2-Hexanone

Overview

EPA is conducting a peer review of the scientific basis supporting the human health hazard and dose-response assessment of 2-hexanone that will appear on the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) database. Peer review is meant to ensure that science is used credibly and appropriately in derivation of the dose-response assessments and toxicological characterization.

Background

2-Hexanone was nominated for IRIS assessment because of its frequent detection at sites nationwide and its occurrence as a byproduct of certain industrial processes. 2-Hexanone has been used as a solvent for lacquers, ink thinners, nitrocellulose, resins, oils, fats and waxes. The only U.S. producer of 2-hexanone, the Tennessee Eastman Company division of Eastman Kodak, discontinued its production of 2-hexanone in 1979 and sold its remaining reserves by 1981.

History/Chronology

Date	Description
Jan 2008	EPA completes the Interagency Review of the 2-hexanone Toxicological Risk Assessment.
Feb 2008	EPA releases the first assessment of 2-hexanone in the IRIS database for public comment and review in preparation for an External Peer Review.
Mar 2008	EPA released the external review draft for the Toxicological Review of 2-Hexane.
May 2008	An external peer review panel workshop was hosted by an independent contractor on the Toxicological Review of 2-Hexanone (External Review Draft).
Sep 2009	EPA released the Final Toxicological Review (PDF) (136 pp, 964K) and accompanying Summary for 2-Hexanone to the IRIS Web site.

Status

Following External Peer Review, the final assessment is scheduled to be posted to the IRIS database.

Additional Information

Comments on the assessment may be submitted and reviewed using the e-Government Regulations.gov Web site. From the site, select Environmental Protection Agency and the keyword EPA-HQ-ORD-2008-0048 (for the docket ID).

This download(s) is distributed solely for the purpose of pre-dissemination peer review under applicable information quality guidelines. It has not been formally disseminated by EPA. It does not represent and should not be construed to represent any Agency determination or policy.

• Toxicological Review of 2-Hexanone: In support of the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) (PDF)  (118  pp, 670.9 KB, about PDF)
• Charge to External Peer Reviewers (PDF)  (3  pp, 19.5 KB, about PDF)
• Consolidated Comments from the External Peer Review (Final) (PDF)  (50  pp, 229.5 KB, about PDF)

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Document Related Link(s)

• Final report of letter peer review of key study (PDF)  (13  pp, 67.4 KB, about PDF)

Federal Register Notices

• FR Notice: Apr 23, 2008
• FR Notice: Mar 3, 2008