Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency is seeking feedback on separate draft risk evaluations, including a potential landmark finding that a fragrance additive doesn’t pose “unreasonable risk” in work situations.
In a draft risk evaluation published April 14, EPA says that 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta [g]-2-benzopyran – a fragrance ingredient also known as HHCB that’s used in air care, perfumes and cleaning products – doesn’t pose unreasonable risk under working conditions.
No previous EPA risk evaluation for chemicals regulated under Section 6 of the Toxic Substances Control Act has found zero unreasonable risk since the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act amended TSCA in 2016.
EPA says it used monitoring data and modeling to assess risks under 22 conditions of use for HHCB, which is known as Galaxolide commercially. The agency adds that it followed “gold standard scientific practices” in combining “screening-level approaches and refined analysis” to complete its “very conservative evaluation.”
EPA notes that the European Union and Australian National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme – now known as the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme – support the finding.
Environmental organization Weaving Voices for Health and Justice has previously cited studies reporting on HHCB’s “potential for endocrine disruption, reproductive and developmental toxicity, and mutagenicity/genotoxicity.” The group also points to research showing widespread Galaxolide contamination in the Great Lakes.
At press time, an organization spokesperson said that although Weaving Voices hadn’t yet drafted a formal comment on the draft risk evaluation, “we have worked over the years to raise awareness about exposure to this toxic fragrance chemical and we remain concerned about its potential environmental and human health impacts.”
Additionally, EPA is accepting public comment on a draft risk evaluation for phthalic anhydride, a reactant used for processing adhesives; laboratory chemicals; and various paints, coatings and plastics.
Preliminary findings show that the substance presents unreasonable risk to workers under 36 conditions. Among them:
- Domestic manufacture and import
- Industrial use in construction and building materials covering large surface areas
- Industrial use in paints and coatings
- Industrial use in adhesives and sealants
- Processing in rubber product manufacturing
The deadline to submit comments is June 15.
As required under the TSCA, EPA has scheduled a meeting of its Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals to review documents before a final risk evaluation is published. SACC is set to meet virtually from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern on June 8-12.
HHCB and phthalic anhydride are among 20 chemicals that EPA, in late 2019, designated as high-priority for risk evaluation under the Lautenberg Act.
