The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on April 10, 2026, that it is advancing its review of four chemicals under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) — 1,3,4,6,7,8-Hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta [g]-2-benzopyran (HHCB), phthalic anhydride, o-dichlorobenzene (oDCB), and p-dichlorobenzene (pDCB) — by releasing draft documents related to the review of these chemicals and convening a Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) peer review meeting. According to EPA, these chemicals are found in fragrances, paints, coatings, cleaners, and industrial processes, “meaning decisions in these cases can directly affect the air we breathe at work and at home.” EPA released the draft risk evaluations for HHCB and phthalic anhydride and the draft hazard assessments and supporting documents for oDCB and pDCB for public comment and independent scientific peer review — “two essential steps in ensuring the integrity, radical transparency, and quality of EPA’s chemical safety assessments.” On June 8-12, 2026, EPA will hold a virtual public meeting of SACC to review the draft risk evaluations for HHCB and phthalic anhydride and technical support documents for pDCB and oDCB. EPA will also hold a preparatory virtual public meeting on May 26, 2026, for SACC and the public to consider and ask questions regarding the scope and clarity of the draft charge questions that will be used in the peer review meeting. To have comments on the draft risk evaluations, draft hazard assessments, and technical support documents considered by SACC, comments must be submitted by May 29, 2026. Comments on the draft risk evaluations for HHCB and phthalic anhydride are due to EPA by June 15, 2026. For more information, please read the full memorandum.

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