Updated Human Health Benchmarks for Pesticides
EPA recently updated its Human Health Benchmarks for Pesticides (HHBPs) in drinking water. The list now includes 363 compounds for which there is no drinking water health advisory or Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). The revised list includes 11 new benchmarks and 10 updates of existing numbers, with cancer effects added to 40 pesticides. The HHBPs indicate levels in water, below which no adverse health effects are anticipated. The Benchmarks include values for short term and life time exposure and cover both cancer and non-cancer risks. The HHBPs are based on studies and data that EPA receives through the pesticide registration process.
| States and water systems can use this information to respond to detections of pesticides in drinking water. It will be useful to help determine the need for remedial action and assist in crafting appropriate messages for the public about risk. To view the table of HHBPs and supporting information online, go to http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/hhbp. Health advisories and MCLs for other pesticides can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/drink/standards/hascience.cfm. |
