[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 73 (Friday, April 16, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18921-18922]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-9488]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Public Health Service


National Toxicology Program; National Institute of Environmental 
Health Sciences; Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human 
Reproduction Review of Phthalates; Comment Request

    NTP Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction 
announces an upcoming review of phthalates, and solicits public input 
on

[[Page 18922]]

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 (63 FR 68782, 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/development 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.

butyl benzyl phthalate (85-68-7)
di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (117-81-7)
di-isodecyl phthalate (26761-40-0)
di-isononyl phthalate (28553-12-0)
di-n-butyl phthalate (84-74-2)
di-n-butyl phthalate (84-75-3)
di-n-octyl phthalate (117-84-0)

    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: Dr. 
John Moore, CERHR, 1800 Diagonal Road, Suite 500, Alexandria, VA 22314-
2808, Phone: (703) 838-9440.

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 web site (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 web site.

    Dated: April 7, 1999.
Kenneth Olden,
Director, NIEHS.
[FR Doc. 99-9488 Filed 4-15-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4140-01-M