EPA releases final draft scope documents for 20 ‘high priority’ chemical risk evaluations

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency has finalized draft scope documents for 20 additional chemicals the agency has designated as high-priority substances for risk evaluation under the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, according to a notice published in the Sept. 4. Federal Register.

The Lautenberg Act, which amended the Toxic Substances Control Act, requires EPA to release a scope document for each chemical, outlining hazards, exposures, conditions of use, and potentially exposed or susceptible subpopulations.

A notice published in the Dec. 30 Federal Register states that a chemical identified as high priority is required to undergo a three-year evaluation for potential health and environmental risks. Such a designation, however, “is not a finding of unreasonable risk.”

The chemicals include:

• Seven chlorinated solvents
• Six phthalates, or hormone-disrupting substances, linked to several health issues
• Four flame retardants
• Formaldehyde
• One fragrance additive
• One polymer precursor

EPA said it weighed 78 unique submissions received during the public comment period for the draft scope documents after requesting input in April. The American Chemistry Council, a trade association representing chemical manufacturers, lauded the action in a Sept. 4 statement.

“ACC will continue to support the efficient and effective implementation of TSCA,” the statement reads. “Successful implementation of this important bipartisan legislation is essential to ensuring protections for human health and environment.”

The 20 chemicals are separate from the first 10 chemicals being evaluated for potential health and environmental risks under the Lautenberg Act.