January 11, 2017
Toxics Use Reduction Institute Science Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
January 11, 2017
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection – 2nd Floor, 1 Winter Street, Boston
12:30 PM
Members present: David Williams (Chair), Larry Boise (Vice-Chair), Denise Kmetzo, Chris Rioux, Christy Foran, Amy Cannon
Members not present: Ken Weinberg, Hilary Hackbart, Robin Dodson
Program staff present: Liz Harriman (TURI), Heather Tenney (TURI), John Raschko (OTA), Tsedash Zewdie (DEP)
Others present: Trish McCarthy (Coyne Legislative Services for ACC), Steve Rosario (ACC), Kathy Robertson (MCTA), Dick Clapp (BUSPH), Nathan Kelsall (Anchor QEA), Benny Kim (ERG), Meg McArdle (Exponent)
Welcome and Introductions
Program Updates
TURI’s continuing education conference will be held on April 6th in Fitchburg.
A Greener Materials Research Symposium will be held on May 10th.
John Raschko updated on OTA’s Climate Resiliency grant; 7 regional planning agencies will be funded; John will give updates as the project progresses.
Approve November Meeting Minutes
Add specific title to the comment about the NJ document.
Minutes approved as amended; 4 for approval, 2 abstentions.
PFOA/PFOS presentation
Former SAB Board member Dr. Richard Clapp presented on PFOA/PFOS. The presentation focused on failures of TSCA, the early studies showing health effects of PFOA/PFOS, and some newer research. Dr. Clapp is currently working with ATSDR as a technical advisor to the Community Assistance Panel on the former PEASE Air Force Base. Dr. Clapp notes that PFHxS was detected there in the drinking water and in children’s and adult blood samples. Diminished neurodevelopmental function has been seen in some studies of C4/C6. Dr. Clapp recommended several studies for the Board – TURI will obtain these and add to the LibGuide.
PFOA/PFOS continued deliberations
Discussion began with the PBT endpoint for PFOA and PFOS. The PBT notes file was updated between the meetings and was handed out. PFOS is already a POP under the Stockholm Convention. PFOA is still under consideration. Persistence is well established and wildlife data show high levels in certain species. These substances are also bioaccumulating. They are different than typical lipophilic substances – they bioaccumulate by binding preferentially to proteins in blood plasma and the liver.
PFOS and PFOA are no longer manufactured in the US and are not supposed to be imported, although there are likely some limited ongoing uses of existing stocks.
The updated EHS sheets for PFOA and PFOS were handed out.
A member referenced the SAB Guidelines for listing and delisting substances.
Ecotoxicity evidence varies from suggestive to strong depending on the study and species, and exists all the way up the food chain, e.g., from algae to dolphins. There are numerous studies in different species and while there is variability between species, there is clear evidence. There are some very sensitive aquatic species, and a member noted a study which showed a 70% change in zooplankton population at environmentally relevant levels. Another member noted a range of adverse effects observed and the evidence for these effects is strong.
A motion was made for PFOS:
Based on persistence, bioaccumulation, ecotoxicity, and animal acute toxicity, move that the Science Advisory Board recommend PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) and its salts be listed as a category under the Toxics Use Reduction Act.
This motion was seconded. Discussion at this point centered on animal toxicity. The oral rat LD50 of 154 mg/kg was noted. Additional studies are referenced in the board’s PBT summary. The motion was passed unanimously.
A motion was made for PFOA:
Based on persistence, bioaccumulation, ecotoxicity, and animal acute toxicity, move that the Science Advisory Board recommend PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and its salts be listed as a category under the Toxics Use Reduction Act.
This motion was seconded. Discussion at this point again centered on animal toxicity. LD50 values between 250-500 mg/kg were noted. There was some discussion on whether the lowest value should be used. A member noted that many evaluation protocol, for example, the GreenScreenTM, use the lowest reputable value. The motion was passed unanimously.
The human health endpoints for these substances were not discussed and those endpoints will be discussed at the next meeting as they are useful in guidance for facilities and also may be important as we look at the short chain perfluorinated alternatives. The summary of the PBT endpoint for the policy analysis for PFOA and PFOS will be distributed for review by the SAB before the next meeting.
Introduction: Short Chain Perfluorinated Alternatives to PFOA/PFOS
This agenda item will be carried over to the next meeting. A Danish report on short chain perfluorinated compounds will be added to the Lib Guide as well as studies referenced by Dr. Clapp.
Next Meeting
March 29
Handouts:
Minutes (limited)
OTA Climate Change Resources for Toxics Users
OTA Climate Change Resources for Local Governments
Building Chemical Safety Into Climate Resiliency Planning
PBT Notes for PFOS and PFOA 1/11/17
EHS PFOA
EHS PFOS