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. Additionally, 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. EPA will publish registration links for the June SACC meeting and May preparatory meeting on this page approximately one month prior to each meeting. The supporting documents are available via docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2026-1189 on regulations.gov.  

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).