Recent Additions for 2014

EPA announces the availability of the final report, SUMMARY REPORT: State-of-the-Science Workshop on Chemically-Induced Mouse Lung Tumors: Applications to Human Health Assessments. EPA hosted a two-day, state-of-the-science workshop in January 2014, which covered a broad range of evidence from human, animal, and in vitro studies with a focus on specific chemicals (ethylbenzene, naphthalene, and styrene) that cause lung tumors in mice and are implicated in a proposed species-specific mode of action (MOA) based on metabolic and physiological susceptibility. The report is a brief summary of the proceedings of the workshop.

EPA announced that dibutyl phthalate (DBP) has been added to the agenda for the February 2015 IRIS Public Science Meeting. The preliminary materials for DBP will be released in mid-January. There are specific deadlines for DBP discussant registration and comments which are posted on the February 2015 IRIS Bimonthly Public Meeting web site.

EPA is announcing the availability of the final IRIS Summary for Libby Amphibole asbestos and an accompanying toxicological review, fact sheet, and frequently asked questions have been posted to the IRIS website. The Interagency Science Discussion Draft of the Libby Amphibole Asbestos IRIS Assessment was also released. [Press Release December 8, 2014]

EPA announced the availability of the draft report, Regional Monitoring Networks to Detect Climate Change Effects in Stream Ecosystems (External Review Draft) for a 30-day public review and comment period. Any comments received on the draft report within the next 60-days will be considered by EPA in their revisions. Comments should be in writing and must be received by EPA by December 29, 2014. [Federal Register Notice November 28, 2014]

EPA announced that they have canceled the December IRIS Bimonthly Public Science Meeting on BBP and DIBP and will instead discuss these chemicals at the February 25-26, 2015 meeting. EPA previously announced on October 15, 2014, an agreement with the National Academies' National Research Council (NRC) to arrange for independent experts input on the science underlying the development of IRIS assessments through participation in IRIS Bimonthly Public Science Meetings. These independent experts, speaking on their own behalf, will contribute to the scientific discussions of issues amongst EPA, stakeholders, and the public. The February meeting will be the first event where NRC identified experts will join the public discussion on preliminary assessment materials.

EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) office announced the dates for two meetings of the Chemical Assessment Advisory Committee (CAAC), augmented for the review of the draft IRIS assessment of ammonia; the first scheduled for (12/17/2014) and the second for (12/19/2014). A revised draft of the assessment was posted on the IRIS web site in August 2013, when it is transmitted to the SAB for review. Please visit the SAB website for additional information. Any related questions should be directed to the SAB. [SAB FR Notice November 17, 2014]

The IRIS Program announced that they have posted the schedule and dates for the 2015 IRIS Bimonthly Public Science Meetings. The specific dates are listed on the IRIS calendar and will include meeting materials before each meeting is announced on the IRIS recent additions.

In October, the IRIS Program announced that the bimonthly public science meetings will now be supplemented by scientific experts identified by the National Academies: National Research Council (NRC). These independent experts will provide valuable scientific input and broaden the range of perspectives represented at our public meetings.

EPA posted the agenda and key science issues for the upcoming the IRIS Public Science Meeting (scheduled for October 29-30, 2014 in Arlington, VA) to discuss preliminary materials for the draft development of the IRIS assessments of Diisononyl Phthalate (DINP) and Hexavalent Chromium (Cr(VI)).

EPA announces the availability of preliminary materials (literature search and search strategy, evidence tables, and exposure-response figures) for diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) and butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) for public review and comment. These materials will be discussed at the upcoming December IRIS public science meeting scheduled for December 15-16, 2014 in Arlington, Virginia.

EPA is announcing the release of the final report, Next Generation Risk Assessment: Incorporation of Recent Advances in Molecular, Computational, and Systems Biology. This report describes new approaches that are faster, less resource intensive, and more robust that can help address the challenges of assessing potential health hazards for large number of chemicals introduced into the environment and to evaluate their safety from the perspective of human health. This report describes how new molecular, computational and systems biology data and approaches (together called "NexGen") could better inform risk assessment. Learn more about the NexGen Program at http://epa.gov/risk/nexgen.

