EPA Begins Prioritization Process for Risk Evaluations of 40 Chemicals

The Environmental Protection Agency is initiating the prioritization process for risk evaluations on 40 chemicals under recently added provisions of the Toxic Substances Control Act. EPA has identified 20 candidates for designation as high priority chemicals, and 20 for designation as low priority. After it completes the prioritization process, EPA will immediately begin the risk evaluation process for any chemicals it designates as high priority. Designations as low risk chemicals or the implementation of restrictions on chemicals designated as high-risk will pre-empt any state restrictions on the chemicals. Comments on risk prioritization for the 40 chemicals identified in the notice are due June 18.