FIFRA SAP Meeting Minutes and Final Report for September 2020 Meeting on EPA’s NAMs

For Release: December 22, 2020

The meeting minutes and final report is available in docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2020-0263 at regulations.gov. A link to the document is also posted on the FIFRA SAP meeting webpage.

EPA is in the process of reviewing the report and then will determine next steps.

Consistent with the EPA administrator’s directive to reduce animal testing, EPA is developing and implementing new approach methodologies (NAMs) using methods such as in vitro techniques and computational approaches. Using NAMs can provide the opportunity to incorporate information relevant to humans.

EPA is considering using in vitro data for 16 organophosphate compounds to potentially reduce reliance on default risk assessment uncertainty factors in favor of more refined data-derived factors. Additionally, EPA’s Office of Research and Development is working to develop a NAM for evaluating developmental neurotoxicity. Initial analyses of data derived from neuron cell models have been completed for organophosphate compounds as a case study and, when possible, compared to in vivo results (an in vitro to in vivo extrapolation). External review and public comment on the research will help build confidence to implement the NAMs in EPA’s human health risk assessments and may contribute to refining them.

The FIFRA SAP serves as a primary scientific peer review mechanism of EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) and is structured to provide independent scientific advice and recommendations to EPA on health and safety issues related to pesticides.