Everything you need to know about the Ethylene Oxide (EtO) emissions regulation by EPA
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been working to regulate the emission of ethylene oxide (EtO) to protect public health and the environment. A highly reactive and flammable gas, EtO is used in the production of medical equipment, plastics, and textiles. Although it is an essential component of manufacturing, it has been identified as a carcinogen, making it a significant concern for environmental regulators. In the US, EPA proposes to regulate EtO emissions due to a number of reasons. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): It wasn’t until recently that the EPA updated the standards to reflect the latest scientific research on EtO’s health effects that it began regulating EtO emissions in the 1980s. EPA has issued new regulations governing EtO emissions in 2020, which have tightened the limits on emissions from sterilization facilities as well as other sources because of the regulation. As a result of the new regulations, communities near facilities that use EtO will be protected and the risk of cancer from prolonged exposure to the gas will be reduced. It is essential that the EPA regulates ethylene oxide emissions since they can cause respiratory problems, nausea, headaches, and other health issues. The implementation of updated regulations for EtO emissions has proven challenging for industries that use gas. Complying with regulations requires significant changes to production processes, which can be time-consuming and costly. Finding an alternative to EtO can also be challenging, especially if the alternative does not provide the same quality or functionality. However, reducing EtO emissions will have substantial long-term benefits, making changes necessary. For industries emitting EtO, collaboration with the EPA is crucial for finding solutions that meet business needs while meeting environmental regulations As the EPA updates its regulations, industries must stay informed and adapt to the new To protect public health and the environment, EtO emissions must be monitored and regulated continuously. The industries that may be affected by EPA regulation on Ethylene Oxide (EtO): Medicinal and pharmaceutical industries: EtO is an excellent sanitizer for clinical hardware and drugs that cannot be exposed to high temperatures or dampness. Medical devices such as catheters and sutures, as well as surgical instruments, are included in this category. Chemical industry: EtO is made by converting it as a precursor to ethylene glycol. This is used to make antifreeze, polyester fibers, and plastic bottles. It is also used to manufacture synthetics, like surfactants, cleansers, and glues. Agriculture: Apart from that, EtO can also be applied to some agricultural products that are susceptible to pests, fungi, or bacteria growth, such as grains and spices, to prevent the growth of insects, fungi, etc. Food packaging: Despite being less common, EtO can also be used to sterilize some food packaging materials. The term EtO is also used to describe a carcinogenic substance. Long-term use can lead to cancers like lymphomas and leukemia. Excessive use of this drug can also lead to headaches, breathing problems, dizziness, etc. The EPA has developed guidelines for risk management procedures to ensure the safety of environment, and consumers from the toxic emissions. Although it is imperative for manufacturing industries to be compliant, they struggle to meet both environmental and business needs. ComplianceXL helps organizations comply with environmental policies, reduce the social impact, and contribute to a healthier world by minimizing EtO emissions. Find out how this under regulation on EtO emissions affects you and what you need to do to stay compliant today by contacting an ESG Specialist. FAQs: 1. How does the EPA warn about ethylene oxide? An analysis by the Environmental Protection Agency showed that ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions from some commercial sterilizers contribute to elevated cancer risk. 2. How does EPA determine what is an acceptable risk? An organization’s OH&S policy and legal obligations have been taken into consideration when reducing risk.
