EPAs Office of Children's Health Protection npw '*> 1 It? f AJM |||J -ii ii :IH0l y*5gig Children's Environmental Health Newsletter December 2018 The Office of Children's Health Protection at EPA has developed this newsletter to get you engaged in children's environmental health activities occurring throughout the agency. Here, you can access information on opportunities for public comment on EPA rulemakings, risk assessments, upcoming outreach events, grant opportunities, and other federal children's environmental health announcements. Trump Administration Unveils Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposure The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler, U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson, and U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan unveiled the Trump Administration's Federal Lead Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures and Associated Health Impacts (Lead Action Plan). "The Federal Lead Action Plan will enhance the Trump Administration's efforts to identify and reduce lead contamination while ensuring children impacted by lead exposure are getting the support and care they need," said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler. Developed through cross-governmental collaboration of the President's Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children (Task Force), which includes 17 federal departments and offices, the Lead Action Plan is a blueprint for reducing lead exposure and associated harms by working with a range of stakeholders, including states, tribes and local communities, along with businesses, property owners and parents. The four goals of the Lead Action Plan are: Goal 1: Reduce Children's Exposure to Lead Sources Goal 2: Identify Lead-Exposed Children and Improve their Health Outcomes Goal 3: Communicate More Effectively with Stakeholders Goal 4: Support and Conduct Critical Research to Inform Efforts to Reduce Lead Exposures and Related Health Risks Click here to read the full report. Read the news release: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/trump-administration-unveils- federal-action-plan-reduce-childhood-lead-exposure More information about lead: https://www.epa.gov/lead ------- EPA Announces $40 Million in Funding to Reduce Emissions from Diesel Engines EPA announced the availability of grant funding to implement projects aimed at reducing emissions from the nation's existing fleet of older diesel engines. EPA anticipates awarding approximately $40 million in Diesel Emission Reduction Program (DERA) grant funding to eligible applicants, subject to the availability of funds. "By financially supporting projects that upgrade aging diesel engines, EPA is helping improve their efficiency and reduce air pollution throughout the nation," said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler. EPA is soliciting applications nationwide for projects that significantly reduce diesel emissions and exposure, especially from fleets operating at goods movements facilities in areas designated as having poor air quality. Priority for funding will also be given to projects that engage and benefit local communities. In October, during Children's Health Month, EPA announced the availability of approximately $9 million in rebates to public school bus fleet owners to help replace or upgrade older engines. This is the sixth rebate program to fund cleaner school buses under DERA, that have supported nearly 25,000 cleaner buses across the country for America's school children. Read the news release: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-40-million- fundinq-reduce-emissions-diesel-enqines For more information on the National Clean Diesel campaign, visit: www.epa.gov/cleandiesel. In This Month's Bulletin Announcements & Updates EPA Smoke-Ready Toolbox for Wildfires: A one-stop shop for all the information related to wildfires and health Pesticides Registration Review Interim Decisions for S-Ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate (EPTC) Public Comment Opportunities Request for Public Comments, due January 14, 2019, and Announcement of a Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals Peer Review Meeting on the TSCA Draft Risk Evaluation for Pigment Violet 29 (PV29) EPA Seeks Public Input on Draft Toxicity Assessments for PFAS Chemicals by January 22, 2019 Draft Human Health Risk Assessments for Pesticides: Public Comment by January 29, 2019 Pesticides Registration Review Proposed Interim Decisions: Comment by February 4, 2019 EPA Seeks Comment on Proposal to Harmonize Human Subjects Research Regulations with Revised Common Rule: Public Comment by February 4, 2019 ------- Request for comments on the Experts Nominated to Be Considered for Ad Hoc Participation and Possible Membership on the Toxic Substances Control Act Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals, Due January 14th, 2019. EPA Grant Opportunities Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act Grant: Lead Testing in School and Child Care Program Drinking Water, $20 million in funding available submit letters of