[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 156 (Monday, August 13, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42548-42549]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-20190]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

National Institute of Health


Public Health Service

    The National Toxicology Program (NTP), National Institute of 
Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Center for the Evaluation of 
Risks to Human Reproduction (CERHR) (1) announces an upcoming 
evaluation of 1-bromopropane (CASRN: 106-94-5) and 2-bromopropane 
(CASRN: 75-26-3), (2) solicits the nomination of individuals qualified 
to serve on an Expert Panel, and (3) requests public input on these 
chemicals.

Background

    The NTP and the NIEHS established the NTP CERHR (Federal Register, 
Vol. 63, No. 239, page 68782) in June 1998. The purpose of the CERHR is 
to provide scientifically-based, uniform assessments of the potential 
for adverse effects on reproduction and development caused by agents to 
which humans may be exposed. A scientific expert panel reviews the 
scientific evidence on the chemical(s) under review, receives public 
comments, and then prepares a report on the chemical(s). The Expert 
Panel Report is made available for review and public comment on the 
CERHR web site (http://cerhr.niehs.nih.gov) and upon request from Dr. 
Michael Shelby, CERHR Director (see address below). Following the 
expert panel evaluation, the NTP staff prepares the NTP Center Report 
on the evaluated chemical(s). This report integrates background 
information on the chemical(s), findings of the expert panel, and a 
discussion of any pertinent studies published after the expert panel's 
evaluation. The NTP Center Report includes all public comments received 
on the Expert Panel Report. The NTP Center Report is made publicly 
available and is distributed to interested stakeholders and appropriate 
regulatory and research agencies. A summary of the complete review 
process was recently published in the Federal Register (Vol. 66, No. 
136, pages 37047-37048) and can be found on the CERHR web site. A 
hardcopy may be requested from CERHR at the address given below.

Evaluation of 1- and 2-Bromopropane

    1-Bromopropane (CASRN: 106-94-5) and 2-bromopropane (CASRN: 75-26-
3) have been selected for the third CERHR expert panel evaluation. 1-
Bromopropane is used as a spray adhesive; as a solvent for fats, waxes, 
or resins; and as an intermediate in the synthesis of other compounds. 
2-Bromopropane is used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, dyes, and 
other compounds and is present as a contaminant in 1-bromopropane. 
Bromopropanes are being considered as replacement chemicals for 
hydrochlorofluorocarbons and chlorinated solvents. The scientific 
database on these chemicals includes studies on neurotoxicity, 
reproductive toxicity, and occupational exposures. 2-Bromopropane is 
reported to be a reproductive toxicant in humans. It is anticipated 
that the expert panel evaluation of 1- and 2-bromopropane will occur 
December 5-7, 2001, in Alexandria, VA.
    An expert panel of approximately 12 scientists, selected for their 
scientific expertise in various aspects of reproductive and 
developmental toxicology and other relevant areas of science, will 
conduct these evaluations. The expert panel meeting will be open to the 
public with an opportunity scheduled for oral public comment.

Request for Public Input

    (1) The CERHR invites input from the public on 1- and 2-
bromopropane including toxicology information from completed and 
ongoing studies, information on planned studies, as well as current 
production data, human exposure information, use patterns, and 
environmental occurrence. Information and comments should be forwarded 
to Dr. Shelby at the address given below. Information and comments 
received by September 27, 2001 will be made available to CERHR staff 
and the Expert Panel and considered in the evaluation.
    (2) The CERHR also invites nominations of qualified scientists to 
serve on the Bromopropane Expert Panel. Panelists are primarily drawn 
from the CERHR Expert Registry and/or the nomination of other 
scientists who meet the criteria for listing in that registry. Criteria 
for listing in the CERHR Expert Registry listing include: formal 
academic training and experience in a relevant scientific field, 
publications in peer-reviewed journals, membership in relevant 
professional societies, certification by an appropriate scientific 
Board or other entities, and participation in similar committee 
activities. Scientists on the expert panel will represent a wide range 
of expertise including developmental toxicology, reproductive 
toxicology, epidemiology, general toxicology, neurotoxicology, 
pharmacokinetics, exposure assessment, and biostatistics. Nominations 
received by September 27, 2001, publication will be considered for the 
Bromopropane Expert Panel and/or inclusion in the CERHR Expert 
Registry. Nominations should be forwarded to Dr. Shelby at the address 
given below.

Request for Nomination of Chemicals for Future CERHR Reviews

    The CERHR welcomes the nomination of chemicals for possible future 
evaluation. The nominations can be made through the CERHR's web site 
(http://cerhr.niehs.nih.gov) or by contacting Dr. Shelby at the address 
given below.

Michael D. Shelby, Ph.D., Director, NTP Center for the Evaluation of 
Risks to Human Reproduction, 79 T.W.

[[Page 42549]]

Alexander Drive, Building. 4401, Room 102, P.O. Box 12233, EC-32, 
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 Phone: (919) 541-3455, Fax: (919) 316-
4511, [email protected].

    Dated: August 2, 2001.
Samuel H. Wilson,
Deputy Director, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
[FR Doc. 01-20190 Filed 8-10-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4140-01-P