[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 63 (Wednesday, April 2, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15963-15967]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-7974]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[OPP-2003-0079; FRL-7297-8]


Modified Acrylic Polymers; Revision of Tolerance Exemption

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This regulation revises an existing exemption from the 
requirement of a tolerance for modified acrylic polymers when used as 
an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation, including 
antimicrobial pesticide chemical formulations if such is used in 
accordance with good agricultural or manufacturing practices. Alco 
Chemical submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and 
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), as amended by the Food Quality Protection Act of 
1996 (FQPA) requesting the revisions to the existing exemption from the 
requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to 
establish a maximum permissible level for residues of modified acrylic 
polymers.

DATES: This regulation is effective April 2, 2003. Objections and 
requests for hearings, identified by docket ID number OPP-2003-0079, 
must be received on or before June 2, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Written objections and hearing requests may be submitted 
electronically, by mail, or through hand delivery/courier. Follow the 
detailed instructions as provided in Unit XI. of the SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Treva Alston, Registration Division 
(7505C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone 
number: (703) 308-8373; e-mail address: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Does this Action Apply to Me?

    You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an 
agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer. 
Potentially affected entities may include, but are not limited to:
    [sbull] Crop production (NAICS code 111)
    [sbull] Animal production (NAICS code 112)
    [sbull] Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311)
    [sbull] Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 25532)
    This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides 
a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this 
action. Other types of entities not listed in this unit could also be 
affected. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) 
codes have been provided to assist you and others in determining 
whether this action might apply to certain entities. If you have any 
questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular 
entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT.

B. How Can I Get Copies of this Document and Other Related Information?

    1. Docket. EPA has established an official public docket for this 
action under docket identification (ID) number

[[Page 15964]]

OPP-2003-0079. The official public docket consists of the documents 
specifically referenced in this action, any public comments received, 
and other information related to this action. Although a part of the 
official docket, the public docket does not include Confidential 
Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is 
restricted by statute. The official public docket is the collection of 
materials that is available for public viewing at the Public 
Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Rm. 119, Crystal Mall 
2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA. This docket 
facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
excluding legal holidays. The docket telephone number is (703) 305-
5805.
    2. Electronic access. You may access this Federal Register document 
electronically through the EPA Internet under the ``Federal Register'' 
listings at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/. A frequently updated 
electronic version of 40 CFR part 180 is available at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfrhtml_00/Title_40/40cfr180_00.html, a 
beta site currently under development.
    An electronic version of the public docket is available through 
EPA's electronic public docket and comment system, EPA Dockets. You may 
use EPA Dockets at http://www.epa.gov/edocket/ to submit or view public 
comments, access the index listing of the contents of the official 
public docket, and to access those documents in the public docket that 
are available electronically. Although not all docket materials may be 
available electronically, you may still access any of the publicly 
available docket materials through the docket facility identified in 
Unit I.B.1. Once in the system, select ``search'' then key in the 
appropriate docket ID number.

II. Background and Statutory Findings

    In the Federal Register of January 14, 2003 (68 FR 1846) (FRL-7286-
5), EPA issued a notice pursuant to section 408 of the FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 
346a, as amended by the FQPA (Public Law 104-170), announcing the 
filing of a pesticide petition (PP 3E6539) by Alco Chemical, 909 
Mueller Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37406-0401. That notice included a 
summary of the petition prepared by the petitioner. There were no 
comments received in response to the notice of filing.
    The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.960 be amended by revising 
the existing exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for acrylic 
polymers composed of one or more of the following monomers: Acrylic 
acid, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl 
acrylate, hydroxypropyl acrylate, hydroxybutyl acrylate, carboxyethyl 
acrylate, methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, 
butyl methacrylate, isobutyl methacyrlate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 
hydroxypropyl methacrylate, hydroxybutyl methacrylate, lauryl 
methacrylate, and stearyl methacrylate with none and/or one or more of 
the following monomers: Acrylamide, N-methyl acrylamide, N-
octylacrylamide, maleic anhydride, maleic acid, monoethyl maleate, 
diethyl maleate, monooctyl maleate, dioctyl maleate, and their 
corresponding sodium, potassium, ammonium, isopropylamine, 
triethylamine, monoethanolamine, and/or triethanolamine salts; the 
resulting polymer having a minimum number average molecular weight (in 
amu), 1,200 by including N,N-dimethyl acrylamide as one of the 
monomers. No CAS Reg. No. is associated with this tolerance exemption.
    Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of the FFDCA allows EPA to establish an 
exemption from the requirement for a tolerance (the legal limit for a 
pesticide chemical residue in or on a food) only if EPA determines that 
the tolerance is ``safe.'' Section 408(c)(2)(A)(ii) of the FFDCA 
defines ``safe'' to mean that ``there is a reasonable certainty that no 
harm will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical 
residue, including all anticipated dietary exposures and all other 
exposures for which there is reliable information.'' This includes 
exposure through drinking water and in residential settings, but does 
not include occupational exposure. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of the FFDCA 
requires EPA to give special consideration to exposure of infants and 
children to the pesticide chemical residue in establishing an exemption 
from the requirement of a tolerance and to ``ensure that there is a 
reasonable certainty that no harm will result to infants and children 
from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue. . .'' and 
specifies factors EPA is to consider in establishing an exemption.

