WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency said it would begin assessments of 23 commonly used chemicals, including 20 flame-retardant chemicals, to better understand potential risks to public health and the environment.

The EPA notes flame retardants are widely used in products such as household furniture, textiles and electronic equipment, and that some flame retardant chemicals can persist in the environment, accumulate in people and animals, and have been shown to cause neurological developmental effects in animals.

The agency encourages the submission by May 30 of relevant information on these chemicals, such as unpublished studies and information on uses and potential exposures.

Draft assessments will be issued for public review and comment when completed. The EPA will evaluate and pursue appropriate risk reduction actions, as warranted.

If an assessment indicates no significant risk, the EPA will conclude its current work on assessment of targeted uses of that chemical.