EPA is announcing the availability of the draft report, IRIS Toxicological Review of Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) (External Review Draft), as it was submitted to the Science Advisory Board (SAB) Chemical Assessment Advisory Committee (CAAC), augmented for the review of the draft IRIS assessment. Details about the CAAC-benzo[a]pyrene panel, meeting dates and times will be announced in a Federal Register Notice by the SAB. The SAB will provide information on how the public can participate in the external peer review meetings, as well as instructions about how to provide comments to the SAB in the notice. Additional information on the SAB CAAC review of benzo[a]pyrene is on the SAB website.

EPA announces the final report, Child-Specific Exposure Scenarios Examples. This report is intended to be a companion document to the Exposure Factors Handbook (U.S. EPA 2011). The example scenarios were compiled from questions and inquiries received from users of the Exposure Factors Handbook (EFH) on how to select data from the EFH to assess childhood exposures.

EPA is announcing the availability of the final report,Best Practices for Continuous Monitoring of Temperature and Flow in Wadeable Streams. This best practices final report describes sensor deployment for and collection of continuous temperature and flow data at ungaged sites in wadeable streams. It was written to address questions related to equipment needs; configuration, placement, and installation of equipment; and data retrieval and processing.

EPA's SAB Advisory Panel announced a public teleconference to be held on October 3, 2013 for a discussion on EPA's draft Report on the Environment 2014. This follows after a face-to-face meeting that was held on July 30-31, 2014 to respond to charge questions on the web site. Specifically, the Agency requested the SAB to comment on the clarity of the ROE objectives for various audiences, the overarching conceptual framework based on a sustainability theme, the addition of statistical information for individual indicators, and the presentation of the ROE 2014 features in the online format. The purpose of the upcoming teleconference is for the SAB Panel to discuss its draft advisory report. [SAB Federal Register Notice Aug 30, 2014]

EPA announced the upcoming October IRIS public science meeting scheduled for October 29-30, 2014 in Arlington, Virginia. In addition, EPA posted preliminary materials (literature search and search strategy, evidence tables, and exposure-response figures) for diisononyl phthalate (DINP) and hexavalent chromium - Part 2 (Cr(VI)) for public review and comment.

EPA hosted a Bimonthly IRIS public meeting on September 3, 2014, to provide an opportunity for the public to give input and participate in an open discussion regarding scoping and problem formulation materials for new IRIS assessments (ethylbenzene and naphthalene) prior to the development of the draft assessments. The EPA presentations are now availble from the IRIS meeting web site.

On September 26, 2014, EPA's SAB will conduct a quality review of the draft report entitled SAB Review of the Draft EPA Report Connectivity of Streams and Wetlands to Downstream Waters (August 11, 2014, Draft). This draft SAB panel report peer reviews the EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD) draft report Connectivity of Streams and Wetlands to Downstream Waters: A Review and Synthesis of the Scientific Evidence (September, 2013 External Review Draft, EPA/600/R-11/098B). The ORD draft report was written to inform development of a rule proposed by the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to clarify the definition of waters of the United States under the Clean Water Act. The SAB panel was charged with reviewing the overall clarity and technical accuracy of the ORD draft report, whether it included and correctly summarized the most relevant peer-reviewed scientific literature, and whether the findings and conclusions were supported by the available science. [SAB Federal Register Notice Aug 27, 2014]

EPA hosted a Bimonthly IRIS public meeting on June 25-27, 2014, to provide an opportunity for the public to give input and participate in an open discussion regarding preliminary materials that were prepared for the IRIS chemicals (hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI) and inorganic arsenic (iAs)) prior to the development of the draft assessments. The EPA presentations and material presented by the public are now availble from the IRIS meeting web site.