intent to EPA by January 11, 2019 EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants Opportunity is Now Open!! Accepting Proposals Until February 15, 2019 Upcoming EPA Webinars, Workshops & Events Peer Review Meeting: Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) Peer Review Meeting on the TSCA Draft Risk Evaluation for Pigment Violet 29 (PV29): January 29, 2019 to February 1, 2019 Federal Partners' Children's Environmental Health Announcements Updated World Health Organization (WHO) Housing and Health Guidelines Workshop by NASEM: Understanding the Interplay of Environmental Stressors, Infectious Disease, and Human Health: January 15-16, 2019 Grant Opportunity: FY2019 Flood Mitigation Assistance: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security; Applications due January 31, 2019 Announcements & Updates EPA Smoke-Ready Toolbox for Wildfires Wildland fires produce air pollution that impacts people's health and other aspects of daily life. The increased frequency and intensity of wildfires in the United States are adversely affecting air quality and putting more people at a health risk from exposure to smoke. Public health officials and others can use the resources in the Smoke Ready Toolbox to help educate the public about the risks of smoke exposure and actions people can take to protect their health. Click here to learn how to protect children from wildfire smoke and ash. Click here to access the Smoke-Ready Toolbox for Wildfires Pesticides Registration Review Interim Decision A Registration Review decision is the EPA's final determination on whether a pesticide meets the standard for registering pesticides. An interim decision based on the human health assessment can be issued before completing all required findings related to ecological impacts. Please note that only children's health concerns are highlighted here. There may be other human health or ecological concerns described in the relevant documents. S-Ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate (EPTC) ------- What is it? S-Ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate (EPTC) is an herbicide registered to control the growth of germinating annual weeds on several agricultural, tree, and orchard crops. What potential risks to children has the EPA identified? The draft human health risk assessment resulted in spray drift exposure estimates of concern for children 1<2 years old, and in the Proposed Interim Decision proposed prohibiting aerial applications of EPTC. EPA Next Steps: Since receiving comments on the EPTC Proposed Interim Decision, EPA is revising the minimum droplet size from fine to medium or coarser and allowing applications up to 15 mph which will not result in risks of concern for children. Click here to see the EPTC Interim Decision for Registration Review. Click here for additional documents and more information. [Docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0720] Click here for additional interim decisions and case closures. Public Comment Opportunities Request for Public Comments, due January 14, 2019, and Announcement of a Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals Peer Review Meeting on the TSCA Draft Risk Evaluation for Pigment Violet 29 (PV29) to be held January 29, 2019 to February 1, 2019 On June 22, 2016, the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, which improved the Toxics Substances Control Act (TSCA), was signed into law. The legislation provides significant new responsibilities and authorities to EPA to advance chemical safety including strengthened risk-based chemical assessments for pregnant women, infants, and children. In December 2016, EPA announced the first ten existing chemicals to undergo risk evaluations under amended TSCA and then issued corresponding scope documents for these chemicals. In May 2018, EPA released problem formulation documents to refine the scope documents. On November 15, 2018, EPA announced the release of the risk evaluation draft for Pigment Violet 29 (PV29), the first of the ten chemicals undergoing risk evaluation, for public comment. The draft risk evaluation for PV29 and other supporting documents are available for public comment until January 14, 2019 in docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0604 on www.requlations.gov (see below for more information). Comments on the scope and clarity of the draft charge questions, also available in docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0604, should be submitted by January 7, 2019 to be considered during the virtual preparatory meeting (see below for more information). On November 30, 2018, EPA announced a peer review meeting of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) from January 29, 2019 to February 1, 2019 to review the draft risk evaluation for Pigment Violet 29 (PV29). The SACC, the new Federal Advisory Committee required under TSCA, will provide scientific advice, information, and recommendations to EPA on chemicals regulated under TSCA. A portion of this meeting will be closed to public for the committee's discussion of information claimed as confidential