III. Inert Ingredient Definition

    Inert ingredients are all ingredients that are not active 
ingredients as defined in 40 CFR 153.125 and include, but are not 
limited to, the following types of ingredients (except when they have a 
pesticidal efficacy of their own): Solvents such as alcohols and 
hydrocarbons; surfactants such as polyoxyethylene polymers and fatty 
acids; carriers such as clay and diatomaceous earth; thickeners such as 
carrageenan and modified cellulose; wetting, spreading, and dispersing 
agents; propellants in aerosol dispensers; microencapsulating agents; 
and emulsifiers. The term ``inert'' is not intended to imply 
nontoxicity; the ingredient may or may not be chemically active. 
Generally, EPA has exempted inert ingredients from the requirement of a 
tolerance based on the low toxicity of the individual inert 
ingredients.

IV. Risk Assessment and Statutory Findings

    EPA establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance only 
in those cases where it can be clearly demonstrated that the risks from 
aggregate exposure to pesticide chemical residues under reasonably 
foreseeable circumstances will pose no appreciable risks to human 
health. In order to determine the risks from aggregate exposure to 
pesticide inert ingredients, the Agency considers the toxicity of the 
inert in conjunction with possible exposure to residues of the inert 
ingredient through food, drinking water, and through other exposures 
that occur as a result of pesticide use in residential settings. If EPA 
is able to determine that a finite tolerance is not necessary to ensure 
that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from 
aggregate exposure to the inert ingredient, an exemption from the 
requirement of a tolerance may be established.
    Consistent with section 408(b)(2)(D) of the FFDCA, EPA has reviewed 
the available scientific data and other relevant information in support 
of this action and considered its validity, completeness and 
reliability and the relationship of this information to human risk. EPA 
has also considered available information concerning the variability of 
the sensitivities of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, 
including infants and children. In the case of certain chemical 
substances that are defined as polymers, the Agency has established a 
set of criteria to identify categories of polymers that should present 
minimal or no risk (see 40 CFR 723.250). Acrylic polymers composed of 
one or more of the following monomers: Acrylic acid, methyl acrylate, 
ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl acrylate, hydroxypropyl 
acrylate, hydroxybutyl acrylate, carboxyethyl acrylate, methacrylic 
acid, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, 
isobutyl methacyrlate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, hydroxypropyl 
methacrylate, hydroxybutyl methacrylate, lauryl methacrylate, and 
stearyl methacrylate

[[Page 15965]]

with none and/or one or more of the following monomers: Acrylamide, N-
methyl acrylamide, N-octylacrylamide, maleic anhydride, maleic acid, 
monoethyl maleate, diethyl maleate, monooctyl maleate, dioctyl maleate, 
and their corresponding sodium, potassium, ammonium, isopropylamine, 
triethylamine, monoethanolamine, and/or triethanolamine salts; the 
resulting polymer having a minimum number average molecular weight (in 
amu), 1,200 (also referred to as modified acrylic polymers) were 
previously determined to meet the set of criteria identifying 
categories of polymers that should present minimal or no risk (66 FR 
53720; October 24, 2001).
    These criteria of 40 CFR 723.250 would continue to be met with the 
addition of N,N-dimethyl acrylamide as one of the acrylic polymer 
monomers. Therefore, based on its conformance to the criteria for a 
polymer to be considered low risk under 40 CFR 723.250, no mammalian 
toxicity is anticipated from dietary, inhalation, or dermal exposure to 
modified acylic polymers.

