Dueling EPA Chemical Numbers to Spur ‘Shopping’ for Helpful Data

Emerging EPA data that describes chemicals’ hazardous potential is expected to clash with older data about the same chemicals from another part of the agency—a conflict attorneys and analysts say will spur “shopping” for numbers that serve particular interests.

Adding to the confusion are disagreements about whether the older or newer data is more accurate. Industry groups are praising the EPA’s chemical office for producing long-overdue updates based on sound science. But others—including a former agency scientist who offered a rare insider’s perspective—are criticizing that office for producing numbers that favor industry and underestimate risks.

The conflict involves toxicity values, ...