Adverse Effects
Mefluidide: CAS No. 53780-34-0
Mefluidide - Diethanolamine salt: CAS No. 53780-36-2
Mefluidide, potassium salt: CAS NO. 83601-83-6

 
 

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Because EPA stated the following, we will combine the adverse effects for Mefluidide, and its diethanolamine and potasium salts.

Based on the structural similarities of mefluidide and its diethanolamine (DEA) and potassium salts, where they all share the same anion- anilide, and the physical and chemical properties of the DEA and potassium salts, where they dissociate 100% back to free mefluidide in aqueous environments, the risk assessment team concluded that mefluidide DEA and potassium salts are biologically equivalent to mefluidide and thus they share the same toxicity as the free mefluidide. Therefore, it is reasonable to bridge mefluidide toxicity data to mefluidide salts and vice versa.
Reference: USEPA.
Mefluidide; Diethanolamine Mefluidide, and Potassium Mefluidide- Phase 2, (30-Day Error only Correction), HED Chapter of the Re-registration Eligibility Decision Document (RED). May 30, 2007.

MEFLUIDIDE
ACTIVITY: Herbicide, Plant growth regulator (anilide)
CAS Name: N-[2,4-dimethyl-5-[[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]amino]phenyl]acetamide
Structure:


DIETHANOLAMINE SALT OF MEFLUIDIDE
CAS No. 53780-36-2
Systematic Name: Acetamide, N-(2,4-dimethyl-5-(((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)amino)phenyl)-, compd. with 2,2'-iminobis(ethanol) (1:1)
Activity: Herbicide (Anilide)
Structure:


MEFLUIDIDE, POTASSIUM SALT
CAS NO.: 83601-83-6
ACTIVITY:
Herbicide (anilide)
Systematic Name:
Acetamide, N-(2,4-dimethyl-5-(((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)amino)phenyl)-, monopotassium salt

Structure:

 

 

Adverse Effects:
Body Weight Decrease
Developmental
Eye
Kidney
Liver
Sciatic nerve
Spleen
Environmental:
• Moderately persistent and mobile in terrestrial environments.

Above the USEPA's level of concern for direct acute (listed and nonlisted) and chronic toxic exposure to mammals, birds and acute (listed and nonlisted) exposure to terrestrial and semi aquatic plants.

The highest use areas for mefluidide include South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, California, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico. The maximum application rate for mefluidide applied as ground sprays is 1.0 lb ae/A for mefluidide-K and mefluidide-DEA. The maximum application rate for mefluidide, as a granular formulation, is 0.5 lb ae/A. Mefluidide, mefluidide-K, mefluidide-DEA can be applied 3 times per season.
Reference:
USEPA. Re-registration Eligibility Document Environmental Fate and Effects Science Chapter. June 9, 2007. - http://www.fluoridealert.org/pesticides/docket/EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0431-0017.pdf

Cortical necrosis in kidney? brain? bone? FAN will ask EPA to clarify:
Feeding [dog]. LOAEL = 15 mg/kg/d, based on decreased body weight (15%) and body weight gain (50%) in the males. Chronic cortical nephrosis was observed at 150 mg/kg/day dose. NOAEL = 1.5 mg/kg/d
Ref: USEPA. Mefluidide - Toxicology section for the Reregistration Eligibility Decision Document (RED) (January 31, 2007) - http://www.fluoridealert.org/pesticides/docket/EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0431-0009.pdf

 

Body Weight (click on for all fluorinated pesticides)