EPA transmitted the revised external review draft of the ethylene oxide assessment to the SAB for peer review by the SAB Chemical Assessment Advisory Committee (CAAC), augmented for the review of the draft IRIS assessment of ethylene oxide (CAAC-Ethylene oxide panel). Additionally, the draft assessment and charge to the peer reviewers were made available on the IRIS website. Any questions about this activity should be directed to the SAB. [SAB FR Notice August 11, 2014]

EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) office announced the dates for two meetings of the Chemical Assessment Advisory Committee (CAAC), augmented for the review of the draft IRIS assessment of ethylene oxide; a public teleconference (09/30/2014) and a face-to-face meeting (11/18 through 11/20/2014). A draft of the assessment will be posted on the IRIS web site on or about August 15th, when it is transmitted to the SAB for review. Once the draft is posted, please visit the SAB website for additional information. Any related questions should be directed to the SAB. [SAB FR Notice August 11, 2014]

EPA announced the September 2014 IRIS Public Science Meeting. In addition, EPA released scoping and problem formulation materials for new IRIS assessments of ethylbenzene and naphthalene for public comment and discussion. The scoping information was based on input from EPA's program and regional offices and was provided for informational purposes. The problem formulation materials are the first to be developed since the National Research Council released its Review of EPA's IRIS Process in May 2014. EPA followed these recommendations in developing the ethylbenzene and naphthalene problem formulations materials. Background information on the chemicals was also provided.

EPA hosted a Bimonthly IRIS public meeting on April 23, 2014, to provide an opportunity for the public to give input and participate in an open discussion regarding preliminary materials that were prepared for the IRIS chemicals (diethyl phthalate (DEP) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD)) prior to the development of the draft assessments. The EPA presentations and material presented by the public are now availble from the IRIS meeting web site.

The Ecological Risk Assessment Support Center (ERASC) announces the release of the final report, Evaluating Potential Exposures to Ecological Receptors Due to Transport of Hydrophobic Organic Contaminants (HOCs) in Subsurface Systems. This technical paper recommends several types of screening assessments to evaluate site conditions for the potential to enhance transport of HOCs, as well as site artifacts that result from inadequate well installation and sampling procedures within a ground-water monitoring network. You can also download other ERASC Reports at http://www.epa.gov/erasc.

EPA is announcing a 2-day science workshop to obtain input on draft materials for the update to the Integrated Science Assessment for Sulfur Oxide (Health Criteria). The public is invited to attend this event which will be held on June 23-24, 2014 in Research Triangle Park, NC. [Federal Register Notice June 12, 2014]

EPA is announcing that Benchmark Dose Modeling (BMDS) training with an on-line demonstration/tutorial will be hosted via CLU-IN on June 3-5, 2014 by webinar. This 6-module training event covering many aspects of this modeling tool is intended for risk assessors, however the first session includes an "Introduction to BMDS." Participants attending the more advanced modules (2-6), will need to have the newest version of BMDS 2.5 installed (with necessary administrative rights). The latest version of the software program can be found at: http://epa.gov/ncea/bmds/. Additionally, in order to use the BMDS Wizard templates, Microsoft Excel must be installed on the participant's computers. For attendees of the Modeling Time webinar, the R statistical package (preferably version 3.1.0) must also be installed on your computers.

EPA is announcing a public workshop for October 15-16, 2014 to discuss some of the recommendations from the National Academies' National Research Council's May 2014 report on the IRIS assessment process. In their report, the NRC provided several recommendations which they said should be seen as building on the progress that EPA has already made. This workshop will allow EPA to get input from the public and scientific community in an open forum. The workshop will take place in the Washington, DC area, and will be available by webinar. More details, including the location, agenda, and registration links, will be available at a later date.

The National Academies' National Research Council (NRC) released their review of the IRIS assessment development process. The NRC report applauds EPA's efforts to improve IRIS and finds that the Program has moved forward steadily in planning for and implementing changes in each element of the assessment process. Their report notes that the IRIS Program has made substantial progress in a short time, and the committee offers recommendations which build on the progress that EPA has already made. [EPA Press Release May 6, 2014] [NAS Press Release May 6, 2014]

EPA's SAB CAAC posted the agenda for the upcoming public teleconference meeting to dicuss the review of the draft IRIS trimethylbenzene assessment, the meeting will take place on May 22, 2014. See the SAB site for specific details.