business information. Read the Federal Register notice announcing the peer review. There will be a two-hour preparatory virtual meeting (via teleconference and webcast) on ------- January 8, 2019, from approximately 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for TSCA SACC members and the public to comment on the scope and clarity of the draft charge questions to be used for the peer review. Registration is required for the public to participate during the preparatory virtual meeting. Those requesting to provide oral comments (limited to approximately 5 minutes) during the preparatory virtual meeting are asked to register by 12 p.m. on January 4, 2019. Participants may register by following the instructions provided here. Comment Deadlines: Oral comments: Requests to make oral comments during the preparatory virtual meeting should be submitted on or before 12:00 p.m. (EST) on January 4, 2019 In order to be included on the meeting agenda, requests to make oral comments during the in-person 4-day peer review meeting should be submitted on or before January 14, 2019. Otherwise, requests to present oral comments during the in-person 4-day peer review meeting will be accepted until and possibly during the in-person meeting Direct your requests to make oral comments to the Designated Federal Officer (DFO), Dr. Todd Peterson, DFO; phone: (202) 564-6428; email address: peterson.todd@epa.gov. Written comments: On the scope and clarity of the draft charge questions for the preparatory virtual meeting should be submitted on or before January 7, 2019. On the draft risk evaluation that are submitted on or before January 14, 2019 (see 83 FR 57473, November 15, 2018) (FRL-9986-45) will be provided to the peer review panel members before the meeting. You may also submit written comments on the first date of the in-person 4-day peer review meeting by providing 30 copies of your written comments to the DFO (see above) at the start of the meeting for the DFO to distribute to the panel members. The TSCA SACC will consider written comments during their discussions. For more information: Read the draft risk evaluation for pigment violet 29 under amended TSCA Supplemental information related to the draft risk evaluation can be found in the Supporting Documents folder of docket EPA-HQ-QPPT-2018-0604 on www.regulations.gov Read the problem formulation for pigment violet 29 under amended TSCA EPA Seeks Public Input on Draft Toxicity Assessments for PFAS Chemicals by Jan 22, 2019. EPA is seeking public input on draft toxicity assessments for GenX chemicals and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), members of a larger group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are man-made chemicals used in a wide range of products because of their ability to repel water, grease, and oil. The draft toxicity assessments are part of EPA's efforts to increase the amount of research and information that is publicly available on chemicals in the PFAS family. Once final, states, tribes, and communities can use the information the agency is providing to assess risks, which will help them develop risk ------- management plans and protect their residents. Click here to learn more about GenX and PFBS Draft Toxicity Assessments. Click here to view the EPA Federal Register Notice. Draft Human Health Risk Assessments for Pesticides: Public Comment by January 29, 2019 Registration Review is EPA's periodic review of pesticide registrations to ensure that each pesticide continues to satisfy the statutory standard for registration, that is, the pesticide can perform its intended function without unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment. As part of the registration review process, the Agency has completed comprehensive draft human health risk assessments for several pesticides. Please note that only children's health concerns are highlighted here. Amitraz What is it? Amitraz is an insecticide/acaricide currently registered for use in pet collars for control of ticks on dogs and as an impregnated strip for control of mites in beehives. What potential risk to children has EPA identified? The assessment found there are potential risks of concern for children 1 to < 2 years old from exposures to pet collars containing amitraz. How EPA proposes to reduce these risks to children: EPA will provide information on the reduction of these risks to children in the Preliminary Interim Decision (PID), which will be developed after public comment on this risk assessment. EPA next steps: EPA will consider public comments submitted until January 29, 2019. Click here to see the Amitraz Draft Human Health Risk Assessment for Registration Review. Click here to provide comments. Click here for additional documents and more information. [Docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-1015] Bromoxynil and Bromoxynil esters What is it? Bromoxynil and its esters are herbicides used to control a variety of broadleaf weeds. Bromoxynil is registered for use on corn, sorghum, transgenic cotton, seedling alfalfa, flax, garlic, small grains (wheat, barley, oats, and