EPA Appoints TIA’s Alan Kaufman to Expert Committee that will Advise on LSCA Implementation

January 23, 2017 | Alan Kaufman, senior vice president of technical affairs at the Toy Industry Association (TIA), has been appointed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to serve on the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC), established under the amended Toxic Substances Control Act (now called the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21^st Century Act, or LSCA).

Kaufman will serve on the committee for a term that runs through January 19, 2020. He joins roughly 14 other scientists, who were selected for committee participation from a pool of more than 100 nominees from government, labor, public interest, animal protection, industry, and other groups.

The purpose of the SACC is to provide independent advice and expert consultation, at the request of the EPA Administrator, regarding the scientific and technical aspects of risk assessments, methodologies, and pollution prevention measures or approaches, as the EPA begins the process of implementing the reformed federal chemical law.

As a member of the committee, Kaufman has been asked to provide independent judgment based on his expertise in scientific studies supporting the EPA’s mission to “protect human health and the environment.”

Kaufman has worked in the toy industry for nearly 40 years, and has a deep understanding of the use of, and potential exposure to, chemicals in commerce from a finished product perspective. He is knowledgeable about how various chemicals are likely to be present, intentionally or not, in a wide array of children’s products, as well as the potential exposure routes and hazards.

“We are thrilled with Al Kaufman’s appointment to the SACC, and know that he will be a tremendous resource to the agency as they begin implementing the updated law,” stated Steve Pasierb, TIA President & CEO. “In addition to bringing his expansive real-world experience and scientific expertise to the table, Al Kaufman’s representation on the committee will help further the U.S. toy community’s commitment to providing safe and fun toys to children all over the world.”

In related news, the EPA has published two rules that will set up the framework by which EPA prioritizes and evaluates chemicals under LSCA. Comments on the prioritization and risk evaluation rules are being accepted through March 20, 2017. TIA members who would like to have their input incorporated into TIA’s comments to the agency are invited to send feedback to TIA’s Autumn Moore.