The Issue: 

To ensure a plentiful and safe food supply and the control human and animal pests , the EPA is charged under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) with registering pesticides in the U.S. and ensuring that their use poses limited risks to human health and the environment.   

The Solution:  

To support the registration and use of pesticides in the U.S., agrochemical companies are required to submit numerous studies examining the toxicity of the pesticides to mammals and other non-target species, along with studies examining the fate (movement, degradation, metabolism) of pesticides in the environment.  As these studies form the basis for EPA’s regulatory decisions, they must be independently evaluated to ensure that they are scientifically sound and conducted in accordance with current regulatory standards.  CSS scientists provide EPA and independent and unbiased review of this data.

CSS Innovations and Contributions: 

For more than 35 years covering multiple concurrent contracts, CSS scientists have supported EPA/OPP in the review and evaluation of the wide array of studies supporting pesticide registrations.   To support human health risk assessments, our scientists review and evaluate studies pertaining to pesticide toxicity in model mammalian species in order to estimate potential toxicity to humans.  These studies include both short- and long-term studies examining general toxicity, potential carcinogenicity, and reproductive effects.  We evaluate studies examining potential pesticide residues in food and livestock commodities that serve as the basis of establishing allowable tolerances and estimating dietary exposure. To support environmental risk assessments, we also review studies examining toxicity to non-target plant and animal species, as well as, the movement and fate of pesticides in the environment.   For all these reviews, our scientist prepare concise reports evaluating the study’s procedures, results and conclusions, and its adequacy in fulfilling regulatory requirements.

Key Technical Services

  • Evaluation of pesticide residues in food/feed crops and livestock
  • Evaluation of mammalian toxicity data for pesticides
  • Determination of critical end-points, NOAELs and LOAELs (no- and lowest-observed adverse effect level), RfDs and RfCs (acceptable reference doses and concentrations), and cancer values
  • Risk assessment and Weight of Evidence (WoE) analyses.
  • Evaluation of chemical toxicity to non-target species
  • Movement, metabolism, and degradation of pesticides in the environment
  • Evaluation of regulatory compliance and quality assurance

Additional Projects

Quick Response Guides for Emergency Response

CSS prepares tactical, field, and quick response guides used by EPA OSCs and other first responders to address a wide range of contaminants.

Biogeographic Assessment of the Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI)

CSS compiled and visualized data showing the distribution of habitats and marine organisms, to establish a baseline for assessing and monitoring potential environmental impacts from renewable energy projects.

Underground Transport Restoration Operational Technology Demonstration

CSS provided both technical and logistical support for the Underground Transport Restoration Operational Technology Demonstration.

Earth & Space Science Support & Operations

We deliver scientific support to advance our clients’ research goals.

Human Health Risk Assessment

We help advance the understanding of chemical effects on people and the environment.

IT Services

Our IT solutions meet clients’ evolving needs.

Facilities Operations & Maintenance

We understand your facility support needs and deliver customized solutions.

Environmental Resource Assessment & Management

We apply science to address challenges affecting the nation’s natural resources.

Emergency Preparedness & Response

We help our clients prepare for and protect the health and environment of communities after disasters and hazmat releases.

Satellite Data Applications

Helping create a more environmentally sustainable, weather-ready, and secure nation through application of earth observation data  

Get in touch

Contact us to learn more about our projects, capabilities, solutions, and service offerings.