An overview of ASTM's activities in establishing standards for vertebrate pest control materials
General Material Designation
[Article]
First Statement of Responsibility
Beck, John R.
SUMMARY OR ABSTRACT
Text of Note
Given the new authority for pesticide registration now within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, there is a need for develop pesticide standards. A large group of representatives of those involved with pesticides including academia, consumers, and pesticide producers met in early 1973 with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) to discuss the possibility of developing a committee on pesticide standards. ASTM standards have frequently been upheld in court, as they are based on objective scientific principles and do not represent bias of any particular group. Thus far, a subcommittee on Terrestrial Vertebrate Control Agents has been formed, which has divided into four Task Forces: Rodenticides, Predacides, Avicides, and Terminology. The focus of each Task Force is described, with anticipation that draft publications may occur within the present year to define tentative standards, which will be subject to subsequent review over a period of two to three years, resulting in workable permanent standards.