The High Production Volume Chemicals Programme (HPV Programme) is an international programme which aims to assess the potential hazard of chemicals that are produced in high volumes. The OECD defines HPV as production or import of greater than 1,000 tonnes per year in at least one member country or in the European Union and assumes that high production is a proxy for high exposure. The OECD HPV Programme is supported by the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) and is being carried out cooperatively by the chemical industry.
Various studies have found insufficient data are available on the health effects of common chemicals. The United States Environmental Protection Agency found in a study before 1999 that of 2,800 chemicals investigated, 93% did not have sufficient data.
The US government defines high production volume chemicals as those organic non-polymer chemicals with greater than 1,000,000 pounds (450 t) production or import into the U.S.. These chemicals are required to have additional and highly detailed biological and environmental testing completed.
The US testing program was begun in 1999 and was expected to be completed in 2004.
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