EPA orders new pesticide testing

Concerned over the possible effects of pesticides on the human endocrine system, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun a testing process for a host of lawn and garden chemicals. On Oct. 29, the EPA issued test orders for the first seven chemicals, which will be screened for their potential to disrupt hormones produced or secreted by the human or animal endocrine system, which regulates growth, metabolism and reproduction.

While most of the chemicals are pesticides, one of then, Atrazine, is a widely used herbicide used to kill broadleaf and grassy weeds.

Manufacturers are responsible for the testing of a total of 67 chemicals over the next four months. The EPA will then evaluate the data to determine whether to order additional testing or take other steps to address possible hazards posed by the pesticides.