rye), onions, grasses grown for seed, and mint; and sod production, conservation reserve program (CRP) areas, non-residential turfgrass, -and noncropland/industrial sites. What potential risk to children has EPA identified? For aerial applications, dermal exposure resulting from spray drift results in risk estimates of concern for children 1 to < 2 years old How EPA proposes to reduce these risks to children: There is no risk of concern when using 25-foot buffers. Additional information will be provided in the Preliminary Interim Decision (PID), which will be developed after public comment on this risk assessment. EPA next steps: EPA will consider public comments submitted until January 29, 2019. Click here to see the Bromoxynil Draft Human Health Risk Assessment for Registration Review. Click here to provide comments. ------- Click here for additional documents and more information. [Docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0896] Captan What is it? Captan is a fungicide registered use on agricultural field crops, orchards and vineyards, and for use in greenhouses; soil treatment, root dips, seed treatments for numerous crops; and as a postharvest fruit dip. What potential risk to children has EPA identified? The assessment found potential risks of concern for children 6 < 11 years for dermal exposure to ornamental gardens and garden fruit following applications of captan. How EPA proposes to reduce these risks to children: EPA will provide information on the reduction of these risks to children in the Preliminary Interim Decision (PID), which will be developed after public comment on this risk assessment. EPA next steps: EPA will consider public comments submitted until January 29, 2019. Click here to see the Captan Draft Human Health Risk Assessment for Registration Review. Click here to provide comments. Click here for additional documents and more information. [Docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0074] Formetanate HCI What is it? is an N-methyl- carbamate (NMC) miticide/insecticide used on citrus orchard crops and alfalfa grown for seed. What potential risk to children has EPA identified? The acute drinking water assessment resulted in potential risks of concern from residues in groundwater for the general US population and all population subgroups; the most highly-exposed population subgroup is infants less than 1 year old. The non-occupational spray drift assessment determined there are potential risks of concern for children 1 to < 2 years old at the edge of a treated field for certain application parameters, with buffers of >300 feet required. How EPA proposes to reduce these risks to children: EPA will provide information on the reduction of these risks to children in the Preliminary Interim Decision (PID), which will be developed after public comment on this risk assessment. EPA next steps: EPA will consider public comments submitted until January 29, 2019. Click here to see the Formetanate HCI Draft Human Health Risk Assessment for Registration Review. Click here to provide comments. Click here for additional documents and more information. [Docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0939] Imazaquin What is it? Imazaquin and imazaquin salt are herbicides used on soybeans and warm season turf and ornamental grasses. What potential risk to children has EPA identified? The assessment shows that using a screening level, conservative approach results in potential risks of concern for children 1 to <2 years old from use on residential lawns. Using a 2-day average results in no risks of concern. ------- How EPA proposes to reduce these risks to children: EPA will provide information on the reduction of these risks to children in the Preliminary Interim Decision (PID), which will be developed after public comment on this risk assessment. EPA next steps: EPA will consider public comments submitted until January 29, 2019 Click here to see the Imazaquin Draft Human Health Risk Assessment for Registration Review. Click here to provide comments. Click here for additional documents and more information. [Docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0224] MCPA What is it? MCPA is an herbicide used on residential lawns, ornamental turf and trees, golf courses, parks, roadsides, rights of way; and for agricultural use on alfalfa, barley, clover, flax, oats, pasture and rangeland grass, peas, rye, triticale, wheat, and grass grown for seed. What potential risk to children has EPA identified? The assessment shows that using a screening level, conservative approach results potential risks of concern for children 1 to <2 years old from use on residential lawns. Using a 6-day average results in no residential post-application risks of concern but would result in aggregate risks of concern. Using an 8-day average results in no residential post-application or aggregate risks of concern. Averaging Total Toxic Residue (TTR) values over this duration of exposure is scientifically defensible since the risk assessment endpoint and point of departure for these scenarios is taken from a reproduction study which represent