What data are required for evaluation of lawn chemicals?
Lawn pesticides fall under the category of terrestrial nonfood use. The following data are required to evaluate the toxicity of such products: • Acute oral toxicity – rat • Acute dermal toxicity – rabbit • Acute inhalation toxicity – rat • Primary eye irritation – rabbit • Primary dermal irritation — rabbit • Dermal sensitization – guinea pig • Acute delayed neurotoxicity – hen (only for organophosphates or compounds structurally related to substances that cause delayed neurotoxicity). These data on the acute effects of lawn care pesticides are used to evaluate potential hazards that may be associated with the short term or intermittent exposure that results from their use. Highly acutely toxic pesticides are not registered for home lawn use. Although the above requirements are those listed as minimum toxicity requirements, the chemical structure of new lawn pesticides has often led EPA to require additional studies such as oncogenic, teratogenic and subacute dermal and inhalation dat
