EPA has released a list of 18 chemicals, slated for risk assessments in 2013 and 2014, that are found in various commercial products. The agency requests comments by August 31, 2012, on five chlorinated hydrocarbons, three flame retardants, four fragrance chemicals, and six other chemicals.
According to EPA, the 18 chemicals were drawn from an initial list of 83 candidates the agency released in March for potential risk assessments. The latest chemicals were selected for review because they are “associated with specific hazards such as potential carcinogenicity or reproductive or developmental toxicity”; present “persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic potential”; and are “found in biomonitoring or reported in consumer products.”
“If an assessment indicates no significant risk, EPA will conclude its current work on that chemical,” the agency said. “Over time, additional chemicals will be added to the work plan as more data are developed and more chemicals screened.”
EPA plans to use issue draft risk assessments on the chemicals for public review and comment later this year and pursue appropriate risk-reduction actions if needed. “If an assessment indicates no significant risk, EPA will conclude its current work on that chemical,” the agency said. “Over time, additional chemicals will be added to the work plan as more data are developed and more chemicals screened.”