• Rat: Non-guideline range finding developmental toxicity, gavage with diethanolamine salt of mefluidide. Developmental LOAEL: 230 mg a.i. /kg/day based on significantly decreased fetal body weight. Developmental NOAEL: 173 mg a.i. /kg/day, The dosage levels of 0, 50, 200 and 400 mg of the 28.78% formulation/kg/day weredefinitive developmental study.
• Dog: A NOAEL of 1.5 mg/kg/day was selected based on chronic toxicity (decreased body weight (15%) and body weight gain (50%) in the males) occurring at a LOAEL of 15.0 mg/kg/day. This was the most sensitive endpoint. An UF of 100X (10-fold for interspecies extrapolation, 10-fold for intraspecies variability) was applied to the NOAEL of 1.5 mg/kg/day to derive the cRfD to give and RfD of 0.015 mg/kg/day.
• In rats and rabbits, critical effects of acute oral toxicity occurring at doses of 100 mg/kg/day and above were tremors, hunched posture, salivation, reduced body weight and body weight gain.
Mefluidide and its diethanolamine salt subchronic and chronic toxicity are manifested by decreased body weight and body weight gain in several species tested (rats, rabbits and dogs). Dogs are most sensitive to these effects, which occur at doses as low as 15 mg/kg/day in diets fed for one year.
• Rats: The maternal toxicity included tremors, decreased body weight, weight gain and mortality.
• In the 2-generation reproduction toxicity study, the offspring toxicity was characterized by decreased body weights in both sexes and both litters in all generations. The reproductive LOAEL was not observed (NOAEL = 346/604 mg/kg bw/day).
• Evidence of maternal toxicity included transient clinical signs (tremors, dark material around the nose, few feces, urine stain and reddish vaginal discharge), decreased body weight gain (11-61%)
• At 6000 ppm, body weights were decreased by 1-8% in males and 1-12% in females throughout the study in the P generation, attaining significance (p<0.05) at Week 18 in the males and Weeks 8, 18, 19, and 27 in the females. In the F1 generation at this dose, body weights were decreased throughout the study in the males (decr. 13-21%) and females (decr. 10-21%), attaining significance (p<0.01) at Weeks 27, 37, and 56 in both sexes. Similarly in the F2 generation, body weights were decreased throughout the study in the 6000 ppm males (decr. 14-21%) and females (decr. 11-23%), attaining significance (p<0.01) at Weeks 57, 66, and 85 in both sexes.
Numerous absolute and relative (to bw) organ weights in the 6000 ppm parents were significantly (p<0.05) different from the controls, however, none of these differences were corroborated by any macroscopic or microscopic findings indicating these decreases were most likely not related to treatment. Thus, it is likely that they were attributable to decreased body weights at this dose.
Ref:
USEPA. Mefluidide - Toxicology section for the Reregistration Eligibility Decision Document (RED) (January 31, 2007)
http://www.fluoridealert.org/pesticides/docket/EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0431-0009.pdf


Developmental
(click on for all fluorinated pesticides)

Developmental effects of Mefluidide in rats included increased number of early resorptions and mean postimplantation loss. These effects were observed at the same dose that caused maternal toxicity indicating there was no increased susceptibility to fetuses. The maternal toxicity included tremors, decreased body weight, weight gain and mortality. In rabbit, the LOAEL/NOAEL for developmental toxicity were above the highest dose tested (60 mg/kg/day). In the 2-generation reproduction toxicity study, the offspring toxicity was characterized by decreased body weights in both sexes and both litters in all generations. The reproductive LOAEL was not observed (NOAEL = 346/604 mg/kg bw/day).
Ref: USEPA. Mefluidide - Toxicology section for the Reregistration Eligibility Decision Document (RED) (January 31, 2007)
http://www.fluoridealert.org/pesticides/docket/EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0431-0009.pdf

Eye (click on for all fluorinated pesticides)

The studies reviewed below were conducted with either the free acid or the diethanolamine salt of mefluidide. The diethanolamine salt is the registered active ingredient in California. Possible toxicological differences between the free acid and diethanolamine salt were not considered in the following reviews. The free acid and diethanolamine salt have been grouped by the US EPA (Morris, 10/5/93)...
-- 386-004 987263, "Two Year Feeding study in Rats", (International Research and Development Corporation, Mattawan, MI, study no. 102-208, report no. 225, 6/14/79). Mefluidide (MBR 12325) technical, purity 93%, fed in the diet to 50/sex/group at 0, 600, 1800 or 6000 ppm over two (2) years starting at in utero from a reproductive study. ADVERSE EFFECT: retinal degeneration. Eye effect NOEL = 600 ppm.
Ref: Summary of Toxicology Data. 11-21-94 Revision. California EPA, Department of Pesticide Regulation, Medical Toxicology Branch.

http://www.fluoridealert.org/pesticides/Mefluidide.CA.EPA.1986.pdf

Kidney (click on for all fluorinated pesticides)

