EPA Proposes Changes in Determining Cancer Risk of Chemicals, Pollutants

May 1, 1996

WASHINGTON--The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing that scientists rely less on animal testing and more on microbiological studies in calculating the cancer risk of chemicals and pollutants. The new regulations would place more emphasis on how chemicals actually affect human cells.

WASHINGTON--The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposingthat scientists rely less on animal testing and more on microbiologicalstudies in calculating the cancer risk of chemicals and pollutants.The new regulations would place more emphasis on how chemicalsactually affect human cells.

The changes could have a major impact on the country's programsto control pollution and pesticide use. The new regulations werepublished in the Federal Register in April, and will be put intofinal form after completion of 4 months of public comment.