V. Aggregate Exposures

    For the purposes of assessing potential exposure under this 
exemption, EPA considered that modified acrylic polymers could be 
present in all raw and processed agricultural commodities and drinking 
water, and that non-occupational non-dietary exposure was possible. The 
number average molecular weight of modified acrylic polymers is greater 
than 1,200 daltons. Generally, a polymer of this size would be poorly 
absorbed through the intact gastrointestinal tract or through intact 
human skin. Since modified acrylic polymers conform to the criteria 
that identify a low risk polymer, there are no concerns for risks 
associated with any potential exposure scenarios that are reasonably 
foreseeable. The Agency has determined that a tolerance is not 
necessary to protect the public health.

VI. Cumulative Effects

    Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of the FFDCA requires that, when 
considering whether to establish, modify, or revoke a tolerance or 
tolerance exemption, the Agency consider ``available information'' 
concerning the cumulative effects of a particular chemical's residues 
and ``other substances that have a common mechanism of toxicity.'' The 
Agency has not made any conclusions as to whether or not modified 
acrylic polymers share a common mechanism of toxicity with any other 
chemicals. However, modified acrylic polymers conform to the criteria 
that identify a low risk polymer. Due to the expected lack of toxicity 
based on the above conformance, the Agency has determined that a 
cumulative risk assessment is not necessary.

VII. Determination of Safety for U.S. Population

    Based on the conformance to the criteria used to identify a low 
risk polymer, EPA concludes that there is a reasonable certainty of no 
harm to the U.S. population from aggregate exposure to residues of 
modified acrylic polymers.

VIII. Determination of Safety for Infants and Children

    FFDCA section 408 of the FFDCA provides that EPA shall apply an 
additional tenfold margin of safety for infants and children in the 
case of threshold effects to account for prenatal and postnatal 
toxicity and the completeness of the data base unless EPA concludes 
that a different margin of safety will be safe for infants and 
children. Due to the expected low toxicity of modified acylic polymers, 
EPA has not used a safety factor analysis to assess the risk. For the 
same reasons the additional tenfold safety factor is unnecessary.

IX. Other Considerations

A. Endocrine Disruptors

    There is no available evidence that modified acylic polymers is an 
endocrine disruptor.

B. Existing Exemptions from a Tolerance

    An exemption from the requirement of a tolerance exists (see 40 CFR 
180.960) for acrylic polymers composed of one or more of the following 
monomers: Acrylic acid, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl 
acrylate, hydroxyethyl acrylate, hydroxypropyl acrylate, hydroxybutyl 
acrylate, carboxyethyl acrylate, methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate, 
ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, isobutyl methacyrlate, 
hydroxyethyl methacrylate, hydroxypropyl methacrylate, hydroxybutyl 
methacrylate, lauryl methacrylate, and stearyl methacrylate with none 
and/or one or more of the following monomers: Acrylamide, N-methyl 
acrylamide, N-octylacrylamide, maleic anhydride, maleic acid, monoethyl 
maleate, diethyl maleate, monooctyl maleate, dioctyl maleate, and their 
corresponding sodium, potassium, ammonium, isopropylamine, 
triethylamine, monoethanolamine, and/or triethanolamine salts; the 
resulting polymer having a minimum number average molecular weight (in 
amu), 1,200.

C. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    An analytical method is not required for enforcement purposes since 
the Agency is establishing an exemption from the requirement of a 
tolerance without any numerical limitation.

D. International Tolerances

    The Agency is not aware of any country requiring a tolerance for 
modified acylic polymers nor have any CODEX Maximum Residue Levels 
(MRLs) been established for any food crops at this time.

X. Conclusion

    Accordingly, EPA finds that exempting residues of modified acrylic 
polymers from the requirement of a tolerance will be safe.

XI. Objections and Hearing Requests

    Under section 408(g) of the FFDCA, as amended by the FQPA, any 
person may file an objection to any aspect of this regulation and may 
also request a hearing on those objections. The EPA procedural 
regulations which govern the submission of objections and requests for 
hearings appear in 40 CFR part 178. Although the procedures in those 
regulations require some modification to reflect the amendments made to 
the FFDCA by the FQPA, EPA will continue to use those procedures, with 
appropriate adjustments, until the necessary modifications can be made. 
The new section 408(g) of the FFDCA provides essentially the same 
process for persons to ``object'' to a regulation for an exemption from 
the requirement of a tolerance issued by EPA under new section 408(d) 
of the FFDCA, as was provided in the old sections 408 and 409 of the 
FFDCA. However, the period for filing objections is now 60 days, rather 
than 30 days.

