children are above 100. 
Therefore there is no concern for short-term aggregate risk.
    4. Intermediate-term aggregate risk. An intermediate-term aggregate 
risk assessment takes into account exposure estimates from chronic 
dietary consumption of food and drinking water; and intermediate- term 
residential exposure. Pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-
hydroxyphenyl)propionate) may be used as an inert ingredient in 
pesticide products that would result in intermediate-term residential 
exposure. Intermediate-term risk is assessed based on intermediate-term 
residential exposure plus chronic dietary exposure. The Agency has 
concluded that the aggregate intermediate-term MOEs for adult and 
children are above 100. Therefore there is no concern for intermediate 
term aggregate risk.
    5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Based on the lack of 
evidence of carcinogenicity in an adequate rodent carcinogenicity 
studies, pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-
hydroxyphenyl)propionate) is not expected to pose a cancer risk to 
humans.
    6. Determination of safety. Based on these risk assessments, EPA 
concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result 
to the general population, or to infants and children from aggregate 
exposure to pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-
hydroxyphenyl)propionate) residues.

V. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    An analytical method is not required for enforcement purposes since 
the Agency is not establishing a numerical tolerance for residues of 
pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-
hydroxyphenyl)propionate) in or on any food commodities. EPA is 
establishing a limitation on the amount of pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-
(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate) that may be used in 
pesticide formulations applied to growing crops, raw agricultural 
commodities after harvest, and animals. Those limitations will be

[[Page 42547]]

enforced through the pesticide registration process under the Federal 
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), 7 U.S.C. 136 et 
seq. EPA will not register any pesticide product applied to growing 
crops and raw agricultural commodities after harvest that contains 
pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-
hydroxyphenyl)propionate) a concentration of more 5% by weight in the 
formulation; or any pesticide product applied applied to animals that 
contains pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-
hydroxyphenyl)propionate) a concentration of more than 3% by weight in 
the formulation.

VI. Conclusions

    Therefore, exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance are 
established for residues of pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-(3,5-di-tert-
butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate) (CAS Reg. No. 6683-19-8) when used as 
an inert ingredient (antioxidant, stabilizer) in pesticide products as 
follows: under 40 CFR 180.910, at a concentration not to exceed 5% by 
weight of the formulation in pesticide formulations applied to growing 
crops and raw agricultural commodities and under 40 CFR 180.930 at a 
concentration not to exceed 3% by weight of the formulation in 
pesticide formulations applied to animals.

VII. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This action establishes exemptions from the requirement of a 
tolerance under FFDCA section 408(d) in response to a petition 
submitted to the Agency. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
exempted these types of actions from review under Executive Order 
12866, entitled ``Regulatory Planning and Review'' (58 FR 51735, 
October 4, 1993). Because this action has been exempted from review 
under Executive Order 12866, this action is not subject to Executive 
Order 13211, entitled ``Actions Concerning Regulations That 
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use'' (66 FR 
28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive Order 13045, entitled ``Protection of 
Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks'' (62 FR 
19885, April 23, 1997). This action does not contain any information 
collections subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act 
(PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), nor does it require any special 
considerations under Executive Order 12898, entitled ``Federal Actions 
to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income 
Populations'' (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
    Since tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis 
of a petition under FFDCA section 408(d), such as the exemptions in 
this final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the 
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et 
seq.), do not apply.
    This action directly regulates growers, food processors, food 
handlers, and food retailers, not States or tribes, nor does this 
action alter the relationships or distribution of power and 
responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions 
of FFDCA section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency has determined that 
this action will not have a substantial direct effect on States or 
tribal governments, on the relationship between the national government 
and the States or tribal governments, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government or between 
the Federal Government and Indian tribes. Thus, the Agency has 
determined that Executive Order 13132, entitled ``Federalism'' (64 FR 
43255, August 10, 1999) and Executive Order 13175, entitled 
``Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments'' (65 FR 
67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply to this action. In addition, this 
action does not impose any enforceable duty or contain any unfunded 
mandate as described under Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act 
(UMRA) (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.).
    This action does not involve any technical standards that would 
require Agency consideration of voluntary consensus standards pursuant 
to section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement 
Act (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).

VIII. Congressional Review Act

    Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), 
EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other required 
information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and 
the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication of 
the rule in the Federal Register. This action is not a ``major rule'' 
as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: June 13, 2016.
Daniel J. Rosenblatt,
Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.
    Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows:

PART 180--[AMENDED]

0
1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.

0
2. In Sec.  180.910, add alphabetically the inert ingredient to the 
table to read as follows:

Sec.  180.910  Inert ingredients used pre- and post-harvest; exemptions 
from the requirement of a tolerance.

* * * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Inert ingredients                Limits                Uses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
Pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-    Not to exceed 5% by     Antioxidant,
 (3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-           weight of the           stabilizer.
 hydroxyphenyl)propionate)       pesticide formulation.
 (CAS Reg. No. 6683-19-8).
 
                              * * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

0
3. In Sec.  180.930, add alphabetically the inert ingredient to the 
table to read as follows:

Sec.  180.930  Inert ingredients applied to animals; exemptions from 
the requirement of a tolerance.

* * * * *

[[Page 42548]]

------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Inert ingredients                Limits                Uses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
Pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-    Not to exceed 3% by     Antioxidant,
 (3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-           weight of the           stabilizer.
 hydroxyphenyl)propionate)       pesticide formulation.
 (CAS Reg. No. 6683-19-8).
 
                              * * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 2016-15613 Filed 6-29-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P