EPA Told to Answer Charge It Minimized Solvent’s Heart Risks (Corrected)

The EPA must investigate allegations that it downplayed research showing a cancer-causing solvent could damage the hearts of babies exposed in the womb, an agency advisory panel said Friday.

The Environmental Protection Agency also underestimated how much the solvent, trichloroethylene, could harm workers, consumers, and wildlife, the agency’s Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals said.

The advisers cited a Center for Investigative Reporting article alleging the EPA altered its findings under orders from the White House. The EPA requested additional time to respond to the advisers’ comments.

The committee discussed the issue as it wrapped up a four-day virtual critique of ...