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 is planning 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. The supporting documents are available via docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2026-1189 on regulations.gov.  

Register for the Meetings

EPA will hold a preparatory virtual public meeting on May 26, 2026, for the SACC and the public to consider the scope and clarity of the draft charge questions for the peer review. Oral comments during the preparatory meeting should be focused on the clarity and scope of the charge questions. Oral comments on the draft risk evaluation or draft hazard assessment documents and supplemental files should be presented during the June 8-12, SACC peer review meeting and not during this preparatory meeting. The deadline to request presenting oral comments during the preparatory meeting is Monday May 18, 2026, at 12:00 pm ET. Please send a written version of your oral presentation by email to kamel.alaa@epa.gov by Friday, May 22, 2026, at 12:00 pm EST. Register for the May 26, 2026, preparatory meeting here.

EPA will hold the SACC peer review meeting on June 8-12, 2026, for the SACC to review the supporting documents for HHCB, phthalic anhydride, o-DCB, and p-DCB and hear comments from the public. The deadline to request presenting oral comments during the peer review meeting is Monday, June 1, 2026, at 12:00 pm ET. Oral comments during the meeting are limited to five minutes unless arrangements have been made with the DFO, within the constraints of the meeting agenda, prior to Monday June 1, 2026. Please send a written version of your oral presentation by email to kamel.alaa@epa.gov by Friday, June 5, 2026, at 12:00 pm EST. Register for the June 8-12, 2026, SACC peer review meeting. 

EPA is requesting 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.