September 16, 2009

Science Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
DEP, 2nd Floor
September 16, 2009

SAB Members present: David Williams (Chair), Larry Boise (Vice-Chair), Chris Swartz, Hilary Hackbart, Lorraine Braunsdorf, Veronica Vieira

Others present: Heather Tenney (TURI), Glenn Keith (DEP), Liz Harriman (TURI), John Raschko (OTA), Dave Wawer (MCTA), Sanford Ostroy (retired professor, Purdue University), Mark Smith (DEP Office of Research and Standards), Rich Bizzozero (OTA)

Welcome

Program Updates
Liz gave an update on TURI’s funding status. TURI received 1.3 million in Federal stimulus money. Due to the general state of the Massachusetts budget, 9C cuts are likely again this year. DEP is having a round of layoffs on September 17th.
In terms of SAB membership, Joann has stepped down due to her reduced work schedule. Teknor Apex’s Massachusetts facility has ceased operation, so Lorraine will be stepping down. Finally Chris will be stepping down shortly. The Institute and the Board have greatly valued the input of all three members. Heather is collecting information for potential new members, so if you know someone who might be interested please let her know.

Approve July Minutes
Several changes to the minutes were requested. Heather will revise and send out prior to the November meeting.

Categorization of nPB
Materials distributed at the July meeting by the Industry representatives were read by SAB members over the summer. The goal was to determine whether nPB should be categorized as either a HHS or LHS. None of the members at the meeting felt that there was any compelling evidence to categorize nPB as a HHS or LHS. The program will follow emerging information on this substance and the Board will revisit it if something significant is found. There was a unanimous vote to leave nPB uncategorized.

2-bromopropane ( iso propyl bromide)
2 –bromopropane is a .1-.2% (potential) contaminant in nPB. The question is whether it should be listed and if so should it be listed separately or as part of a new category. A potential category would be halogenated hydrocarbons with less than or equal to 4 carbons. Additional references are needed for the next meeting for 2-bromopropane ( 2003 NTP Study and possibly a study done by the State of Maine).

LHS status of Butyl Acetates
The Board reviewed the prior SAB discussion (February 2009) and toxicity information on Butyl Acetate and Iso Butyl Acetate. Concerns were with occupational exposures, however the effects are generally reversible. In addition neurotoxicity effects were seen only at very high doses. Another concern was with the flash point – it is low, but not excessively low. The butyl acetates are less volatile than other organic solvents. The explosive limits were not a concern. The Butyl Acetates are FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe).

There was a motion and unanimous vote to recommend both as Lower Hazard Substances (LHS).

Next Meeting
Sometime during the first two weeks of November. Heather will email members to determine the best date.