EPA released an updated version of the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) analysis for formaldehyde on April 14 for public review and comment. IRIS assessments focus on the hazard potential of a chemical, which is one component of a comprehensive chemical risk assessment done under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). In 2011, a draft assessment was released and then retracted by EPA due to comments received from the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). EPA plans to re-engage NAS in reviewing the new assessment. The final version will then be used to create a hazard analysis as part of the TSCA formaldehyde risk assessment.
The American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) formaldehyde panel, of which CPA is a member, will take the lead on preparing comments on what is a very technical and complicated toxicological assessment. The comment period will remain open until June 13. See Federal Register and EPA IRIS Documentation. More Info: Andy O’Hare
