Archives

March 12, 2025

EPA Reschedules SACC Meetings to Consider 1,3-Butadiene Draft Risk Evaluation, Will Issue Supplement

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on March 11, 2025, the rescheduled meeting dates of the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) that had been previously scheduled for February 2025 to consider and review the draft risk evaluation for 1,3-butadiene. 90 Fed. Reg. 11737. The rescheduled preparatory meeting for the SACC to consider the scope and clarity of the revised draft charge questions for the peer review will now be held on March 25,...
September 26, 2024

EPA Releases Draft Risk Evaluation for DINP for Public Comment

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on September 3, 2024, the release of the draft risk evaluation for diisononyl phthalate (DINP) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for public comment. 89 Fed. Reg. 71270. EPA states in its August 30, 2024, press release that it preliminarily determined that two industrial uses and one consumer use “significantly contribute to the unreasonable risk of DINP out of the 45 uses evaluated.” EPA preliminarily determined that...
September 18, 2024

EPA Calls for Nominations of Peer Reviewers for 1,3-Butadiene

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) called for nominations on September 18, 2024, of scientific and technical experts that EPA can consider for service as ad hoc peer reviewers to assist the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) with the peer review of the draft risk evaluation for 1,3-butadiene conducted under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). 89 Fed. Reg. 76467. EPA states that it will submit the draft risk evaluation of 1,3-butadiene and associated...
June 14, 2024

EPA Announces Peer Review of 1,1-Dichloroethane TSCA Risk Evaluation and 1,2-Dichloroethane Hazard Assessment, Calls for Public Comments on Reviewer Candidates

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on June 13, 2024, the change in the peer review mechanism from the letter peer review to a Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) peer review; the addition of the draft human health hazard assessment for 1,2-dichloroethane for peer review; and the availability of and solicitation of comment on the list of candidates under consideration for selection as ad hoc peer reviewers that will assist SACC with its...
March 11, 2024

EPA Seeks Nominations for Ad Hoc Reviewers to Assist SACC with Peer Reviewing DIDP and DINP

On February 29, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requested public nominations of scientific and technical experts for service as ad hoc reviewers assisting the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) with the peer review of the Agency’s evaluation of the risks from di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP) and di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) being conducted to inform risk management decisions under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). 89 Fed. Reg. 14836. EPA states that it is...
March 4, 2024

EPA Accepting Comments on Candidates for Peer Review of Formaldehyde

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on February 28, 2024, that it is seeking public comment on the candidates under consideration for selection as ad hoc peer reviewers to assist the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) with its peer review of the Agency’s evaluation of the risks from formaldehyde being conducted to inform risk management decisions under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). 89 Fed. Reg. 14648. The SACC peer review will take...
February 13, 2024

EPA Accepting Comments on Candidates for TSCA SACC Membership

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on January 31, 2024, a 30-day public comment period on candidates currently under consideration for membership on the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC). This public comment period follows a November 2023 call for nominations of scientific experts to be considered for appointment to the SACC. EPA notes that there are currently 18 SACC members, with eight membership terms that will soon...
June 15, 2023

EPA Accepting Comments on Candidates to Be Ad Hoc Reviewers for Draft Supplement to 1,4-Dioxane Risk Evaluation under TSCA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on June 14, 2023, that it is accepting public comments on candidates under consideration for selection as ad hoc reviewers to assist the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) with its review of the 2023 draft supplement to the 1,4-dioxane risk evaluation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). EPA states that after it published the final risk evaluation for 1,4-dioxane in December 2020, it determined a supplement was...
April 3, 2023

EPA Seeks Nominations for Ad Hoc Expert Reviewers for Review of Draft Supplement to the 1,4-Dioxane Risk Evaluation

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on March 23, 2023, that it is seeking public nominations of scientific and technical experts that EPA can consider for service as ad hoc reviewers assisting the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) with the peer review of the “2023 Draft Supplement to the 1,4-Dioxane Risk Evaluation.” 88 Fed. Reg. 17566. EPA states that it will release the draft supplement for public review and comment in June 2023. EPA also plans to...
March 8, 2023

EPA Requests Public Comment on Candidates for Membership on TSCA SACC

On March 8, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency opened a 30-day comment period on nominations for candidates to serve on the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC). According to EPA, there are currently 17 SACC members, with eight membership terms that will soon expire. Biographies for all candidates under consideration are available online. In addition, biographies for current SACC members are available on the SACC website. Comments on...
December 21, 2022

EPA Requests Nominations for Ad Hoc Reviewers to Assist SACC in Reviewing Phthalate Documents, Will Hold Meeting in May 2023

