Comments on EPA’s White Paper on Quantitative Human Health Approach to Be Applied in Risk Evaluation for Asbestos Part 2 Due October 2, 2023

On August 3, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of and solicited public comment on the document entitled “White Paper: Quantitative Human Health Approach to be Applied in the Risk Evaluation for Asbestos Part 2 — Supplemental Evaluation including Legacy Uses and Associated Disposals of Asbestos” (White Paper) and related charge questions. 88 Fed. Reg. 51309. EPA states that it will be soliciting comments from expert ad hoc reviewers on the quantitative approach described in the White Paper. According to EPA, the White Paper describes the systematic review considerations and criteria for identifying studies for dose-response analysis; includes an evaluation and comparison of existing cancer inhalation unit risks (IUR) and the non-cancer point of departure (POD) with the results of the new systematic review; and includes a proposal for a cancer IUR and non-cancer POD for use in the Part 2 risk evaluation for asbestos. EPA notes that in addition to the final charge questions and White Paper, public comments received by October 2, 2023, will be provided to the peer reviewers for consideration. EPA expects the letter peer review to begin October 25, 2023, and end November 24, 2023. EPA will consider feedback from the letter peer review in the development of the Part 2 risk evaluation for asbestos, a draft of which will be released subsequently, along with a separate response document.