EPA Improving Chemical Assessments, Science Reviewers Say

The EPA’s program to assess toxic chemicals is becoming more transparent and efficient despite a shrinking staff, an independent scientific board said April 11.

The National Academy of Sciences report came as the American Chemistry Council disputed adding a contaminated site to the EPA National Priorities List based on a program assessment. The council represents companies such as Occidental Chemical Corp., Velsicol Chemical LLC and Monsanto Co.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s chemical toxicity assessment program has come under fire from House Republicans and the chemical industry for a lack of transparency in its assessment process. The ...