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on December 21, 2022, that it seeks public nominations of scientific and technical experts whom EPA can consider for service as ad hoc reviewers assisting the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) with the peer review of two draft documents entitled “Draft Proposed Principles of Cumulative Risk Assessment Under the Toxic Substances Control Act” and “Draft Proposed Approach for Cumulative Risk Assessment of...
November 29, 2022

EPA Requests Nominations for Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals

By Lynn L. Bergeson and Carla N. Hutton   The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on November 10, 2022, that it is requesting nominations of prospective candidates for membership on the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) established under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). 87 Fed. Reg. 67898. Any interested person or organization may nominate qualified persons to be considered for appointment to the SACC. Individuals may also self-nominate. Nominations are...
November 11, 2022

EPA Requests Nominations for Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on November 10, 2022, that it is requesting nominations of prospective candidates for membership on the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) established under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). 87 Fed. Reg. 67898. Any interested person or organization may nominate qualified persons to be considered for appointment to the SACC. Individuals may also self-nominate. Nominations are due December 12,...
July 26, 2022

EPA Publishes Meeting Minutes and Final Report for April 2022 SACC Meeting on Draft TSCA Systematic Review Protocol

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on July 21, 2022, that the meeting minutes and final report (final report) are now available for the April 19-21, 2022, Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) virtual meeting regarding EPA’s proposed Draft Systematic Review Protocol Supporting TSCA Risk Evaluations for Chemical Substances Version 1.0 (Draft Protocol). As reported in our December 21, 2021, memorandum, EPA released the Draft...
May 19, 2022

EPA Releases Meeting Minutes and Final Report for March SACC Meeting on Draft TSCA Screening Level Approach for Fenceline Communities

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on May 19, 2022, the availability of the meeting minutes and final report for the March 15-17, 2022, Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) virtual meeting regarding EPA’s proposed Screening Level Approach for Assessing Ambient Air and Water Exposures to Fenceline Communities Version 1.0 under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). According to the meeting minutes and final report, SACC “agreed that the methodological...
April 21, 2022

Meeting Recordings and Transcript Available for TSCA SACC Peer Review of Screening Level Approach for Assessing Ambient Air and Water Exposures to Fenceline Communities

On March 15-17, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a meeting of the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) to peer review EPA’s “Draft TSCA Screening Level Approach for Assessing Ambient Air and Water Exposures to Fenceline Communities Version 1.0” (screening methodology). As reported in our January 24, 2022, memorandum, EPA will use the screening methodology to evaluate potential chemical exposures and associated potential risks to fenceline communities...
March 10, 2022

Registration Opens for April SACC Meeting on Draft TSCA Systematic Review Protocol

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on March 10, 2022, that registration is now open for the April 19-21, 2022, virtual meeting of the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC). During the meeting, SACC will peer review the draft Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Systematic Review Protocol. SACC’s virtual meeting is open to the public, and registration is required. EPA states that the draft Protocol, released in December 2021 for public comment,...
February 8, 2022

Registration Opens for SACC Meeting on Draft Screening Level Approach for Fenceline Communities; EPA Extends Comment Period

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on February 7, 2022, that registration is now open for the March 15-17. 2022, meeting of the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) to peer review EPA’s “Draft TSCA Screening Level Approach for Assessing Ambient Air and Water Exposures to Fenceline Communities Version 1.0” (screening level methodology). As reported in our January 24, 2022, memorandum, EPA will use the screening level methodology to evaluate potential...
January 21, 2022

EPA Requests Comment on Draft TSCA Screening Level Approach for Assessing Exposures to Fenceline Communities, Will Hold Peer Review Meeting in March

On January 21, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it will hold a virtual peer review meeting of the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) to consider and review the “Draft TSCA Screening Level Approach for Assessing Ambient Air and Water Exposures to Fenceline Communities Version 1.0.” 87 Fed. Reg. 3294. The meeting will be held March 15-17, 2022, and will be open to the public. Along with presenting the methodology, EPA will also...
January 14, 2022

EPA Accepting Comments on Candidates to Be Ad Hoc Reviewers for Draft TSCA Systematic Review Protocol

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on January 13, 2022, that it is accepting public comments on candidates under consideration for selection as ad hoc peer reviewers assisting the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) with its review of the Draft Systematic Review Protocol Supporting TSCA Risk Evaluations for Chemical Substances. This comment period follows a previous 30-day call for nominations that ended on November 17, 2021. EPA will use comments on the...
December 22, 2021