EPA announced the availability of key science issues specific to inorganic arsenic and hexavalent chromium for the upcoming June IRIS Public Science Meeting scheduled for June 25-27, 2014 in Arlington, Virginia. Registration is now open.

EPA announced the availability of preliminary materials (literature search and search strategy, evidence tables, and exposure-response figures) for inorganic arsenic for public review and comment. These materials, and key science issues related to the assessment, will be discussed at the upcoming June IRIS public science meeting scheduled for June 25-27, 2014 in Arlington, Virginia.

EPA announced the availability of preliminary materials (literature search and search strategy, evidence tables, and exposure-response figures) for hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) for public review and comment. These materials, and key science issues related to the assessment, will be discussed at the upcoming June IRIS public science meeting scheduled for June 25-27, 2014 in Arlington, Virginia.

EPA announces the availability of the final agenda for the April IRIS Bimonthly Public Meeting. The meeting will be held on April 23, 2014 (the second day, April 24, is no longer needed).

The EPA SAB staff office previously announced in the Federal Register (March 25, 2014) an incorrect date for the teleconference of the SAB Chemical Assessment Advisory Committee Augmented for the Review of the Draft Ammonia Assessment (CAAC-Ammonia Panel), the correct date is June 2, 2014 from 1 - 5pm. [SAB Federal Register Notice April 9, 2014]

A draft agenda is now available for the April IRIS Bimonthly Public Meeting. The meeting will be held on April 23, 2014 (the second day, April 24, is no longer needed).

An updated preliminary Agenda is now available for the Formaldehyde Workshop, which will be held on April 30 and May 1, 2014, in the Washington D.C. metro area. A final agenda, additional workshop details, and a specific location will be announced in the near future.

EPA is announcing a redesigned and updated Report on the Environment (ROE 2014) website created as a new fully integrated online experience. The ROE is a comprehensive source of scientific indicators that describe the trends in the nation's environmental and human health condition. The deadline for comments is April 27, 2014. [Federal Register Notice March 27, 2014].

EPA is confirming the dates for the Formaldehyde Workshop to be held April 30 - May 1, 2014. The workshop is part of EPA's efforts in revising its Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) toxicological assessment of formaldehyde. This assessment addresses both noncancer and cancer human health effects that may result from chronic inhalation exposure to formaldehyde. To facilitate discussion of several scientific issues pertinent to the assessment, EPA will convene a public state-of-the-science workshop and webinar to discuss these issues.

EPA's SAB staff office has announced two meetings of the SAB Chemical Assessment Advisory Committee (CAAC), augmented for the review of the draft IRIS assessment of ammonia; a public teleconference on June 2, 2014 and face-to-face meeting July 14-16, 2014. See the SAB website for additional information regarding these meetings. [Federal Register Notice March 25, 2014]

EPA's SAB staff office has announced two meetings of the SAB Chemical Assessment Advisory Committee (CAAC), augmented for the review of the draft IRIS assessment of trimethylbenzenes; a public teleconference on May 22, 2014 and face-to-face meeting June 17-19, 2014. See the SAB website for additional information regarding these meetings. [Federal Register Notice March 25, 2014]

EPA is announcing the availability of two new documents related to comments received from the public on the review of the Bristol Bay Assessment (BBA). The first document, EPA's Response to Public Comments document (Apr 2013 BBA Draft), presents EPA's response to the public comments from the April 2013 draft, the second document contains the comments received from the May 2012 revised draft of the assessment.

EPA announced the availablity of a "General Comments" docket for the IRIS Program. This docket will be used to accept public comments that have broad applicability to the IRIS Program, which may include comments on general scientific issues that apply to all assessments and/or other non-chemical-specific comments about the IRIS Program. This docket does not replace the IRIS Hotline, but rather provides another avenue to submit feedback to the IRIS Program. This docket will remain open indefinitely (or until otherwise annouced that it will be closing) and is accessible from the IRIS home page.

EPA announced the availability of preliminary materials (literature search and search strategy, evidence tables, and exposure-response figures) for development of the draft Toxicological Review of Diethyl Phthalate (DEP) and Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) for public review and comment. This announcement comes with a special message from the IRIS Program. These materials will be discussed at the IRIS bimonthly public meeting scheduled for April 23-24th in Arlington, Virginia, and the public is invited to register to attend or to speak on the key issues outlined under each chemical.

