Prop 65 Update: Vinyl Acetate Added to Toxic Chemicals List
California’s Proposition 65, officially known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, requires the state to maintain and update a list of chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. This list is revised periodically based on new scientific evidence to ensure it reflects the latest findings on potential health risks. On January 3, 2025, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) added Vinyl Acetate to the Proposition 65 list as a chemical known to cause cancer. This decision was based on the determination of the Carcinogen Identification Committee (CIC), which found clear evidence that Vinyl Acetate poses a carcinogenic risk. With this update, businesses operating in California that manufacture or sell products containing Vinyl Acetate must now provide clear and adequate warnings about its presence. This ensures that consumers are informed about potential exposures to hazardous substances in everyday products. For consumers, this revision raises awareness of chemicals found in commonly used goods, allowing them to make informed purchasing decisions and advocate for safer alternatives. The addition of Vinyl Acetate to the Proposition 65 list underscores California’s commitment to public health, transparency, and environmental safety. Businesses, manufacturers, and consumers must stay informed about regulatory updates to ensure compliance and promote health-conscious choices. By adhering to these regulations, we contribute to a safer and more sustainable future. FAQs: 1. What is California Proposition 65? Proposition 65, or the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, is a California law requiring the state to list chemicals that can cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. Businesses must provide warnings if their products contain any of these chemicals. 2. What is the latest update to Proposition 65? On January 3, 2025, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) added Vinyl Acetate to the Proposition 65 list as a carcinogen. 3. Why was Vinyl Acetate added to the Proposition 65 list? The Carcinogen Identification Committee (CIC) determined that Vinyl Acetate has been clearly shown to cause cancer, leading to its inclusion in the Proposition 65 list. 4. What is Vinyl Acetate, and where is it used? Vinyl Acetate is a chemical compound primarily used in the production of polymers and copolymers, such as Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA). EVA is widely used in solar panels, wire insulation, adhesives, and coatings.
California’s Bold Stand Against Harmful Food Additives Get informed!
On May 15, 2023, the California State Assembly successfully passed the nation’s pioneering bill, prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and distribution of foods containing certain additives, namely red dye No. 3, titanium dioxide, potassium bromates, brominated vegetable oil (BVO), and propylparaben. Presently, the bill awaits consideration in the California Senate. The targeted additives for the ban were selected due to their known potential to cause health problems or their unverified status as potential health hazards upon consumption. The following five chemicals have been banned, and their associated health risks are outlined below: Red Dye No. 3 has been associated with cancer and behavioural issues in children. It is present in over 2,000 food products, including various types of candies, cookies, and foods marketed towards children. In 1990, the FDA prohibited many applications of this dye, citing cancer risks. Since 1994, the European Union has limited the use of Red No. 3 to candied and cocktail cherries exclusively. Brominated vegetable oil has the potential to accumulate in the body and has been linked to various health concerns, including impacts on the nervous system. It is banned in the EU for use in processed foods. Potassium bromate has been linked to cancer, but it has not undergone a safety review by the FDA since 1973. The EU prohibited its use in processed foods in 1990, and since then, it has been listed in California’s Proposition 65 as a potential cancer-causing agent. Propyl paraben has not undergone thorough safety review by the FDA. It has been associated with disruptions to the hormone and reproductive systems, including reduced sperm counts. While banned in EU foods since 2006, it is still utilized as a preservative in the US. Titanium dioxide has been linked to DNA damage and harm to the immune system. In 2022, the EU prohibited its use in foods for sale, yet it is still permitted in food sold within the US. This chemical is found in popular snacks like Skittles. What is the intent behind California’s food warnings? Several foods contain chemicals listed on Proposition 65 due to their potential to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive issues. Proposition 65 mandates businesses to determine whether a warning is necessary regarding exposure to listed chemicals, thereby regulating this aspect. Commonly found chemicals in such foods listed in Proposition 65 encompass: Acrylamide primarily formed in plant-based foods when subjected to browning through frying, roasting, grilling, or baking. A warning indicates that consistent consumption of the food may elevate the risk of cancer compared to foods with lower acrylamide levels. Inorganic arsenic, naturally present in the Earth’s crust and potentially absorbed by certain crops such as rice. Arsenic might also be found in Indian and Chinese herbal medicines. Additionally, small amounts of arsenic can be absorbed by edible seaweed like hijiki. Bisphenol A (BPA), used in coatings for cans, lids, bottle caps, and polycarbonate plastic items. While becoming less prevalent, BPA can still leach into food and beverages from metal containers. Cadmium, present in various fish, shellfish, and organ meats, with certain vegetables like spinach absorbing it from cadmium-rich soils. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), added to plastics for flexibility and gradually released into some foods and drinks from plastic packaging. Lead, found in certain dietary supplements, imported spices like turmeric, and historically, in imported candies with chili and tamarind. Mercury, accumulating in specific fish and seafood. Varieties with high mercury levels include king mackerel, sharks, tilefish (from the Gulf of Mexico), swordfish, marlin, bigeye tuna, bluefin tuna, and orange roughies. Mercury might also be present in dietary supplements and traditional medicines. Through ComplianceXL’s comprehensive compliance management platform, businesses can conduct due diligence, engage suppliers, and furnish documentation to clients to adhere to the requirements set by the Toxic Food Chemicals Banned regulations. Moreover, businesses can maintain awareness programs for customers. Ready to Take Control of Your Food Safety program? Connect with us now!