A. What Do I Need to Do to File an Objection or Request a Hearing?

    You must file your objection or request a hearing on this 
regulation in accordance with the instructions provided in this unit 
and in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must 
identify docket ID number OPP-2003-0079 in the subject line on the 
first page of your submission. All requests must be in writing, and 
must be mailed or delivered to the Hearing Clerk on or before June 2, 
2003.
    1. Filing the request. Your objection must specify the specific 
provisions in the regulation that you object to, and the grounds for 
the objections (40 CFR

[[Page 15966]]

178.25). If a hearing is requested, the objections must include a 
statement of the factual issues(s) on which a hearing is requested, the 
requestor's contentions on such issues, and a summary of any evidence 
relied upon by the objector (40 CFR 178.27). Information submitted in 
connection with an objection or hearing request may be claimed 
confidential by marking any part or all of that information as CBI. 
Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with 
procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2. A copy of the information that 
does not contain CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public 
record. Information not marked confidential may be disclosed publicly 
by EPA without prior notice.
    Mail your written request to: Office of the Hearing Clerk (1900C), 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., 
Washington, DC 20460-0001. You may also deliver your request to the 
Office of the Hearing Clerk in Rm.104, Crystal Mall 2, 1921 
Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA. The Office of the Hearing Clerk is 
open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal 
holidays. The telephone number for the Office of the Hearing Clerk is 
(703) 603-0061.
    2. Tolerance fee payment. If you file an objection or request a 
hearing, you must also pay the fee prescribed by 40 CFR 180.33(i) or 
request a waiver of that fee pursuant to 40 CFR 180.33(m). You must 
mail the fee to: EPA Headquarters Accounting Operations Branch, Office 
of Pesticide Programs, P.O. Box 360277M, Pittsburgh, PA 15251. Please 
identify the fee submission by labeling it ``Tolerance Petition Fees.''
    EPA is authorized to waive any fee requirement ``when in the 
judgement of the Administrator such a waiver or refund is equitable and 
not contrary to the purpose of this subsection.'' For additional 
information regarding the waiver of these fees, you may contact James 
Tompkins by phone at (703) 305-5697, by e-mail at [email protected], 
or by mailing a request for information to Mr. Tompkins at Registration 
Division (7505C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental 
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-
0001.
    If you would like to request a waiver of the tolerance objection 
fees, you must mail your request for such a waiver to: James Hollins, 
Information Resources and Services Division (7502C), Office of 
Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania 
Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001.
    3. Copies for the Docket. In addition to filing an objection or 
hearing request with the Hearing Clerk as described in Unit XI.A., you 
should also send a copy of your request to the PIRIB for its inclusion 
in the official record that is described in Unit I.B.1. Mail your 
copies, identified by docket ID number OPP-2003-0079, to: Public 
Information and Records Integrity Branch, Information Resources and 
Services Division (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental 
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-
0001. In person or by courier, bring a copy to the location of the 
PIRIB described in Unit I.B.1. You may also send an electronic copy of 
your request via e-mail to: [email protected]. Please use an ASCII 
file format and avoid the use of special characters and any form of 
encryption. Copies of electronic objections and hearing requests will 
also be accepted on disks in WordPerfect 6.1/8.0 or ASCII file format. 
Do not include any CBI in your electronic copy. You may also submit an 
electronic copy of your request at many Federal Depository Libraries.

B. When Will the Agency Grant a Request for a Hearing?

    A request for a hearing will be granted if the Administrator 
determines that the material submitted shows the following: There is a 
genuine and substantial issue of fact; there is a reasonable 
possibility that available evidence identified by the requestor would, 
if established resolve one or more of such issues in favor of the 
requestor, taking into account uncontested claims or facts to the 
contrary; and resolution of the factual issues(s) in the manner sought 
by the requestor would be adequate to justify the action requested (40 
CFR 178.32).

