The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced updates to the peer review process for the chemical risk assessments of two chlorinated solvents: 1,1-dichloroethane (1,1-DCA) and 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA). This move reflects the EPA's ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and scientific rigor in the regulation of chemical safety.
Specific Actions
The EPA is announcing the change in the peer review mechanism from the letter peer review to a Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) peer review. In addition, the EPA is currently soliciting public comments on candidates for the SACC reviewers, with the public comment period ending 15 days after the notification is published in the Federal Register on June 13. The EPA has also included the human health risk assessment of 1,2-DCA in the peer review process.
Basis for Implementation
EPA established the SACC in 2016 in accordance with TSCA, 15 U.S.C. 2625(o), to provide independent advice and expert consultation with respect to the scientific and technical aspects of issues relating to the implementation of TSCA. The SACC operates in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C. 10, and supports activities under TSCA, 15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq., the Pollution Prevention Act (PPA), 42 U.S.C. 13101 et seq., and other applicable statutes.
Implementation Timeline
While the EPA has not specified an exact timeline for the peer reviews, it has committed to completing the risk assessment for 1,1-DCA by the end of this year. The timeline for the assessment of 1,2-DCA has not yet been determined, but the EPA's recent actions indicate that it may be one of seven reviews planned to be completed by the end of 2025.
People Affected
This action is directed to the public in general and may be of particular interest to those involved in the manufacture, processing, distribution, and disposal of the subject chemical substance, and/or those interested in the assessment of risks involving chemical substances and mixtures regulated under TSCA.
Matters Needing Attention
Do not electronically submit any information you consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Copyrighted material will not be posted without explicit permission of the copyright holder. Members of the public should also be aware that personal contact information, if included in any written comments, may be posted on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov. If your comment contains any information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected, please contact the DFO listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT to obtain special instructions before submitting that information.