The studies reviewed below were conducted with either the free acid or the diethanolamine salt of mefluidide. The diethanolamine salt is the registered active ingredient in California. Possible toxicological differences between the free acid and diethanolamine salt were not considered in the following reviews. The free acid and diethanolamine salt have been grouped by the US EPA (Morris, 10/5/93)...
-- ** 386-026 037397, "Twelve Month Diet Feeding Study of MBR-12325 in Dogs", (Riker Laboratories, experiment no. 0280CD0021, 11/1/82). Technical MBR-12325 (Mefluidide), purity 93% and 91% at pre-study and post-study, respectively, fed at 0, 60, 600 or 6000 ppm in the diet to Beagle dogs, 6/sex/group for one year. Positive for adverse effects on kidney at high dose. NOEL kidney = 600 ppm; body weight = 60 ppm. Nephrosis or degeneration of proximal convoluted renal tubular epithelium in 4/12 at high dose. Record 059988 contains the diet analyses for content, stability and homogeneity. ACCEPTABLE. (Gee, 3/17/86 and 7/14/88). EPA one-liner: Minimum. NOEL = 60 ppm (weight loss); LEL = 600 ppm (cortical nephrosis). EPA one-liner: Minimum. NOEL = 60 ppm (weight loss); LEL = 600 ppm (cortical nephrosis).
Ref: Mefluidide, diethanolamine salt: Summary of Toxicology Data. 11-21-94 Revision. California EPA, Department of Pesticide Regulation, Medical Toxicology Branch.

http://www.fluoridealert.org/pesticides/Mefluidide.CA.EPA.1986.pdf

Liver (click on for all fluorinated pesticides)

"Lifetime Carcinogenicity Study in Mice", (International Research and Development Corporation, report no. 102-026, 5/14/1979). Mefluidide, purity 93%, fed at 0, 600, 1800 or 6000 ppm in diet to 60/sex/group for 18-19 months. Positive adverse chronic effect of liver toxicity. No evidence of oncogenicity. NOEL for hepatotoxicity is 600 ppm. UNACCEPTABLE. (J. Christopher, 7/1/85). Evaluated as possibly upgradeable with submission of pathology data adjusted according to time of death, complete histopathology for the mid dose group and organ weights. Rebuttal (#059987 in 034) discusses the requirements for an oncogenicity study as opposed to a combined and contains diet analyses. See Summary statement below. (Updated, Kishiyama and Gee, 7/14/88). ...Significant adverse effects consisted of increased mortality in the 6000 ppm (high) dose group and liver nodular hyperplasia in the 6000 and 1800 (intermediate) dose groups. The liver alterations were called "reparative or regenerative responses to toxic liver injury" and no oncogenic effect was claimed. Two consultant pathologist re-read the slides and generally agreed with the diagnoses of the IRDC pathologist. While no oncogenic effects were found, the reduced survival in the high dose group confounds interpretation. The pathology data need to be adjusted according to time of death rather than be lumped into singular incidence values irrespective of time of death or sacrifice. Appropriate statistics could then be performed. In any event, the report is still incomplete and unacceptable due to study conduct deficiencies originally outlined in Dr. Christopher’s review. F. Martz, 4/16/86.
Ref: Summary of Toxicology Data. 11-21-94 Revision. California EPA, Department of Pesticide Regulation, Medical Toxicology Branch.
http://www.fluoridealert.org/pesticides/Mefluidide.CA.EPA.1986.pdf

21-Day Dermal toxicity - rabbit (4 rabbits/sex/dose). Acceptable/Non-guideline (NOAEL was not observed). Systemic LOAEL = 240 mg/kg/day, based on clinical chemistry (increased alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase) and organ weights (decreased spleen weight in females and increased liver weights in males). Edema and swelling with myelin loss in sciatic nerve was seen in 720 and 2400 mg/kg/day dose group. Dehydration observed at 2400 mg/kg/day dose. Dermal and systemic NOAELs were not established.
Ref: USEPA. Mefluidide - Toxicology section for the Reregistration Eligibility Decision Document (RED) (January 31, 2007)
http://www.fluoridealert.org/pesticides/docket/EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0431-0009.pdf

Sciatic nerve (click on for all fluorinated pesticides)

21-Day Dermal toxicity - rabbit (4 rabbits/sex/dose). Acceptable/Non-guideline (NOAEL was not observed). Systemic LOAEL = 240 mg/kg/day, based on clinical chemistry (increased alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase) and organ weights (decreased spleen weight in females and increased liver weights in males). Edema and swelling with myelin loss in sciatic nerve was seen in 720 and 2400 mg/kg/day dose group. Dehydration observed at 2400 mg/kg/day dose. Dermal and systemic NOAELs were not established.
Ref: USEPA. Mefluidide - Toxicology section for the Reregistration Eligibility Decision Document (RED) (January 31, 2007)
http://www.fluoridealert.org/pesticides/docket/EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0431-0009.pdf

Spleen (click on for all fluorinated pesticides)

