Tobacco Documents Online

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA AND ASSESSMENT OFFICE CINCINNATI, OHIO 45268 April 27, 1990 SUBJECT: Review of "Lung Cancer Hazards and Other Respiratory Effects Due to Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke" FROM: w..1 Chris DeRosa 6 ~k ~~, ~ Acting Director ~~ /r Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office - Cincinnati TO: William H. Farland, Ph.D. Director Office of Health and Environmental Assessment (RD-689) We have reviewed the subject document and conclude that it is most comprehensive, thorough and well-written. It represents a conscientious and detailed effort on a complex subject and is the ~ culmination of a solid analysis. Given the complexity of the subject, it follows that some of the methods used and conclusions reached are not straight-forward and in fact may be controversial. In particular, we question use of meta analysis to support the classification as a weight-of-evidence Group A carcinogen. On an individual level, these studies more appropriately reflect limited evidence of human carcinogenicity and, therefore, support the conclusion that ETS be classified as a Group B1 carcinogen. Given this viewpoint, we are recommending that this document is "acceptable after major revision". Please note that this recommendation does not reflect major problems or changes within the body of the document but is meant to reflect our concern with the classification of ETS as a Group A carcinogen. Larry Glass and Rick Hertzberg reviewed this document. Their individual reviews are attached. We will be most interested to discuss our comments with you in more detail. Enclosures cc: L. Bailey