Thus, EPA ordinarily assumes that human response is similar to that of test animals. EPA seeks to express a risk qualitatively and, where appropriate, quantitatively, and to give some perspective to the risk by summarizing the strengths and weaknesses of the supporting data and assumptions. Through risk analysis, the Agency is able to determine areas where additional data may be needed or where regulatory action may be warranted. In deciding whether to cancel a pesticide, EPA conducts benefits assessment. A benefits assessment follows guidelines that take into account both biological and economic factors.
Biological factors involve information about target pests on each site or crop.
Economic factors involve the effects of various pest control strategies on the various businesses which produce and distribute commodities to the consumer. Economic impacts are dependent on the treated commodity or registered use sights of the chemical in question. So that means that EPA must do a benefits assessment for each registered use sight. One Special Review chemical can therefore lead to dozens or even scores of benefits assessments. Sometimes EPA must tailor its general approach to the particular pesticide and market conditions encountered.