National Toxicology Program

NTP Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction announces an upcoming review of phthalates, and solicits public input on phthalates as well as nominations for future evaluations.

Background
The National Toxicology Program (NTP) and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences have established the NTP Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction (Federal Register pg. 68782, vol. 63, No 239). The purpose of the Center is to provide timely and unbiased, scientifically sound evaluations of human and experimental evidence for adverse effects on reproduction, including development, caused by agents to which humans may be exposed. The goals of the individual assessments are to (1) interpret for and provide to the general public information about the strength of scientific evidence that a given exposure or exposure circumstance poses a hazard to reproduction and the health and welfare of children; 2) provide regulatory agencies with objective and scientifically credible assessments of reproductive/developmental health effects associated with exposure to specific chemicals or classes of chemicals, including descriptions of any uncertainties associated with the assessment of risks, and 3) identify knowledge gaps to help establish research and testing priorities.

Review of Phthalates
Several phthalate esters were selected for the initial evaluation by the Center. These were selected based on their high production volume, extent of human exposures, use in children’s products, or published evidence of reproductive or developmental toxicity. The seven phthalates to be evaluated are listed below with their Chemical Abstract Service registry numbers.

It is anticipated that the evaluation of these chemicals will be conducted during August 1999 in the Washington, DC area. An expert panel of 12-15 scientists selected for their expertise in various aspects of reproductive toxicology and other relevant areas will conduct the review. The review will be open to the public with an opportunity scheduled for oral public comment. For further information regarding the review, including the time and place, please contact:

Request for Public Comment on Phthalates
The Center invites public comment on the phthalates listed above, including toxicology information from completed or ongoing studies, and information on planned studies, as well as current production data, human exposure information, use patterns, and environmental occurrence. Written comments received by June 30 will be considered in the review. Comments should be forwarded to CERHR at the above address. An opportunity for oral public comments to the panel will be provided at the review meeting itself.

Request for Nominations for Future Reviews
Nominations of chemicals for future evaluations are also encouraged. Any individual or organization may nominate. Nominations should include the chemical name, Chemical Abstract Service registry number (if known), reason for the nomination, and references or articles on the chemical, when possible. The nominator’s name, address, telephone number and e-mail address should be included with the nomination.

Nominations can be made through the Center’s website (http://cerhr.niehs.nih.gov) or by mail to Dr. John Moore at the address listed above.

Further information about the NTP Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction and nominated chemicals can be obtained through the Center’s website.

Dated: April 7, 1999



_________________________
Kenneth Olden, Ph.D.
Director, NIEHS

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