EPA is sidelining its independent chemical referee – and that endangers public health

The move reshapes how future assessments of chemical dangers will be carried out, and if they’ll be ignored, delayed or understated to benefit industry.

By: H. Christopher Frey, North Carolina State University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: May 20, 2026

Words: 1,092

Last Updated: 2 months ago

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By H. Christopher Frey, North Carolina State University

For decades, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has relied on an independent scientific program to answer two basic questions when chemicals come up for review: Does the chemical pose a threat to human health? If so, how much exposure is necessary before it becomes a problem?

The scientists involved in that program, known as the Integrated Risk Information System, or IRIS, served as neutral scientific referees.

Now, …

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