A new report released by the California Environmental Protection Agency could lead to new restrictions on the use of numerous chemicals in the workplace.

 But environmentalists and one prominent Democratic legislator say the report was delayed for almost two and a half years due to political concerns. Among the findings were determinations that at least one chemical not currently regulated for workplace exposure causes cancer in most people who come into contact with it.

The “Occupational Health Hazard Assessment Project” originated in the state Department of Health Services in 2004. Under the deal, one of the divisions under DHS, the Hazard Evaluation System and Information Service, paid $51,509 to OEHHA. OEHHA was to deliver the report in mid-2005. OEHAA operates under CalEPA.

 Instead, it was held up in a lengthy review process as it moved between multiple state agencies. Last summer, Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Sally Lieber, D-Mountain View, started pressuring OEHHA to release the data. Lieber is currently carrying a bill, AB515, that calls for the state to develop permissible exposure limits for many chemicals that aren’t now regulated in the workplace.

OEHHA released the report just before Christmas, drawing a rebuke from Lieber.

“Releasing a report just before the holidays is a classic way to keep it from getting any attention,” Lieber said. She added that she still thinks the report represents “a step forward.”

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