dosing of animals over many weeks. Therefore, averaging residential exposure over this time frame (by using average TTR values) is appropriate. Refinement for the child exposure from high contact lawn activities for the granular formulation was not possible as only default TTR data were available for granules. The episodic granule ingestion scenario for children is of concern (Margin of Exposure (MOE) is less than the Level of Concern (LOC) of 1000) with an MOE of 860. How EPA proposes to reduce these risks to children: EPA will provide information on the reduction of these risks to children in the Preliminary Interim Decision (PID), which will be developed after public comment on this risk assessment. EPA next steps: EPA will consider public comments submitted until January 29, 2019. Click here to see the MCPA Draft Human Health Risk Assessment for Registration Review. Click here to provide comments. Click here for additional documents and more information. [Docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0180] O-Benzyl-P-Chlorophenol (OBPCP) and Salts What is it? OBPCP is registered as a hard surface cleaner and disinfectant, and as a biocide for industrial process water and cooling systems. What potential risk to children has EPA identified? Assessment of chronic dietary risk from commercial uses showed 99% of the cPAD (Population Adjusted Dose) occupied, with children 1-2 years again being the highest exposed subpopulation, an assessment of chronic dietary risk from residential uses showed 17% of the cPAD occupied. In order to obtain the dietary portion of the aggregate risk assessment, the Agency must determine if there is co-occurrence of dietary sources of chemicals. The Agency has determined that the assumption of concurrent exposure from all product use sites ------- would be overly conservative, and therefore there is no dietary risk of concern to children. EPA next steps: EPA will consider public comments submitted until January 29, 2019 Click here to see the OBPCP Draft Human Health Risk Assessment for Registration Review. Click here to provide comments. Click here for additional documents and more information [Docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0423] para-Dichlorobenzene (PDCB) What is it? para-Dichlorobenzene is a fumigant insecticide registered to control moths, molds, and mildew in residential storage areas (e.g., closets and drawers), and for the control of lice and mites in and around birdcages. PDCB is also registered for use in stored empty beehives to control wax moths. What potential risk to children has EPA identified? The assessment showed that long- term residential post-application inhalation exposures, and episodic ingestion of mothballs, result in potential risks of concern for children 1 to < 2 years old. How EPA proposes to reduce these risks to children: EPA will provide information on the reduction of these risks to children in the Preliminary Interim Decision (PID), which will be developed after public comment on this risk assessment. EPA next steps: EPA will consider public comments submitted until January 29, 2019. Click here to see the para-Dichlorobenzene Draft Human Health Risk Assessment for Registration Review. Click here to provide comments. Click here for additional documents and more information. [Docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0117] Pesticides Registration Review Proposed Interim Decisions: Comment by February 4, 2019 The proposed interim registration review and supporting documents describe the risk findings and consideration of possible risk mitigation measures for a pesticide undergoing registration review. Following a 60-day public comment period, the Agency will issue interim or final registration review decisions. Please note that only children's health concerns are highlighted here. There may be other human health or ecological concerns described in the relevant documents. Click here for additional proposed interim decisions. Abamectin What is it? Abamectin is a natural fermentation product of soil bacterium and is used as an insecticide/miticide for use on various agricultural crops; ornamentals; trees and shrubs; turf; Christmas trees; seed treatments; and insect baits. What potential risks to children has the EPA identified? The draft risk assessment identified risks estimates of concern for children 1<2 years old from proposed uses for spot and crack and crevice treatment against household pests. These uses have not been approved, and there is no longer estimated risk to children's health. Integral to the dose-response assessment in mammals for this class of compounds is the role of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in target tissues. P-gp acts as a protective barrier to keep chemicals out of the body, including the fetus. Based on the difference in the ontogeny ------- of P-gp in neonatal rats and human newborns, the Agency does not believe that the early post-natal findings in the rat are relevant to human newborns or young children, at this time. EPA next steps: EPA will consider public comments submitted until February 