OCSPP Accepting Comment on Candidates for ad hoc Reviewers for Draft TSCA Screening Level Approach for Assessing Ambient Air and Water Exposures to Fenceline Communities

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) is accepting public comments on candidates under consideration for selection as ad hoc reviewers assisting the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) with their review of the draft EPA Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Screening Level Approach for Assessing Ambient Air and Water Exposures to Fenceline Communities. EPA will use the comments to assist it in selecting approximately...
December 21, 2021

EPA Releases Draft TSCA Systematic Review Protocol for Public Comment

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of the Draft Systematic Review Protocol Supporting TSCA Risk Evaluations for Chemical Substances (Draft Protocol) on December 20, 2021. 86 Fed. Reg. 71891. According to EPA, the Draft Protocol includes a revised generic approach for Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)-related approaches accounting for previous peer review comments from the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) reviews of risk...
October 27, 2021

EPA Requests Nominations of Individuals with Experience in Systematic Review or Exposures to Fenceline Communities for Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals

On October 27, 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requested public nominations of scientific experts to consider for service as ad hoc reviewers assisting the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) with two peer review topics anticipated for early 2022: the draft EPA Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Systematic Review Protocol and the draft EPA TSCA Screening Level Approach for Assessing Ambient Air and Water Exposures to Fenceline Communities. 86...
July 15, 2021

EPA Appoints New Members to TSCA SACC

On June 15, 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) appointed nine new members to serve on the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC). Additionally, EPA appointed a new Chair and reappointed seven existing members. In EPA’s July 13, 2021, announcement, EPA notes that members of the TSCA SACC serve staggered terms of appointment, generally of three years. They possess expertise in scientific and technical fields relevant to chemical risk...
October 16, 2020

EPA Will Provide Minimum 30-Day Public Comment Period on Draft Risk Evaluations

Alexandra Dapolito Dunn, Assistant Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) stated on October 11, 2019, that EPA will provide more time for public comment on its draft risk evaluations before the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) meets to peer review the draft documents.  According to Dunn, the new schedule will include a comment period of at least 30 days...
October 5, 2020

EPA Accepting Public Comments for Candidates under Consideration for TSCA SACC Membership

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting public comments for all candidates under consideration for membership on the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC).  Biographies for all candidates are available in Docket ID EPA-HQ-OPPT-2020-0135.  When providing comments, EPA states that stakeholders should not submit electronically any information considered to be confidential business information (CBI) or other information whose...
April 21, 2020

EPA Postpones SACC Meeting on Asbestos

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has postponed the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) peer review virtual meeting scheduled for April 27-30, 2020, due to recent changes in the availability of SACC members for the review.  EPA states that given the importance of the draft risk evaluation for asbestos, it believes that “rescheduling for a time when more members are available is critical and will allow for a more robust...
March 27, 2020

EPA Seeks Nominations For TSCA SACC

By Lynn L. Bergeson EPA published a Federal Register notice on March 20, 2020, inviting the public to nominate scientific experts from a diverse range of disciplines to be considered for appointment to the TSCA Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC). 85 Fed. Reg. 16094. EPA is seeking nominations of individuals who have demonstrated high levels of expertise in scientific and/or technical fields relevant to chemical safety and risk assessment, including, but not limited to:...
March 23, 2020

EPA Seeks Nominations for TSCA SACC

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a Federal Register notice on March 20, 2020, inviting the public to nominate scientific experts from a diverse range of disciplines to be considered for appointment to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC).  85 Fed. Reg. 16094.  EPA is seeking nominations of individuals who have demonstrated high levels of expertise in scientific and/or technical fields relevant to...
March 20, 2020

TSCA SACC Meeting on TCE Will Be Virtual Meeting

In a Federal Register notice published on March 20, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that the March 24-26, 2020, Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) meeting to review the draft risk evaluation for trichloroethylene (TCE) is being changed to a virtual public meeting.  85 Fed. Reg. 16096.  Participation will be by telephone and webcast only.  EPA states the meeting times and...
February 26, 2020

Comments on Draft Risk Evaluation for Trichloroethylene Due April 27

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a notice in the Federal Register on February 26, 2020, announcing the availability of the draft risk evaluation for trichloroethylene (TCE), “a chemical used as a solvent and an intermediate for refrigerant manufacture in industrial and commercial processes, and with limited consumers uses like as a spot cleaner in dry cleaning facilities.”  85 Fed. Reg. 11079.  EPA assessed 54 conditions of use of...
February 24, 2020

