Comment Period - Hazard Identification Materials to Support Reconsideration of Listing: Chloroform
The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) announces the availability for public review of a hazard identification document to support the reconsideration of chloroform as a chemical listed under Proposition 65 as known to cause reproductive toxicity. The chemical was added to the Proposition 65 list in 2009 on the basis of reproductive toxicity via the Labor Code mechanism[1]. OEHHA is bringing chloroform to the DARTIC because the federal regulations that affect the basis for the listing of chloroform as causing reproductive toxicity via the Labor Code mechanism have changed[2]. Specifically, in March 2012, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) amended the regulations contained in CFR[3] Title 29, section 1910.1200. These changes have affected the use of this section as a definitive source for identifying chemicals as known to cause reproductive toxicity by the Labor Code mechanism.
This notice marks the beginning of a 45-day public comment period on OEHHA’s hazard identification document. The public comment period will close on Monday, September 26, 2016. Copies of the document are available from OEHHA’s web site at www.oehha.ca.gov. The document may also be requested from OEHHA’s Proposition 65 Implementation Office by calling (916) 445-6900.
The Developmental and Reproductive Toxicant Identification Committee (DARTIC) will consider whether chloroform should remain listed under Proposition 65 as known to cause reproductive toxicity. The DARTIC will consider this chemical at its meeting on Thursday, October 27, 2016. The meeting will be held in the Coastal Hearing Room at the CalEPA Headquarters building, 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California. The meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will last until all business is conducted or until 5:00 p.m. The agenda for the meeting will be provided in a future public notice published in advance of the meeting. OEHHA will send comments received on the hazard identification document for chloroform to DARTIC members prior to the meeting.
OEHHA, a department of the California Environmental Protection Agency, is the lead agency for the implementation of Proposition 65[4]. The DARTIC advises and assists OEHHA in compiling the list of chemicals known to the State to cause reproductive toxicity, as required by Proposition 65. The DARTIC serves as the state’s qualified experts for determining whether a chemical has been clearly shown through scientifically valid testing according to generally accepted principles to cause reproductive toxicity.
OEHHA must receive comments and any supporting documentation on the hazard identification document by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 26, 2016. We encourage you to submit comments in electronic form, rather than in paper form. Comments transmitted by e-mail should be addressed to P65Public.comments@oehha.ca.gov. Please include “2016 Chloroform Reconsideration” in the subject line. Comments submitted in paper form may be mailed, faxed, or delivered in person to the addresses below:
Mailing Address: Michelle Ramirez
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
P.O. Box 4010, MS-12B
Sacramento, California 95812-4010
Fax: (916) 323-2265
Street Address: 1001 I Street
Sacramento, California 95814
[1] Health and Safety Code section 25249.8(a)
[2] Chloroform was placed on the Proposition 65 list as a chemical known to cause cancer October 1, 1987. Listing of chloroform for the cancer endpoint is not affected by the 2012 changes to the federal regulations, and is not under reconsideration.
[3] CFR refers to the Code of Federal Regulations
[4] The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, codified at Health and Safety Code section 25249.12 et seq.
