Under the mandate of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is tasked with evaluating the potential health and environmental risks posed by chemicals in circulation. Among these, di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP) and di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) have come under scrutiny due to their widespread use as plasticizers.
However, despite the completion of draft risk evaluations for DIDP and DINP by the EPA, the crucial phase of independent scientific peer review remains pending. This essential process ensures that assessments are based on sound scientific methodology and incorporate the most reliable available data.
To facilitate this peer review, the EPA is actively soliciting nominations of scientific experts to serve as ad hoc reviewers for the esteemed Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC). The SACC, renowned for its independent advisory role, is responsible for providing expert peer review specifically tailored to EPA’s chemical safety programs.
The importance of having qualified independent experts critically analyze the draft risk evaluations for DIDP and DINP cannot be overstated. Such scrutiny ensures that the EPA’s decisions regarding risk management for these chemicals are grounded in robust and defensible science, thereby upholding the highest standards of scientific integrity and instilling increased confidence in the final evaluations.
The EPA issued a Federal Register notice on February 29, 2024, inviting nominations of scientific experts specializing in areas such as toxicology, exposure assessment, and risk assessment to serve as ad hoc peer reviewers for the SACC committee. Nominations are due by April 1, 2024, with the SACC peer review public meeting scheduled for summer 2024.
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FAQs:
What is the role of the ad hoc peer reviewers?
Ad hoc reviewers will meticulously evaluate EPA’s draft risk evaluations for DIDP and DINP, scrutinizing facets such as hazard assessment, exposure analysis, and risk characterization. Their insights and recommendations will be submitted to the SACC for consideration.
Who is eligible to be nominated as a peer reviewer?
EPA seeks experts from diverse fields including toxicology, epidemiology, risk assessment, exposure assessment, environmental fate and transport, and more. Both nationally and internationally recognized scientists are eligible for nomination.
How can I submit a nomination?
Nominations can be submitted through the SACC website at www.epa.gov/sacc by the April 1, 2024, deadline. Detailed instructions for the nomination process are outlined in the February 29th Federal Register notice.
Will the peer review be open to the public?
Yes, the SACC meeting scheduled for summer 2024 to peer review the DIDP and DINP evaluations will offer opportunities for public engagement, including written and oral comments.
