EPA Announces Path Forward for TSCA Chemical Risk Evaluations
On 30th Jun 2021, US EPA announced an important policy change under TSCA. These changes are surrounding risk evaluation by the previous administration and the path forward for the 10 chemicals to undergo risk evaluation. The changes include revisiting the assumption of PPE, changes in consideration of exposure pathway, and revisiting the assessments for determining unreasonable risk for the whole chemical. EPA plans to reopen the risk evaluation of 1,4-dioxane and further examine methylene chloride, trichloroethylene, carbon tetrachloride, perchloroethylene, NMP, and 1-bromopropane. In continuation, EPA will develop a screening-level approach to assess ambient air and surface water fenceline, to identify potential unreasonable risks to fenceline communities associated with air and water exposures. Way forward, EPA will make this information available for public comments and will be reviewed by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Chemicals. Whole Chemical Approach EPA has reviewed the risk evaluations issued for HBCD, PV29, and asbestos (part 1: chrysotile asbestos) in continuation to determine risks associated with PPE and include a whole chemical risk determination for these three chemicals. Read more on the EPA website: EPA Announces Path Forward for TSCA Chemical Risk Evaluations
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!