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Duke Superfund Investigator Weighs in on Pesticide Review -- September 17, 2008

Dr. Ted Slotkin has submitted comments to a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Scientific Advisory Panel regarding the Agency's re-evaluation of the toxicity of the pesticide chlorpyrifos. Chlorpyrifos, a neurodevelopmental toxicant, remains one of the most widely used organophosphate pesticides, despite a long history of documented human and ecological risks from exposure through food, drinking water, and residential and occupational applications. Dr. Slotkin's comments addressed recent epidemiological studies, mechanisms of toxicity, and routes of administration in animal studies. Dr. Slotkin, an internationally recognized expert on chlorpyrifos toxicology, is a Professor in the Departments of Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, and Neurobiology. He is also Director of Graduate Studies, Integrated Toxicology & Environmental Health Program and a Principal Investigator in Duke's Superfund Basic Research Program.

Links to Other Background Info:

Duke University Superfund Basic Research Program: http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/superfund/

http://pharmacology.mc.duke.edu/faculty/slotkin.htm

U.S. EPA, Office of Pesticide Programs, Docket Number EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0274, Notice of FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel Meeting; "Scientific Issues Associated with Chlorpyrifos and PON1": http://www.regulations.gov/

Comments of Theodore Slotkin, Ph.D. re: FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel; Review of the U.S. EPA's Evaluation of the Toxicity Profile of Chlorpyrifos: Slotkin_Chlorpyrifos_Review_EPA_HQ_OPP_2008_0274.pdf

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