RE: Getting information to the public on CCA

[Claire Gesalman <gesalman.claire@epa.gov>]

More Information on CCA and Pentachlorophenol (Penta)	

My name is Claire Gesalman.  I work for Charles Franklin as a senior communication specialist in the Office of Pesticide Programs at EPA.  EPA is reviewing these wood preservative pesticides and, as Charles stated, we are committed to keeping the public informed about progress in our assessments.  However, we do have to follow a process that ensures appropriate review of data and consideration of all issues in making decisions.  

Presently, we are conducting a peer review of the preliminary children's health risk assessment of CCA. When we have completed this, we will release a report to the public in time for a scheduled meeting with the Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) . The meeting is scheduled to be held on October 23-25, 2001, and is open to the public.  Specific meeting details are not yet finalized, but further information will be posted at http://www.epa.gov/scipoly/sap .  Furthermore, our CCA resource web page should be posted within the next two weeks.  Interested parties should regularly check the EPA website for this information at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides .  To receive email notifications of OPP actions and new information, sign up on our web site ( http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/cb/csb_page/form/form.html ).

As for concerns about pentachlorophenol (penta) in wood preserving, EPA is very concerned about such pollutants as dioxins and furans, as well as the reports of other problems associated with the use of wood preservatives.  In making decisions, our first goal is always to ensure the protection of public health and the environment.  EPA is currently reassessing penta as part of the Agency's effort to ensure that older pesticides meet current safety standards.  The Agency has required the registrants of certain wood preservatives to submit additional data to enable us to better assess potential risks to human health and the environment.  We are also working with the Agency's Office of Research and Development to ensure an accurate and consistent report of the risk assessment for dioxins.  While we are doing so, the Agency's Antimicrobials Division will conduct its own risk assessment to be included in the penta Reregistration Eligibilty Decision (RED) document.
	
Our draft preliminary risk assessment for penta should be completed in 2002. The results of that assessment will be available for public comment.  Following the assessment of the scientific, health, and environmental data described above, EPA will determine what risk mitigation measures may be necessary to ensure that these registered products meet federal health and environmental safety standards.