The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting nominations for peer reviewers to assess the scientific risk evaluations of five phthalates—BBP, DBP, DEHP, DIBP, and DCHP. The evaluations, integral to regulatory decisions under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), will undergo public peer review in spring 2025.
Purpose of the Peer Review
The EPA aims to ensure that the risk evaluation of phthalates, chemicals linked to male reproductive health issues and found in various consumer products, meets the highest scientific standards. Phthalates have been detected in food and human blood, with prenatal exposure linked to conditions like “phthalate syndrome,” affecting male reproductive development.
Reviewer Requirements
The agency is looking for experts with qualifications in toxicology, risk assessment, biostatistics, epidemiology, or related fields. Selected reviewers will evaluate the methodologies and scientific approaches used in draft evaluations.
Nominees must also provide financial disclosures to ensure impartiality, avoiding any conflict of interest in the peer review process.
Public Participation and Deadlines
Public engagement is a key component. Stakeholders will have access to technical support documents, expected to be released incrementally over the next six months, ensuring adequate time for review and feedback. The deadline for nominations is 30 days from the Federal Register notice publication, with submissions directed to the EPA Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC).
Impact on Regulatory Decisions
The SACC's review will influence EPA's final risk evaluations and risk management measures for these phthalates. The agency emphasises the importance of diverse scientific perspectives in shaping policy decisions.