EPA’s Asbestos Alert: Safeguarding Health through Compliance
Asbestos is a fibrous silicate mineral found in six types: Chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite. Asbestos is used in various commercial products to strengthen cement, fireproof buildings, and create textiles. TSCA Section 8(a) empowers environmental protection agencies to establish rules requiring small manufacturers to comply. It is a highly toxic mineral that finds widespread use in many industries due to its hazardous properties. Asbestos exposure can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, particularly in the United States due to significant exposure. Thus, this regulation falls under the jurisdiction of TSCA. The Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) strongly recommends that organizations adhere to the instructions on product labels and safety data sheets. Safety data sheets and labels should always be carefully read by individuals working with asbestos. To substantially reduce the risk of asbestos exposure, the EPA should prohibit the production and use of Chrysotile asbestos and products containing asbestos. Asbestos risk can be effectively managed through these potential solutions, which challenge TSCA. Through comprehensive bans, harmonization of state laws, and increased public awareness, efforts are aimed at better handling asbestos risks and safeguarding public health. For TSCA compliance, the EPA was permitted to utilize existing chemicals like asbestos. Numerous benefits are associated with TSCA regulations, including safeguarding human health, ensuring enforcement and compliance, and exerting international influence. The primary objective of asbestos is to eliminate the established cause of mesothelioma, a rare yet preventable cancer. Asbestos represents the most common lung hazard that can be avoided. The ComplianceXL team recognizes the significant health and safety risks posed by asbestos exposure. Furthermore, we assist organizations in conforming to asbestos exposure regulations before making any updates. Reach out to us today! FAQs: 1. Which industries have used asbestos? Industries utilizing asbestos include fireproof building, textiles, military vehicles, vehicle friction products, and other gaskets. 2. What are the types of asbestos? There are six types of asbestos: Amosite, Chrysotile, Crocidolite, Tremolite, Actinolite, and Anthophyllite. 3. Where is asbestos used? Asbestos is employed in a wide range of household and building materials, such as pipe and boiler insulation, floor tiles, wall and ceiling materials (including decorative and acoustical plasters), and exterior siding and roofing materials.
EPA adds eight high priority chemicals for further testing under TSCA
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced, on 24 March 2022, the results of a second round of tests under section 4 of TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act). The purpose of this is to collect additional information on eight of the next 20 chemicals undergoing risk evaluation. They include six chlorinated solvents and two flame retardants. According to EPA, additional data on these chemicals is necessary and it is utilizing the authority in its TSCA test order to require companies to submit information regarding avian and aquatic environmental hazards and consumer exposure. This is the third time EPA has used section 4 of the amended TSCA to issue test orders. The EPA issued test orders in January 2021 for the same eight chemicals, which required that aquatic environmental hazards and worker exposures by inhalation and skin be tested. EPA’s risk evaluations of these chemicals will be robust, credible, and use the latest available data thanks to the information obtained from these orders. The process of developing section 4 test orders is complex, time-consuming, and resource-intensive since many scientific and regulatory aspects are involved. There is a document uploaded by EPA describing the development, draft, and issuance of section 4 test orders. EPA may require companies to submit existing data, if available, or to conduct new tests. Organizations are encouraged to form consortia to reduce costs and burden and avoid duplication of testing. The eight chemicals listed below are subject to section 4 test orders: Chlorinated Solvents 1,1,2-Trichloroethane 1,2-Dichloroethane 1,2-Dichloropropane Trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene o-Dichlorobenzene p-Dichlorobenzene Flame Retardants 4,4’-(1-Methylethylidene)bis[2,6-dibromophenol] (TBBPA) Phosphoric acid, triphenyl ester (TPP) In December 2019, TSCA designated eight chemicals as high priorities for risk evaluation. EPA issued final scope documents for these chemicals in September 2020. The next step in the process is to publish draft risk evaluations for public comment.
Did you know TSCA Section 6(h) has New deadline for PBT Chemicals?
To reduce the exposure of persistent, bio accumulative and toxic (PBT) chemicals, TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) issued 5 final rules on Jan 6, 2021. On Feb 5, 2021, final rules were passed and on March 6, 2021, it came into force. It means, if you do not have the data regarding the below 5 chemicals, you are non-compliant with the US market requirements. Since, section 6 substances are prohibited, it can have penalties up to $50,000 USD for each violation and imprisonment. Decabromodiphenyl ether (DecaBDE): flame retardant in plastic enclosures – used in aerospace, textiles, television, wires, cables and automotive vehicles industries. Its toxic to aquatic life, generates immunological effects, liver effects and carcinogenicity. Phenol, isopropylated phosphate (3:1); (PIP (3:1)) – A plasticizer, flame retardant -used in lubricating oils, greases, adhesives, sealants and plastic articles. Its toxic to aquatic life, create reproductive and developmental and neurological effects. 2,4,6-Tris(tert-butyl)phenol; (2,4,6-TTBP) – intermediate/reactant – used in fuel ,oils, lubricant and maintenance and repair of motor vehicles and machines. Its toxic to aquatic life, create developmental effects. Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD): Halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbon – byproduct during the manufacture of chlorinated hydrocarbons and burnt as waste fuel. Its toxic to aquatic life, possible human carcinogen, creates renal, reproductive, and developmental effects. Pentachlorothiophenol (PCTP): Makes rubber more pliable, used as a plasticizer in industries, affects liver and reproductive organs. All these chemicals are widely used in the industries like- electronic, medical, automotive and defense. So, all these industries should immediately evaluate their products. Do you want to know, how this update affects your business, talk to one of our global compliance specialists today!