EPA Should Pursue Cumulative Risk Assessment of Phthalates

December 18 -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency should examine whether multiple exposures to chemicals called phthalates -- used in cosmetics, medical devices, and children's toys -- could cause adverse health effects, says a new report from the National Research Council. This cumulative risk assessment should include other chemicals that could cause the same effects as phthalates, instead of focusing on chemicals that are similar in structure, and the approach should be considered for cumulative risk assessments of other chemicals.

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