Peer Review for Evaluating HHCB, phthalic anhydride, o-DCB, and p-DCB
In April 2026, EPA released the draft risk evaluations for 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta [g ]-2-benzopyran (HHCB) and phthalic anhydride and the draft hazard assessments for o-dichlorobenzene (o-DCB) and p-dichlorobenzene (p-DCB) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for public comment and peer review.
EPA held a virtual public meeting on June 8-12, 2026, of the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) to peer review evaluations and assessments for HHCB, phthalic anhydride, o-DCB, and p-DCB and hear comments from the public. The supporting documents are available via docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2026-1189 on regulations.gov.
EPA requested SACC peer review of the draft risk evaluations for HHCB and phthalic anhydride, including risk characterization and associated technical support documents. In alignment with the agency’s recent announcement to eliminate animal testing, the SACC peer review will be focused on scientific issues on the use of 5-day transcriptomic studies, advances in cancer risk assessment and application of in vitro and computational New Approach Methods (NAMs).
For additional information, contact the Designated Federal Official, Dr. Alaa Kamel, kamel.alaa@epa.gov.
Materials
Preparatory Meeting - May 26, 2026
SACC Meeting - June 8-12, 2026
Peer Reviewers
On January 5, 2026, EPA published a Federal Register notice requesting nominations of prospective ad hoc expert reviewers to assist the SACC with its peer review. The nomination period ended on February 4, 2026. After reviewing the nominations, EPA solicited public comments on ad hoc reviewers under consideration. Biographies of these prospective reviewers are available via docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2025-3358 on regulations.gov.