[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 160 (Thursday, August 17, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 50211]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-20923]



[[Page 50211]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Public Health Service


National Toxicology Program Center for the Evaluation of Risks to 
Human Reproduction; Announces an Upcoming Review of Methanol, Solicits 
the Nomination of Individuals Qualified To Serve on an Expert Panel, 
and Requests Public Input on Methanol

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 available 
scientific evidence, and (3) identify knowledge gaps to help establish 
research and testing priorities.

Review of Methanol

    Methanol (CASRN: 67-56-1) was selected for the second expert panel 
evaluation by the Center. Methanol is a commercially important, high 
production volume chemical (10.54 billion pounds, US production, 1993), 
with high potential for occupational, consumer, and environmental 
exposure. Methanol is used in chemical syntheses and as an industrial 
solvent. It is found in a variety of consumer products such as paints, 
antifreeze, cleaning solutions, and adhesives and is a by-product of 
sewage treatment, fermentation, and paper production. Methanol is used 
in race car fuels, and there is the potential for the expanded use of 
methanol as a vehicle fuel or fuel additive. There is a large toxicity 
database on reproductive and developmental effects of methanol, 
including a recently completed study in primates.
    It is anticipated that the evaluation of this chemical will be 
conducted in Winter 2000, in the Washington, DC area. An expert panel 
of approximately 10 scientists, selected for their expertise in various 
aspects of reproductive and developmental toxicology and other relevant 
areas, will conduct the evaluation. The Expert Panel meeting will be 
open to the public with an opportunity scheduled for oral public 
comment.

Request for Individuals Qualified To Serve on the Expert Panel

    The Center invites nominations from the public of qualified 
scientists to serve on the Methanol Expert Panel. Panelists are 
primarily drawn from the CERHR Expert Registry and/or other scientists 
who meet the criteria for listing in that registry. Criteria for the 
Expert Registry listing include: formal academic training and 
experience in a relevant field, publications in peer-reviewed journals, 
membership in relevant professional societies, certification by an 
appropriate scientific Board or other entity, and participation in 
similar committee activities. Scientists on the panel represent a wide 
range of expertise including developmental toxicology, fertility, 
general toxicology, genetic toxicology, pharmacokinetics, exposure 
assessment, and biostatistics. Nominations received by October 2, 2000 
will be considered for the Methanol Expert Panel and/or inclusion in 
the Expert Registry. Nominations should be forwarded to: Dr. John 
Moore, CERHR, 1800 Diagonal Road, Suite 500, Alexandria, VA 22314-2808, 
Telephone: (703) 838-9440.

Request for Public Input

    The Center invites input from the public on methanol, 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 and submissions received by October 2, 2000 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 of chemicals 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 can be obtained through the Center's web 
site, or by contacting:

Michael D. Shelby, Ph.D., Director, CERHR, NIEHS/NTP B3-09, P.O. Box 
12233, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, telephone 919-541-3455, 
facismile 919-541-4634

or

John A. Moore, D.V.M., D.A.B.T., Principal Investigator, CERHR, 1800 
Diagonal Road, Suite 500, Alexandria, VA 22314, 708-838-9440, 703-684-
2223

    Dated: August 8, 2000.
Samuel H. Wilson,
Deputy Director, NIEHS.
[FR Doc. 00-20923 Filed 8-16-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4140-01-P