Document RJ6rM9O0aOvG1D4kN0p2R97G7

r UNITED STATES ENVIRO NM ENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460 NOV 121973 Ms. Beryl McCullar Hearing Clerk Food and Drug Administration 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 6-86 Rockville, Maryland 20862 Dear Ms. McCullar: We noted in the Federal Register of September 28, 1973, the FDA rule concerning the presence of asbestos particles in food and drugs. We have reviewed the information especially that which refers to talc since talc often appears as an inert ingredient in pesticide formulations. A recent study by one of our laboratories on the microscopic analysis for asbestos on 29 pesticide samples indicated that the talc present contained the asbestos mineral, tremolite, and not chrysotile. We believe there is no great concern for asbestos contamination in pesticides. It is unlikely that pesticide usage in the home or in agriculture will add any significant quantity of chrysotile to the environment or be of any health significance. Sincerely yours 5 Enclosures Copies of comments Henry J. Korp Deputy Assistant Administrator for Pesticide Programs rJ ,p.O S (f