XII. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This final rule establishes an exemption from the tolerance 
requirement under section 408(d) of the FFDCA in response to a petition 
submitted to the Agency. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
exempted these types of actions from review under Executive Order 
12866, entitled Regulatory Planning and Review (58 FR 51735, October 4, 
1993). Because this rule has been exempted from review under Executive 
Order 12866 due to its lack of significance, this rule is not subject 
to Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That 
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use (66 FR 28355, 
May 22, 2001). This final rule does not contain any information 
collections subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act 
(PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., or impose any enforceable duty or 
contain any unfunded mandate as described under Title II of the 
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) (Public Law 104-4). Nor 
does it require any special considerations under Executive Order 12898, 
entitled Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority 
Populations and Low-Income Populations (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994); 
or OMB review or any Agency action under Executive Order 13045, 
entitled Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and 
Safety Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997). This action does not 
involve any technical standards that would require Agency consideration 
of voluntary consensus standards pursuant to section 12(d) of the 
National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (NTTAA), 
Public Law 104-113, section 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272 note). Since 
tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis of a 
petition under section 408(d) of the FFDCA, such as the exemption in 
this final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the 
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et 
seq.) do not apply. In addition, the Agency has determined that this 
action will not have a substantial direct effect on States, on the 
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government, as specified in Executive Order 13132, entitled Federalism 
(64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999). Executive Order 13132 requires EPA to 
develop an accountable process to ensure ``meaningful and timely input 
by State and local officials in the development of regulatory policies 
that have federalism implications.'' ``Policies that have federalism 
implications'' is defined in the Executive Order to include regulations 
that have ``substantial direct effects on the States, on the 
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government.'' This final rule directly regulates growers, food 
processors, food handlers and food retailers, not States. This action 
does not alter the relationships or distribution of power and 
responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions 
of section 408(n)(4) of the FFDCA. For these same reasons, the Agency 
has determined that this rule

[[Page 15967]]

does not have any ``tribal implications'' as described in Executive 
Order 13175, entitled Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 
Governments (65 FR 67249, November 6, 2000). Executive Order 13175, 
requires EPA to develop an accountable process to ensure ``meaningful 
and timely input by tribal officials in the development of regulatory 
policies that have tribal implications.'' ``Policies that have tribal 
implications'' is defined in the Executive Order to include regulations 
that have ``substantial direct effects on one or more Indian tribes, on 
the relationship between the Federal Government and the Indian tribes, 
or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the 
Federal Government and Indian tribes.'' This rule will not have 
substantial direct effects on tribal governments, on the relationship 
between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal 
Government and Indian tribes, as specified in Executive Order 13175. 
Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this rule.

XIII. Congressional Review Act

    The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the 
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally 
provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating 
the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule, 
to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the 
United States. EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other 
required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of 
Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior 
to publication of this rule in the Federal Register. This rule is not a 
``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: March 25, 2003.
Peter Caulkins,
Acting Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.

0
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows:

PART 180--[AMENDED]

0
1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346(a) and 371.

0
2. The table to section 180.960 is amended by revising the entry which 
reads in part ``Acrylic polymers composed of one or more of the 
following monomers:. . .'' as follows:


Sec.  180.960  Polymers; Exemptions from the requirement of a 
tolerance.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Polymer                              CAS No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               * * * * * *
Acrylic polymers composed of one or                                 None
 more of the following monomers:
 Acrylic acid, methyl acrylate,
 ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate,
 hydroxyethyl acrylate,
 hydroxypropyl acrylate,
 hydroxybutyl acrylate, carboxyethyl
 acrylate, methacrylic acid, methyl
 methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate,
 butyl methacrylate, isobutyl
 methacrylate, hydroxyethyl
 methacrylate, hydroxypropyl
 methacrylate, hydroxybutyl
 methacrylate, lauryl methacrylate,
 and stearyl methacrylate; with none
 and/or one or more of the following
 monomers: Acrylamide, N-methyl
 acrylamide, N,N-dimethyl
 acrylamide, N-octylacrylamide,
 maleic anhydride, maleic acid,
 monoethyl maleate, diethyl maleate,
 monooctyl maleate, dioctyl maleate;
 and their corresponding sodium,
 potassium, ammonium,
 isopropylamine, triethylamine,
 monoethanolamine, and/or
 triethanolamine salts; the
 resulting polymer having a minimum
 number average molecular weight (in
 amu), 1,200
                               * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 03-7974 Filed 4-1-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S