The press and public may attend a review of seven widely used plasticizers (chemicals that give plastic its elasticity) that will be evaluated for their potential reproductive and developmental effects by the newly established Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction (http://cerhr.niehs.nih.gov/), which is within the National Toxicology Program (NTP) at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (http://www.niehs.nih.gov). The chemicals are phthalate esters found widely in the environment and used in consumer products such as shower curtains, medical supplies such as tubing and IV bags, upholstery, raincoats, and soft squeeze toys.

The evaluation will be by a panel of 15 scientific and medical experts meeting Aug. 17-19 at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 1900 Diagonal Road, Alexandria, Va., beginning Aug. 17 at 8:30 a.m. and concluding about mid-day on Aug. 19.

The evaluation coincides with a vigorous public discussion, pro and con, on the possible health effects of these chemicals, including letters to the editors of major newspapers from various advocacy groups and editorial commentary by former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, who has headed a private panel which said there is no basis for concern.

All sessions of the evaluation will be open to the public with an opportunity for oral public comment. Attendance will be limited only by availability of space, and comment will be subject to time constraints based on available time.

For registration information contact Peggy Sheren, CERHR, 1800 Diagonal Road, Suite 500, Alexandria, VA 22314-2808, phone (703)838-9440.

Announcement of the meeting appeared in the Federal Register, vol. 64, no.150 pp, 42607- 42608.