HAZARD ASSESSMENT of TOXIC CHEMICALS
Essentially, the phase i report provides a source analysis of reported effects. It summarizes and analyzes
the major sources of exposure, available statutory authority, regulatory status, information gaps still to
be filled and the key issues raised by discussion of the chemical. In the course of its preparation, the
report undergoes EPA-wide review, as did its predecessor, the chip
Upon completion of the report, the program integration and control action division in the office of toxic
substances prepares an analysis of statutory options relevant to the source of exposure decribed in the
phase I report. The Toxic Substances prepares an analysis of statutory options relevant to the sources of
exposure described in the phase I report. The toxic substances priorities committee, after studying the
phase I chemical disposition, will select an option from those recommended and propose either
regulation or further evaluation. Having come this far, it is likely that a chemical will be kept in the
assessment process. However, a decision will be made here about who should carry out the evaluation.
If regulation seems likely, technical information about the compound needs careful evaluation. This
extremely labor-intensive task is done only at the last stage of assessment.
In the chemical risk evaluation document or phase II report, the reported effects are validated and
estimates of risk and of the risk reduction potential of the control options are made.
The programs present status
An overview of how TSCA is being implemented, at least so far as chemical selection and evaluation are
concerned has been presented above. The assessment program is currently unfolding as follows.
The envisaged system of chemical selection under TSCA described above is used by the ITC and
will soon be adopted by OTS for assessment purposes.
The approximately number of section 8(E) notices reviewed is at 240 and about 20 of those
being tracked in the assessment process as subjects for chips
Approximately 35 CHIPs have been reviewed this year, and 5 were recommended for continued
assessment in the office of toxic substances
Sixteen chemicals are currently being reviewed at the initial hazard assessment stage, six more
are awaiting consideration, and other candidates are being sought.
As yet, no chemicals have reached the stage of a detailed risk assessment through the formal chemical
selection and evaluation assessment process outlined here, but three assessments, on asbestos, NTA
and chlorofluorocarbons are contemplated and a few of the sixteen chemicals currently undergoing
chemical source/effects analysis are likely candidates.
Participation of the scientific community in TSCA
OTS welcomes the input of the scientific community throughout the stages of the assessment process.
Indeed, public review is written into the TSCA. The participation of scientists is sought not only in the
review phase but also during the preparation of documents. Those willing to review documents for EPA
are encouraged to notify the agency.
Essentially, the phase i report provides a source analysis of reported effects. It summarizes and analyzes
the major sources of exposure, available statutory authority, regulatory status, information gaps still to
be filled and the key issues raised by discussion of the chemical. In the course of its preparation, the
report undergoes EPA-wide review, as did its predecessor, the chip
Upon completion of the report, the program integration and control action division in the office of toxic
substances prepares an analysis of statutory options relevant to the source of exposure decribed in the
phase I report. The Toxic Substances prepares an analysis of statutory options relevant to the sources of
exposure described in the phase I report. The toxic substances priorities committee, after studying the
phase I chemical disposition, will select an option from those recommended and propose either
regulation or further evaluation. Having come this far, it is likely that a chemical will be kept in the
assessment process. However, a decision will be made here about who should carry out the evaluation.
If regulation seems likely, technical information about the compound needs careful evaluation. This
extremely labor-intensive task is done only at the last stage of assessment.
In the chemical risk evaluation document or phase II report, the reported effects are validated and
estimates of risk and of the risk reduction potential of the control options are made.
The programs present status
An overview of how TSCA is being implemented, at least so far as chemical selection and evaluation are
concerned has been presented above. The assessment program is currently unfolding as follows.
The envisaged system of chemical selection under TSCA described above is used by the ITC and
will soon be adopted by OTS for assessment purposes.
The approximately number of section 8(E) notices reviewed is at 240 and about 20 of those
being tracked in the assessment process as subjects for chips
Approximately 35 CHIPs have been reviewed this year, and 5 were recommended for continued
assessment in the office of toxic substances
Sixteen chemicals are currently being reviewed at the initial hazard assessment stage, six more
are awaiting consideration, and other candidates are being sought.
As yet, no chemicals have reached the stage of a detailed risk assessment through the formal chemical
selection and evaluation assessment process outlined here, but three assessments, on asbestos, NTA
and chlorofluorocarbons are contemplated and a few of the sixteen chemicals currently undergoing
chemical source/effects analysis are likely candidates.
Participation of the scientific community in TSCA
OTS welcomes the input of the scientific community throughout the stages of the assessment process.
Indeed, public review is written into the TSCA. The participation of scientists is sought not only in the
review phase but also during the preparation of documents. Those willing to review documents for EPA
are encouraged to notify the agency.
