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CHEMICALS TO BE EVALUATED FOR RISKS TO CHILDREN
Release Date: 06/29/2001
Contact Information:
Environmental News
FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2001
CHEMICALS TO BE EVALUATED FOR RISKS TO CHILDREN
David Deegan 202-564-7839; deegan.dave@epa.gov
CHEMICALS TO BE EVALUATED FOR RISKS TO CHILDREN
David Deegan 202-564-7839; deegan.dave@epa.gov
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Christie Whitman announced today that 36 chemical manufacturers have committed to providing information critical to evaluating the potential health risks to children from 20 commonly used commercial chemicals. Health and safety data on the 20 chemicals are being developed under the Voluntary Children’s Chemical Evaluation Program, which was announced by EPA in December 2000.
“I am very pleased with the successful launch of this program,” commented Whitman. “A partnership between government, industry and advocates can achieve major results when we work together to find solutions to environmental issues.” Whitman continued, “This effort will make a solid contribution so that both public health agencies and individual families can better understand the potential risks that our children face from chemicals found in their environment. I commend the companies who are making this ground-breaking effort possible.”
Research has shown that the chemicals selected for this program have been found in human tissues, and may be present in drinking water or indoor air. While some of these chemicals are used to manufacture common household products such as plastics, fibers, lubricants, detergents and drugs, there has not previously been adequate evaluation to determine whether or not there are any associated health risks for children.
The voluntary program was developed over a two-year period, drawing on extensive stakeholder input to establish workable guidelines on chemical testing, as an alternative to promulgation of regulations by EPA to require hazard testing on these chemicals. Participating companies have committed to preparing hazard, exposure and risk assessments, and then will engage in a public, science-based process to evaluate whether the data developed adequately characterize potential risks to children. On a case-by-case basis, additional studies may be undertaken for the chemicals if more detailed data are needed to fully understand potential risks for children.
The first assessments are expected to be submitted to EPA in summer 2002. Additional information on the Voluntary Children’s Chemical Evaluation Program, the participating companies and the individual chemicals is available at: www.epa.gov/chemrtk/vcceprsp.htm .
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