4, 2019. Click here to see the Abamectin Proposed Interim Decision for Registration Review. Click here to provide comments. Click here for additional documents and more information. [Docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0360] Methiocarb What is it? Methiocarb is an N-methyl carbamate (NMC) insecticide currently registered for use on ornamentals and as an aversive conditioning egg treatment. What potential risks to children has the EPA identified? A spray drift assessment resulted in risk estimates of concern for children 1 < 2 years of age. How EPA proposed to reduce these potential risks to children: EPA is proposing to prohibit aerial, airblast, chemigation and groundboom applications of methiocarb for all use sites. EPA next steps: EPA will consider public comments submitted until February 4, 2019. Click here to see the Methiocarb Proposed Interim Decision for Registration Review. Click here to provide comments. Click here for additional documents and more information. [Docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0278] Oryzalin What is it? Oryzalin is a broad-spectrum dinitroaniline herbicide with products registered for use for preemergent weed control on agricultural crops, primarily fruit and nut trees and grapes; berries; ornamentals; and turf. Products containing oryzalin are also registered for use in rights-of-way and for residential use on lawns, turf, and ornamentals. What potential risks to children has the EPA identified? The draft human health risk assessment has been amended to further characterize potential risks to children 1 to <2 years old playing on turf treated with oryzalin (hand-to mouth incidental oral exposure). The risk assessment showed that using a screening level, conservative approach results in potential risks of concern for children 1 to <2 years old from use on residential lawns. Using a 2-day average results in no risks of concern for children. EPA next steps: EPA will consider public comments submitted until February 4, 2019. Click here to see the Oryzalin Proposed Interim Decision for Registration Review. Click here to see the Addendum to Oryzalin Human Health Draft Risk Assessment for Registration Review. Click here to provide comments. Click here for additional documents and more information. [Docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0940] EPA Seeks Comment on Proposal to Harmonize Human Subjects Research Regulations with Revised Common Rule: Public Comment by February 4, 2019 On December 6, 2018, EPA published in the Federal Register a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for public comment. The proposed rule seeks to harmonize EPA-specific human ------- subjects research regulations with the revised Common Rule that goes into effect on January 21, 2019. EPA and other participating federal agencies follow the Common Rule on the ethical protection of human subjects participating in research projects. EPA added regulations in 2006 in response to a congressional mandate to provide additional protection to vulnerable populations by prohibiting intentional exposure studies on children and pregnant or breast-feeding women. The proposed rulemaking harmonizes EPA-specific regulations with revisions to the Common Rule to resolve any discrepancies; it does not change EPA's protection of human subjects. Click here to see the Federal Register Notice. Click here for the Revised Common Rule. Click here to submit comments [Docket EPA-HQ-ORD-2018-0280 Request for comments on the Experts Nominated To Be Considered for Ad Hoc Participation and Possible Membership on the Toxic Substances Control Act Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals, Due January 14, 2019. EPA is requesting public review and welcomes comments on the scientific experts nominated to be considered for ad hoc participation and possible membership on the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC). The its initial request for nominations, EPA specified children's health as one of the areas of expertise appropriate for a prospective candidate; amended TSCA includes consideration of potentially exposed or susceptible subpopulations (PESS), as defined in Sec. 3(12) to include infants, children and pregnant women. Several of the nominees selected for consideration describe having expertise in reproductive or children's health. Click here to view the initial request for candidate nominations. Click here to view the bio-sketches of the nominees selected for consideration. Click here for more information on the current request for comment on the experts selected for consideration. EPA Grant Opportunities Water Infrastructure and Improvements to the Nation (WIIN) Act Grant: Lead Testing in School and Child Care Program Drinking Water, $20 million in funding available; submit letters of intent to EPA by January 11, 2019 Authorized under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, the Lead Testing in School and Child Care Program Drinking Water Grant creates a program to assist with voluntary testing for lead in drinking water at schools and child care programs. The grant will