EPA Releases Draft Risk Evaluation for Trichloroethylene

 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released on February 21, 2020, the draft risk evaluation for trichloroethylene (TCE), “a chemical used as a solvent and an intermediate for refrigerant manufacture in industrial and commercial processes, and with limited consumers uses like as a spot cleaner in dry cleaning facilities.”  EPA assessed 54 conditions of use of TCE, and the draft risk evaluation includes the following findings: EPA notes that the draft risk...
October 26, 2019

Draft Risk Evaluation of Methylene Chloride Will Be Published on October 29; SACC Will Review It in December

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will publish a Federal Register notice on October 29, 2019, announcing the availability of and soliciting public comment on the draft Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) risk evaluation of methylene chloride (MC).  EPA states that it is also submitting the same document to the TSCA Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) for peer review and that SACC will hold an in-person public meeting to consider and review the draft risk evaluation...
October 26, 2019

Draft Risk Evaluation of Methylene Chloride Will Be Published on October 29; SACC Will Review It in December

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will publish a Federal Register notice on October 29, 2019, announcing the availability of and soliciting public comment on the draft Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) risk evaluation of methylene chloride (MC).  EPA states that it is also submitting the same document to the TSCA Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) for peer review and that SACC will hold an in-person public meeting to consider and review the draft...
October 3, 2019

EPA Publishes TSCA SACC Meeting Minutes and Final Report on Draft Risk Evaluation for PV29

On September 30, 2019, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of the meeting minutes and final report for the June 18-21, 2019, meeting of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) on the draft risk evaluation for Pigment Violet 29 (PV29).  SACC’s report addresses the scientific issues being considered by EPA regarding the peer review for the draft risk evaluation.  As reported in our...
August 29, 2019

TSCA SACC Will Meet In Person September 10-12, 2019, in Arlington, Virginia

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Toxic Substances Control Act Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (TSCA SACC) will peer review EPA’s draft risk evaluation for 1-bromopropane (1-BP) on September 10-12, 2019.  The meeting will be held at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport, 2799 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia.  As reported in our August 9, 2019, blog item, EPA released the draft risk evaluation for...
August 9, 2019

EPA Releases Draft Risk Evaluation for 1-BP

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released on August 9, 2019, the draft risk evaluation for 1-bromopropane (1-BP), the fourth of the first ten chemicals undergoing risk evaluation under the amended Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).  EPA made the following initial determinations on risk: EPA states that these initial determinations may change as its evaluation becomes more refined through the public and peer review process.  The draft risk evaluation, including...
December 31, 2018

EPA Update Regarding TSCA SACC Meetings on C.I. Pigment Violet 29 Draft Risk Evaluation

On December 31, 2018, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), even though they had already shut down due to funding issues, announced that if the government shutdown continues through 5:00 p.m. (EST) January 4, 2019, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals’ (SACC) January 8, 2019, Preparatory Virtual Meeting for the January 29 through February 1, 2019, meeting on Colour Index (C.I.) Pigment Violet 29 will be cancelled, and...
September 13, 2018

EPA Requests Nominations of Experts for Ad Hoc Participation in TSCA SACC

On September 13, 2018, EPA announced it was requesting public nominations of scientific experts to be considered for ad hoc participation and possible membership on the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC).  83 Fed. Reg. 46487.  The notice states that all nominees will be considered for ad hoc participation in the TSCA SACC’s peer reviews of the EPA’s risk evaluations for the first ten chemical substances...
September 6, 2017

EPA Extends Period for Comments on SACC Candidates

On September 6, 2017, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a notice in the Federal Register extending the period for public comments on the candidates for consideration for the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals from September 5, 2017, to September 17, 2017.  Comments can be submitted online in Docket Identification Number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2016-0713. EPA is considering candidates for SACC membership listed in the August 26, 2016, Federal...
August 3, 2017

EPA Nominates Additional Candidates for Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals; Requests Public Comments

On August 3, 2017, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a notice on further nominations to the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC).  EPA’s notice provides the names and affiliations of 64 additional candidates currently under consideration for appointment to SACC.  Biographical sketches for these candidates will be are posted on EPA’s website.  EPA will also be considering the 29 candidates for membership previously identified in...
February 14, 2017

EPA Announces the Membership of the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) announced on its website on February 9, 2017, that it has established the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC).  EPA was required to form the SACC within one year after enactment of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act.  The timing is interesting given that the deadline for public comments on the nominees was January 9, 2017,...
August 26, 2016

EPA Establishes Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals, and Requests Comments and Nominations

On August 26, 2016, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a notice of the establishment of a Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) under Section 9(a) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act and pursuant to Section 26(o) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), as amended by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act.  The notice also solicits comments and requests nominations for new members of the SACC.  The SACC expects to...