21-Day Dermal toxicity - rabbit (4 rabbits/sex/dose). Acceptable/Non-guideline (NOAEL was not observed). Systemic LOAEL = 240 mg/kg/day, based on clinical chemistry (increased alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase) and organ weights (decreased spleen weight in females and increased liver weights in males). Edema and swelling with myelin loss in sciatic nerve was seen in 720 and 2400 mg/kg/day dose group. Dehydration observed at 2400 mg/kg/day dose. Dermal and systemic NOAELs were not established.
Ref: USEPA. Mefluidide - Toxicology section for the Reregistration Eligibility Decision Document (RED) (January 31, 2007)
http://www.fluoridealert.org/pesticides/docket/EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0431-0009.pdf

Environmental (click on for all fluorinated pesticides)

Based on the review of the environmental fate data, mefluidide is moderately persistent and mobile in terrestrial environments. Possible routes of dissipation for mefluidide are photodegradation on soil surfaces, microbial mediated degradation, leaching, and runoff. There are no aerobic aquatic metabolism data to assess the environmental fate of mefluidide in aquatic environments.

1.2 Potential Risk to Non Target Organisms
This screening-level (Level I) risk assessment focused on the use of mefluidide-K, mefluidide-DEA, and mefluidide on ornamental and turf areas. Results suggest that levels of mefluidide in the environment, when compared with measured toxicity for the most sensitive organisms of selected taxa, are likely to result in direct risks to listed and non-listed species from several different taxa. Indirect risks are also identified for listed and non-listed non-target organisms.

This screening level risk assessment shows that use of mefluidide is below the Agency’s level of concern for direct acute (listed and non-listed) and chronic toxic exposure to aquatic freshwater and estuarine marine organisms and acute aquatic plants. In contrast, the use of mefluidide is above the Agency’s level of concern for direct acute (listed and nonlisted) and chronic toxic exposure to mammals, birds and acute (listed and nonlisted) exposure to terrestrial and semi aquatic plants.

The results of this risk assessment suggest that the patterns of mefluidide use are such that they coincide in time and space to areas frequented by avian and mammalian wildlife. These areas have been demonstrated as use by wildlife as sources of food and cover. The potentially problematic wildlife food items suggested by this risk assessment are likely to be present in and around the treated areas. In addition, there is potential for indirect effects to all taxonomic groups due to changes in habitat caused by vegetation changes. Some uses of mefluidide may not pose a threat for avian and mammalian wildlife, such as industrial sites that are not frequented by wildlife

• Mammalian Acute Listed LOCs were exceeded for 15 g and 35 g mammals exposed to application rates for mefluidide-DEA and mefluidide-K (1.0 lb ae/A at 3 applications) consuming short grass, broadleaf plants, or small insects and 1000 g mammals that consume short grass.
• Mammalian Acute Listed LOCs were exceeded for the LD50s/sq-ft for 15g and 35 g mammals based on one granular application of mefluidide at 0.5 lbs ae/acre.
• Mammalian Acute Restricted Use LOCs were exceeded for 15 g and 35 g mammals that consume short grass exposed to application rates for mefluidide-DEA and mefluidide-K ( 1.0 lb ae/A at 3 applications).
• Mammalian Acute Restricted Use LOCs were exceeded for the LD50s/sq-ft for small and medium-sized mammals based on one granular application of mefluidide at 0.5lbs ae/acre.
• Mammalian Chronic LOCs (dose-based) were exceeded for 15 g mammals that consume short grass exposed to application rates for mefluidide-DEA and mefluidide-K (1.0 lb ae/A at 3 applications)
• Avian Acute Listed LOCs were exceeded for 20 g birds that consume short grass, tall grass and broadleaf plants and small insects and 100 g birds that consume short grass for the 1.0 lb ae/A modeled scenario. Non-definitive toxicity endpoints do not allow for calculations of definitive RQs, however the ratio of non- definitive endpoints (EECs) in this case results in acute RQs ranging from <0.0 to <0.25.
• Avian Acute Listed LOCs were exceeded for the LD50s/sq-ft for 20 g birds based on one granular application of mefluidide at 0.5 lbs ae/acre.
• Avian Acute Restricted Use LOCs were exceeded for 20 g birds that consume short grass for the 1.0 lba ae/A application rate modeled scenario. Non-definitive toxicity endpoints do not allow for calculations of definitive RQs, however the ratio of non- definitive endpoints (EECs) in this case results in acute RQs of < 0.25.
• Avian Acute Restricted Use LOCs were exceeded for the LD50s/sq-ft for 20 g birds based on one granular application of mefluidide at 0.5 lbs ae/acre.
• Avian Chronic LOCs (dietary-based) exceedances occurred for birds for the 1.0 lb ae/A modeled scenario. Non-definitive toxicity endpoints do not allow for calculations of definitive RQs, however the ratio of non- definitive endpoints (EECs) in this case results in acute RQs ranging from 2.9 to 6.32.
• Terrestrial and Semi-aquatic Plants (Listed Species and Non-Listed Species) LOCs were exceeded for monocots and dicots with the 1.0 lb ae/A spray applications of mefluidide-K and mefluidide-DEA. LOCs were exceeded for dicots and monocots (granular applications) with 0.5 lb ae/acre of mefluidide. Dicots demonstrated more sensitivity than monocots in all application scenarios.