New PFAS Regulations and How to Stay Compliant
Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are collectively known as poly-fluoroalkyl substances. Unlike natural substances, these chemicals are created by humans. Consumer products and industrial products have been containing PFAS substances for decades. Due to their toxicity to humans, animals, and the environment, the substances have come under increasing scrutiny since the early 2000s. To reduce exposure to PFAS, a variety of laws, policies, and regulations have been implemented in the United States and Europe. Maine legislature banned perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances in July 2021. As a result, PFAS was defined broader than those substances listed under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). CompTox, the EPA’s list of more than 12,000 PFAS, is instead referred to in the proposed law. Manufacturers, distributors, and importers of these products in Maine must comply with the law unless an exemption has been granted. In addition to the new law, two provisions go into effect on January 1st, 2023. The following are some of them: To comply with federal regulations, manufacturers must report the amount of PFAS in their products. Despite the development of a database by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), reporting remains a necessity. The sale of carpets, rugs, and fabric treatments containing PFAS is prohibited. We do not include carpets or rugs that have been used. California Bill AB 1817 prohibits the sale, distribution, or offering for sale of food packaging containing PFAS chemicals. As of January 1st, 2023. The sale and distribution of new products containing PFAS chemicals will be prohibited by July 1, 2023. Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Section 8(a)(7) is expected to be finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2023. Since 2011, manufacturers and importers have been required to report on how PFAS are used in their products, production volumes, disposal, exposures, and hazards. Over 1,300 PFAS could potentially be covered by this rule, according to the EPA. By January 2023, five European Union states are expected to submit a proposal restricting all PFAS substances. Additionally, certain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (C9-C14 PFCAs) will be prohibited under EU REACH beginning in February 2023. Additionally, the EU proposes a ban on the use of all PFAS in firefighting foams. ComplianceXL provides companies with PFAS compliance consulting services as well as vendor PFAS declaration collection services. Moreover, we also provide our customers with regular maintenance services in order to ensure that the certificates and declarations of their suppliers are accurate and current at all times. FAQs 1.What made the elimination of PFAS so important? Exposure to PFAS poses a serious threat to human health. There is a global contamination crisis due to it, which fuels biodiversity crises. 2.Why are PFAS widely used in products because of their performance attributes? Fluorinated polymers have excellent temperature stability, electrical insulation, and flame retardancy. Water-repellent and anti-fogging, fluorinated coatings are available.
EPA appeals SACC review of 1,4-Dioxane risk assessment under TSCA
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking nominations of expert reviewers to assist the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) with their review of the 2023 Draft Supplement to the 1,4-Dioxane Risk Assessment under the Toxic Substances Review Act (TSCA). SACC provides the US EPA with independent scientific guidance and direction regarding the methodologies, risk assessments, and pollution prevention measures and approaches for chemicals classified under TSCA. The Risk Analysis of 1,4-Dioxane is mainly to protect Human Health & Environment. EPA has reviewed 24 conditions for risk analysis which includes laboratory chemicals, adhesives, sealants, solvents, spray polyurethane foam, printing ink, and dry film lubricants. 1,4-dioxane is found in consumer products such as detergents and soaps. This review assesses the effects of 1,4-dioxane exposure on the environment, including surface water, groundwater, ambient air, and land. It also evaluates additional conditions of use where 1,4-dioxane is present as a by-product in industrial processes. The applications of 1,4-Dioxane in manufacturing and household products are: A solvent for cotton and textile processing Chemical manufacturing, and A coolant liquid in the automotive industry. EPA intends to make the 2023 Draft Supplement to the 1,4-Dioxane Risk Evaluation for public comment in June of 2023. This document will be reviewed with the public virtually by SACC in September 2023. SACC will announce registration instructions for the meeting in the summer of 2023. The EPA considers April 24, 2023 to be the last day for any other nominations. This nomination will be considered by 10 to 15 ad hoc reviewers who will help the SACC with its review. Which are all the substance or products that contains 1,4-Dioxane? In food supplements, food containing residues from packaging adhesive traces of 1,4-Dioxane can be absorbed. It is primarily used as a solvent in some manufacturing processes. Household Products such as – Shampoo, Baby lotion, cosmetic products, bath foam, etc. 1,4-Dioxane can be found in spermicidal sponges. What are the health effects of 1,4-dioxane exposure? Effects of 1,4-dioxane to human health and environment is depends on frequency of the exposure and how much percentage of 1,4-dioxane is present. Exposure to large amounts of 1,4-dioxane can cause kidney, liver damage and adverse nervous system effects. 1,4-Dioxane for short periods of time causes irritation of the nose, eyes, and throat in the human body. Conclusion: It is important to regulate and monitor 1,4-dioxane carefully to minimize its risks and impacts on humans as well as the environment. Once the thorough risk evaluation process mandated by TSCA is completed, EPA will make a final determination on whether a chemical substance will pose any unreasonably high risks to human health or the environment upon usage. This process will allow EPA to develop and implement necessary risk management procedures to ensure the safety of chemicals that will be sold on the market. ComplianceXL provides organisations with solutions to stay compliant and socially responsible by keeping up with regulatory updates from bodies such as EPA. Find out how this will affect your organization by talking to one of our regulatory compliance specialists today. FAQs: 1. What does the risk assessment for 1 4 dioxane entail? Based on a thorough analysis of the scientific evidence, the agency’s final conclusions on which conditions of use pose unreasonably high hazards to human health or the environment are included in the 1,4-dioxane risk evaluation. 2.Why is dioxane harmful? In addition to damaging the liver and kidneys, acute exposure to large concentrations of 1,4-dioxane vapors also causes irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.