EPA Updates Drinking Water Human Health Benchmarks for Pesticides

EPA has published its Updated 2021 Human Health Benchmarks for Pesticides (HHBPs) in drinking water or source water for noncancer and cancer health endpoints. This update reflects the latest toxicity information available through the pesticide registration and registration review processes and the latest information on potential exposure. EPA provides HHBPs for use by states, tribes, water systems, and the public to help determine whether the detection of a pesticide in drinking water or source water may indicate a potential health risk and to help prioritize monitoring efforts for pesticides without drinking water health advisories or standards. EPA first published HHBPs in 2012 and issued updates in 2013 and 2017. The 2021 Update includes toxicity values for 43 additional pesticides, for a total of 430 HHBPs. For more information and to view the Updated 2021 table, fact sheet, and technical document, visit the EPA website.