What are EPA roles in a pandemic?
Category: Planing and Response Questions
Answer:
In the event of a highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) outbreak, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would support the U.S. Department of Agriculture if animals were infected or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if humans were infected. As a cooperating agency, EPA has two primary responsibilities:
- approving the sale and use of disinfectants and other pesticides for decontamination and control of pathogens, or other pests, on crops or on environmental surfaces; and
- providing technical assistance on waste disposal options and related environmental and health concerns, as well as measures to protect the environment from potential contamination from the disposal of diseased animal carcasses and infected plant material.
Regarding approval of disinfectants and other pesticides, it is important to note that in addition to registering (licensing) products for normal sale and distribution, EPA may grant exemptions (temporary approvals) if certain emergency conditions exist.
Regarding waste handling, State/Local governments would determine whether a contaminated animal, crop, or food product should be disposed of in municipal solid waste landfills, hazardous waste, or medical waste facilities. EPA sets minimum criteria for these landfills, but State/Local governments implement and enforce their own municipal solid waste programs.
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Last Updated: 05/23/2007