include a total of $20 million in funding for states, including $1.2 million set aside specifically for tribal schools. EPA has requested that states interested in participating in the grant program submit letters of intent to EPA by January 11, 2019. To support the new grant program, EPA has updated its 3Ts for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water. The updated document will assist schools and childcare facilities with developing lead in drinking water prevention programs through EPA's 3Ts - training, testing, and taking action. Together, EPA's new grants and the 3Ts, will provide states and schools with the tools they need to help protect children from lead in drinking water. Click here to learn more. ------- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants Opportunity is Now Open!! Accepting Proposals Until February 15, 2019 The Environmental Justice Small Grants program awards grants that support community- driven projects designed to engage, educate, and empower communities to better understand local environmental and public health issues and develop strategies for addressing those issues, building consensus in the community, and setting community priorities. This program will award approximately $1.5 million nationwide for this competitive opportunity. EPA anticipates awarding approximately 50 grants (5 per EPA region) of up to $30,000 each. These grants are for one-year projects. Click here for additional details. Upcoming EPA Webinars, Workshops & Events Peer Review Meeting: Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) Peer Review Meeting on the TSCA Draft Risk Evaluation for Pigment Violet 29, January 20 to February 1, 2019 On November 30, 2018, EPA announced a peer review meeting of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) from January 29, 2019 to February 1, 2019 to review the draft risk evaluation for Pigment Violet 29 (PV29). The SACC, the new Federal Advisory Committee required under TSCA, will provide scientific advice, information, and recommendations to EPA on chemicals regulated under TSCA. A portion of this meeting will be closed to public for the committee's discussion of information claimed as confidential business information. Read the Federal Register notice announcing the peer review. (See Public Comment Opportunities section above for more information) Federal Partners' Children's Environmental Health Announcements Updated World Health Organization (WHO) Housing and Health Guidelines Recommendations to promote healthy housing for a sustainable and equitable future "The WHO Housing and Health Guidelines bring together the most recent evidence to provide practical recommendations to reduce the health burden due to unsafe and substandard housing. Based on newly commissioned systematic reviews, the guidelines provide recommendations relevant to inadequate living space (crowding), low and high indoor temperatures, injury hazards in the home, and accessibility of housing for people with functional impairments. In addition, the guidelines identify and summarize existing WHO guidelines and recommendations related to housing, with respect to water quality, air quality, neighborhood noise, asbestos, lead, tobacco smoke and radon. The guidelines take a comprehensive, intersectoral perspective on the issue of housing and health and highlight co- benefits of interventions addressing several risk factors at the same time." Development of the guidelines was funded, in part, by HUD and EPA. Click here to learn more. ------- National Academies Workshop: Understanding the Interplay of Environmental Stressors, Infectious Disease, and Human Health: January 15-16, 2019 Understanding the impacts of changes to the environment on the spread of and human susceptibility to infectious diseases is an emerging area of research. Human exposures to immunotoxicants may increase human vulnerability to infectious agents and environmental disruption may modify where humans encounter different infectious agents. These topics are being explored in different research communities but are rarely looked at holistically. The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine Standing Committee on the Emerging Science for Environmental Health Decisions is hosting a free workshop to explore new science that aims to understand the interplay of environmental stressors, infectious disease, and human health. Speakers will discuss emerging evidence on the links between environmental pollution and infectious disease, promising approaches to study those interactions, and how this knowledge could guide research directions, health practices, and public policy. Held in Washington D.C. and webcast live, the workshop will include presentations and panel discussions on topics such as: The impact of chemical exposures on human susceptibility to infectious disease The impact of environmental disruptions on human exposure to infectious agents Location: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) Keck Center, Room 100 500 Fifth St NW Washington, DC Click here for more information and to register for the workshop. ------- |