https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/is-the-epa-stifling-science-on-chemical-toxicity-reports/ > The Environmental Protection Agency is changing its approach to chemical toxicity oversight, according to a report issued recently by the Government Accountability Office. In the overhaul, the EPA reassigned staff from its Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)—a program that conducts comprehensive scientific reviews—to duties related to the Toxic Substances Control Act, which has a narrower mandate. The agency has also reduced the number of its ongoing chemical toxcity assessments from 20 to three. Former EPA officials contend the shake-up takes chemical assessments out of the hands of career scientists, potentially to the detriment of public health. > The EPA also recently halted release of a long-awaited formaldehyde toxicity assessment. In testimony before a congressional oversight committee on April 9, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said the study, which had already been completed by IRIS, will instead be reconducted under the TSCA program. Formaldehyde, which is used in manufacturing pressed wood, adhesives and insulation, has been linked to leukemia.