January 11, 2011
Science Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
January 11, 2011
Mass DEP: 4th Floor
1 PM
Members Present: Dave Williams, Larry Boise, Martha Mittelstaedt, Veronica Vieira, Hilary Hackbart, Robin Dodson, Anne Marie Desmarais
Others Present: Heather Tenney (TURI), Carol Rowan West (DEP), John Raschko (OTA), Liz Harriman (TURI), Pam Eliason (TURI)
Welcome and Introductions
Program Updates
● Glenn Keith from DEP will be changing his role and focusing on air issues
● Susan Peck will be taking over his duties in the TURA program. Suzi has experience in TURA from the beginning of the program.
● The Decision Making Document has had some small changes.
December Meeting Minutes
Approved with edits of two typos in the Program Updates section.
Presentation by on Chemical Screening Tools
Pam Eliason from TURI presented some overview information on chemical screening tools. The presentation covered DFE (Design for the Environment), GHS (Global Harmonizing Systems), Green Screen (Clean Action’s tool), and P2OASYS ( a tool developed by TURI in the 1990s). Websites that can help were discussed (TURI’s Surface Cleaning Lab database and Cleangredients). A member questioned what would happen if you compared a chemical through all four tools – would you get the same answer? Members would like to get the criteria for GHS. Hilary will check into whether OSHA will be adopting the GHS. A comment was made that the SAB could use DFE as a screening tool for HHS/LHS. The Board commented that they would like to look it over more. The Board will take some time to look it over and will report back on which bins would be helpful.
Materials Submission Policy
In light of recent meetings where large volumes of materials have been submitted the afternoon before the meeting, it was questioned whether the board should have a more formal policy regarding submission of materials. The Board settled on the following as its policy:
Be advised that the SAB will not accept materials less than one week prior to the meeting date. For anything over six pages multiple copies must be provided in hard copy . An executive summary highlighting key issues is recommended.
Higher Hazard Substance Alternatives: VMSs
The group continued their discussion on HMDS and D5. They reviewed answers to their questions from the last meeting and acknowledged the fact that additional information is being provided by the Silicones Environmental Health and Safety Council (SEHSC). The Board also considered whether the substances will be similar enough for a category.
D5
● Carcinogenicity and bioaccumulation remain a concern
● Concern about the potential for estrogenic activity – long chain, hydrophilic tail
● Concern with uterine carcinomas
● The Board is interested in looking at the information the SEHSC referenced regarding estrogenicity in its letter.
● The EPA chemical action plan for D4 and D5 is on hold because industry is entering in to a voluntary agreement with EPA.
HMDS
● Very flammable.
● It was noted that Acetone was listed for flammability alone.
● OS30 is very persistent.
● Effects on blood, decreased uterine weight, suspected neurotoxin.
● High BCF
The Board will review the SEHSC info and plan to make a decision next time.
Formaldehyde Update
Heather has been following the NAS process so the Board can be prepared to move forward quickly when the process is complete. Thus far the NAS process seems to be on track for completion in February. Heather will be more aggressive in tracking the process as February nears.
Higher Hazard Substance Alternatives: d-limonene
The Board reviewed the information gathered in response to their questions from the last meeting. There was still some concern regarding skin sensitization. However, there is no precedent to list based on an irritation issue alone. There was some concern regarding the secondary chemicals breakdown products/aerosols.
There was a motion that d-limonene not be recommended to be listed. 6 in favor, 1 opposed.
Certain Halogenated Hydrocarbons
Liz handed out a spreadsheet with potential chemicals for a ‘certain halogenated hydrocarbons’ category. Criteria for what should be considered were discussed. The compound should have at least one halogen and less than four carbons. Oxygen doesn’t matter. This would include compounds that likely have good solvent properties. Some of the chemicals that fit these criteria are already listed ( ie TCE, PCE, nPB).
Adjourn
Next Meeting Date: Tuesday 3/1/11