EPA Proposes to Register New Antimicrobial Active Ingredient Glycerol Formate

Released on September 16, 2024

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released for public comment its proposed registration decision for pesticide products containing the new active ingredient glycerol formate. Products containing glycerol formate are intended to be used in healthcare settings (e.g., hospitals, medical premises and nursing homes) as a disinfectant for hard non-porous, non-food contact surfaces (e.g., stretchers) for bacteria, spores, and viruses, and as a sanitizer for soft surfaces (100% cotton or 100% polyester) for staphylococcus aureus and klebsiella aerogenes, which can cause serious infections. Glycerol formate is the first new antimicrobial active ingredient to be proposed for registration in four years.

EPA’s Risk Assessments

In addition to its proposed registration decision, EPA has also released the draft human health and environmental risk assessment.

EPA evaluated the potential hazardous effects and exposures to human health and the environment from the proposed uses of glycerol formate, as required by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The proposed uses of glycerol formate have no potential dietary exposures. Workers may be exposed to glycerol formate during application, but EPA has not identified human health risks of concern when these products are used in accordance with label directions.

Given that this active ingredient is meant for indoor use, Endangered Species Act (ESA) listed species or designated critical habitats would not be exposed to glycerol formate. Therefore, the Agency is making an ESA “no effect” determination for all listed species and critical habitats.

Next Steps

After considering public comments on the proposed registration and the draft risk assessment, EPA will determine whether the registration action meets the FIFRA registration standard. If EPA determines that the registration action can be granted, EPA will finalize the decision and the risk assessment including the ESA effects determination.

To read more about the proposed registration of glycerol formate and to comment, see docket ID EPA-HQ-OPP-2020-0120 at www.regulations.gov. The public comment period will be open for 30 days, closing on October 13, 2024. All the supporting documents related to glycerol formate are available in EPA-HQ-OPP-2020-0120.