E.P.A. Web Tool Expands Access to Scientific, Regulatory Information on Chemicals

WASHINGTON - The E.P.A. (EPA) has launched a web-based tool, called ChemView, to significantly enhance access to chemical specific regulatory information developed by E.P.A. and data submitted under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

"This online tool will enhance access to chemical health and safety information, increase public dialogue and awareness, and help viewers choose safer ingredients used in everyday products," said James Jones, assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. "The tool will make chemical information more readily accessible for chemical decision-makers and consumers."

The ChemView web tool displays key health and safety data in an online format that allows comparison of chemicals by use and by health or environmental effects. The search tool combines accessible TSCA information and provides streamlined access to E.P.A. assessments, hazard characterizations, and information on safer chemical ingredients. Additionally, the new web tool allows searches by chemical name or Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number, use, hazard effect, or regulatory action. It has the flexibility to create tailored views of the information on individual chemicals or compare multiple chemicals sorted by use, hazard effect or other criteria. The new portal will also link to information on manufacturing, processing, use, and release data reported under the Chemical Data Reporting Rule, and the Toxics Release Inventory.

In the months ahead, E.P.A. will be continuously adding additional chemicals, functionality and links. When fully updated, the web tool will contain data for thousands of chemicals. E.P.A. has incorporated stakeholder input into the design, and welcomes feedback on the current site.

By increasing health and safety information, as well as identifying safer chemical ingredients, manufacturers and retailers will have the information to better differentiate their products by using safer ingredients.

In 2010, E.P.A. began a concerted effort to increase the availability of information on chemicals as part of a commitment to strengthen the existing chemicals plan and enhance access and usefulness of chemical data and information. This included improving access to the TSCA inventory, issuing new policies for the review of confidential business information claims for health and safety studies, and launching the Chemical Data Access Tool. Today's launch of the ChemView provides the public with a single access point for information that has been generated on certain chemicals regulated under TSCA.

View and search ChemView: http://www.epa.gov/chemview

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