• The available dietary toxicity studies on avian species failed to established definitive acute LD50 values (i.e., the lethality values exceed the highest dose tested). Therefore, use of this value adds uncertainty and may overestimate risk to avian species. Submission of a acute bird study with definitive LD50 values would quantify risks associated with exposure of mefluidide to birds.

• Exposure estimates for this screening level risk assessment focused on the mefluidide, mefluidide-K and mefluidide-DEA. Information or data is not available to evaluate degradates as a potentially significant contributor to aquatic risk and which may affect the outcome of risk conclusions are not considered in this risk characterization. Therefore, this assessment may require further analysis to evaluate degradates as a potential contributor to aquatic risk.

• In all cases, EFED concluded that resulting estimated risk quotients, had they been based on definitive effects measurement endpoints, would not trigger concerns for acute or chronic risks to freshwater fish, chronic estuarine marine fish, chronic estuarine marine invertebrates, chronic freshwater invertebrates, vascular plants (EC05 or NOAEC) and non-vascular plants (EC05 or NOAEC). In contrast, EFED concluded that resulting estimated risk quotients for terrestrial organisms would trigger concerns for chronic risks to birds and (listed and nonlisted) terrestrial and semi aquatic plants.

• . Information or data was not available to evaluate degradates as a potentially significant contributor to aquatic risk and is not considered in this risk characterization.

• A major uncertainty in the assessment is the persistence of mefluidide acid in aerobic aquatic environments.

• Based on the risk hypothesis terrestrial organisms (birds, mammals, reptiles, terrestrial-phase amphibians and plants) and aquatic organisms (invertebrates, fish, amphibians and plants) in surface waters (freshwater or saltwater) are subject to adverse effects when exposed to mefluidide residues as a result of labeled use of the pesticide. Routes of exposure evaluated in this risk assessment focused on runoff and spray drift from ground spray with mefluidide applied at application rates of 1.0 lb ae/A (mefluidide-K and mefluidide-DEA) and runoff from granular applications with 0.5 lb ae/A mefluidide.

•• Ecotoxicity data for chronic risks to freshwater fish and freshwater invertebrates exposed to mefluidide were not available.
•• Ecotoxicity data for chronic risks to estuarine marine fish and estuarine marine invertebrates exposed to mefluidide were not available.
•• Ecotoxicity data for chronic risks to birds exposed to mefluidide were not available.
•• The magnitude of toxicity to terrestrial plants is uncertain because only one terrestrial vegetative vigor plant study was available and conducted on fresh weight and not dry weight as required by EPA guidelines. Also, no other terrestrial plant toxicity studies (seedling emergence and vegetative vigor) were available to estimate an EC25 values. Ecotoxicity data for terrestrial plants (seedling emergence) exposed to mefluidide were not available.
•• NOAEC or EC05 values were not available to calculate (listed) aquatic vascular plants exposed to mefluidide.
•• The available dietary toxicity studies on avian species failed to established definitive acute LD50 values (i.e., the lethality values exceed the highest dose tested).
•• Exposure estimates for this screening level risk assessment focused on the mefluidide, mefluidide-K and mefluidide-DEA. Information or data is not available to evaluate degradates as a potentially significant contributor to aquatic risk and which may affect the outcome of risk conclusions are not considered in this risk characterization. Therefore, this assessment may require further analysis to evaluate degradates as a potential contributor to aquatic risk.
•• This risk assessment does not consider incidental soil ingestion.
•• The screening assessment does not consider dermal exposure.
Reference:
USEPA. Re-registration Eligibility Document Environmental Fate and Effects Science Chapter. June 9, 2007.
http://www.fluoridealert.org/pesticides/docket/EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0431-0017.pdf


 
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