Risk Evaluations for Four Prioritized Chemicals

Exposure to hazardous chemicals in the workplace can put people’s health and safety at risk. When an industry trade group wanted to evaluate risks for four prioritized chemicals being considered in a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) draft document, they engaged our services. Our ChemRisk team critiqued and provided commentary on the draft Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

After reviewing occupational exposure assessment methods for all routes of exposure, we provided in-depth commentary and alternative strategies for each of the four chemicals—including alternate data sources, analysis methods, and exposure assumptions that the EPA could use to strengthen the exposure assessments.

On behalf of our client, we submitted our comments to the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals and to the EPA for consideration in their revisions to the draft risk evaluations. We also prepared a presentation and spoke to the Scientific Advisory Committee about one of the chemicals. In response to our comments, the EPA performed additional statistical analyses of occupational exposure data, and updated risk evaluation discussions in the final risk evaluation.

By applying occupational exposure data, our client accurately updated their risk evaluation. We're continuing to work with them to provide support in the risk management phase of the TSCA process.