Section 8(e) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is unique in the Federal Government, requiring companies to report to EPA when they obtain data that indicate that a chemical they produce, import, or process poses a "significant risk" to health or the environment. Except for data considered to be confidential business information, TSCA section 8(e) reports are available to the public. Bibliographic data bases enable the public to identify 8(e) reports dealing with specific chemicals, toxicity end points, etc. Data obtained through TSCA section 8(e) can be used in identification of potential health problems, research, and other activities in the fields of environmental and occupational health.
Since the TSCA section 8(e) program began in 1978, EPA has received approximately 16,000 8(e) reports, covering a wide range of chemicals. Reports cover many toxicity endpoints, including cancer, reproductive and developmental abnormalities, mutagenesis, and neurotoxicity. Reports include results of short- and long-term studies in experimental animals, studies carried out in alternative test systems, clinical reports of illnesses in humans, and epidemiology studies. Epidemiology studies typically deal with effects associated with workplace exposure to chemicals. TSCA section 8(e) is a good source of unpublished data, which are often difficult to obtain elsewhere. In addition, TSCA section 8(e) receives progress reports from ongoing studies.
This paper presents examples of EPA's use of 8(e) data. For instance, recently, EPA, working with OSHA and NIOSH, prepared an advisory based on an 8(e) report of a worker's death at a chemical manufacturing facility.
See www.epa.govLearning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will understand the structure, function and utility for environmental health protection of section 8(e) of TSCA and will be able to use TSCA section 8(e) to further protection of environmental health. During this session, faculty will describe TSCA section 8(e), emphasizing its potential for improvement of environmental health.
Keywords: Environmental Health, Occupational Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: United States Environmental Protection Agency
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employee of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency