EPA Opens Peer Review Of TSCA Risk Assessments For Five High-Priority Chemicals

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a major milestone in its Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) risk evaluation programme, opening public consultation and scientific peer review of draft hazard and exposure assessments for five high-priority chemicals.

The assessments cover 1,2-dichloropropane (1,2-DCP), 1,1,2-trichloroethane (1,1,2-TCA), trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (tDCE), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and ethylene dibromide (EDB). EPA's Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) will review the documents during virtual meetings scheduled for July and August 2026.

These assessments will help shape future TSCA risk determinations and potential regulatory controls affecting manufacturers, importers, downstream users and other stakeholders across the chemicals value chain.

EPA Sets July And August Peer Review Meetings

EPA announced two virtual SACC meetings as part of the peer review process. A preparatory meeting will take place on 23 July 2026, followed by a formal peer review meeting from 3 to 7 August 2026.

The agency is also inviting written comments on the draft technical support documents and related scientific questions. The assessments support ongoing TSCA risk evaluations for chemicals designated as high-priority substances in December 2019 under the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act.

EPA will use the findings, alongside scientific peer review and stakeholder feedback, to determine whether these substances present an unreasonable risk to human health or the environment under their conditions of use.

Five Chemicals Face Detailed Hazard And Exposure Review

The five chemicals span a diverse range of industrial and commercial applications. Both chlorinated solvents are produced or imported at significant volumes in the United States and are used in chemical processing, laboratory applications, adhesives, sealants and cleaning products.

EPA is seeking scientific input on cancer hazard assessments and non-cancer health endpoints for these substances. It is also evaluating tDCE, a solvent used in degreasers, lubricants, recycling operations and laboratory settings, for both environmental and human health hazards.

TBBPA is widely used in electronic equipment, printed circuit boards, batteries and construction materials. As one of the world's most commonly used brominated flame retardants, it remains under close regulatory scrutiny because of its widespread presence in electrical and electronic products.

EDB is primarily used in fuel additives and petroleum refining processes. EPA's review includes occupational exposure scenarios, consumer exposure from aviation refuelling activities and environmental exposure assessments.

Regulatory Implications For Chemical Businesses

While the current action does not impose new restrictions, it signals that regulatory scrutiny of these substances is advancing. Companies involved in manufacturing, importing, formulation, distribution, waste management and product stewardship should closely monitor the evaluations and assess potential exposure to future risk management requirements.

EPA has indicated that peer review findings and stakeholder comments will inform final TSCA risk evaluations and unreasonable risk determinations. If unreasonable risks are identified, the agency must initiate risk management actions, which could include restrictions, workplace controls, reporting obligations or other regulatory measures.

Stakeholders with data on exposure, hazard characterisation or use patterns may wish to participate in the consultation process before the July 2026 comment deadlines to help inform the final evaluations.