At this upcoming meeting, the IRIS Program will explore a new format intended to promote public discussion of key issues for several assessments under development. The Program is being responsive to public comments heard at the December 2013 bimonthly public meeting and reflects continuing evolution in response to public comments and peer review advice.

EPA is planning to host a workshop from April 29-30, 2014, to discuss several scientific issues related to its draft Integrated Risk Information System assessment of formaldehyde (inhalation exposure). The workshop will focus on three areas: (1) Epidemiological research examining the potential association between formaldehyde exposure and lymphohematopoietic cancers (leukemia and lymphomas); (2) Mechanistic evidence relevant to formaldehyde inhalation exposure and these types of cancers; and (3) Evidence pertaining to the influence of formaldehyde that is produced endogenously (by the body during normal biological processes) on the toxicity of inhaled formaldehyde, and implications for the health assessment. We will confirm the workshop dates in the very near future.

EPA is announcing a workshop to discuss policy-relevant science to Inform EPA's "Review of the Secondary National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for Oxides of Nitrogen and Sulfur" report. The workshop is being organized by EPA's Office of Research and Development's, National Center for Environmental Assessment (NCEA) in conjunction with the Office of Air and Radiation's, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS). The workshop will be held March 4-6, 2014, in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and it will be open to attendance by interested public observers on a first-come, first-served basis up to the limits of available space.

To provide the public with additional time to prepare, EPA is rescheduling the February 18-20, 2014, meeting of the Science Advisory Board (SAB) Chemical Assessment Advisory Committee (CAAC). The purpose of this public meeting is for the SAB CAAC to peer review the draft IRIS assessments of ammonia and trimethylbenzenes (1,2,3-, 1,2,4- and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene) to provide advice to the Agency through the chartered SAB. Rescheduling the meeting is responsive to stakeholder requests, will provide the public with additional time to prepare for the meeting, and is consistent with the IRIS Program's practice of providing approximately two months advance notice of its public meetings and the SAB's commitment to provide at least 45 days advanced notice of meetings. The EPA SAB staff office will reschedule the peer reviews of these draft assessments. Additional information will be provided in the near future.

EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) Staff Office announces three public meetings. The SAB Chemical Assessment Advisory Committee (CAAC) and additional experts will meet in a plenary session to learn about new enhancements to the EPA's process for IRIS health assessments for chemicals. [Federal Register Notice Jan 31, 2014]

EPA announced a request for nominations for experts to augment the SAB CAAC committee to forma panel for the review of the EPA's draft IRIS Assessment of Benzo[a]pyrene. [Federal Register Notice Jan 28, 2014].

EPA is announcing the release of the final report, An Assessment of Potential Mining Impacts on Salmon Ecosystems of Bristol Bay, Alaska. This report assesses potential impacts of large-scale mining development on fish habitat and populations and resulting effects on wildlife and indigenous cultures within the Nushagak and Kvichak River watersheds of Bristol Bay, Alaska. Its purpose is to provide a characterization of the biological and mineral resources of the Bristol Bay watershed, increase understanding of the potential impacts of large-scale mining on the region's fish resources, and inform future government decisions related to protecting and maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the watershed. It will also serve as a technical resource for the public, tribes, and governments who must consider how best to address the challenges of mining and ecological protection in the Bristol Bay watershed. [Federal Register Notice Jan 21, 2014]

EPA hosted a Bimonthly IRIS public meeting on December 12-13, 2013 to provide an opportunity for the public to give input and participate in an open discussion regarding preliminary materials that were prepared for IRIS chemicals prior to the development of the draft assessment. This included the following chemicals: ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE), tert-butyl alcohol (tert-butanol), and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX). This meeting was also an opportunity for the public to provide input and discussion on draft assessments and draft charges to the peer review panel prior to external peer review for the following chemicals: ethylene oxide (EtO) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). Shortly after the meeting, EPA posted the presentations that were given during the meeting and general session.