Lautenberg Act: EPA names ten Work Plan chemicals for initial risk evaluations.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the ten Work Plan chemicals for review under the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, which updated the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Yesterday, the agency released the list of substances, which will be the first to undergo risk evaluations under the new […]
Science advisors urge EPA to complete 1-BP risk assessment.
The Chemical Safety Advisory Committee is urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to complete and publish its risk assessment of 1-bromopropane without delay, due to “the high risks of adverse effects” in occupational and consumer use scenarios that have already been evaluated. In meeting minutes [PDF] submitted to EPA last week, some Committee members commented that […]
EPA releases initial analysis for TSCA Work Plan assessment of 1,4-dioxane.
EPA today announced the release of its Problem Formulation and Initial Assessment for 1,4-dioxane, a widely used industrial solvent and ingredient in a variety of products, including cleaners, cosmetics, dyes and paint strippers, which the EPA has classified as “likely to be carcinogenic to humans.” The Problem Formulation and Initial Analysis, part of the agency’s […]
EPA completes risk assessment for n-methylpyrrolidone (NMP).
EPA has made more progress with its Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Work Plan with yesterday’s release of the agency’s final risk assessment for N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) or 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, a chemical commonly used in paint and coating removal products. NMP is estimated to be used at over 184 million pounds per year, in paint strippers, agricultural […]
EPA’s chemicals outlook for 2015.
Jim Jones, the EPA Assistant Administrator for Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, writes in Chemical Watch that his highest priority in 2015 is “to continue building on the progress” of the last few years in making a “credible” program to manage existing chemicals, “despite the widely acknowledged shortcomings of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).” […]
Elementis Chromium appeals $2.6 million penalty in TSCA 8(e) reportable data case.
In a case that may have broad implications for chemical manufacturers, Elementis Chromium has appealed the $2.57 million penalty handed down by an EPA Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) in November 2013. The ALJ ruled that Elementis, one of the world’s largest chromium manufacturers, had violated section 8(e) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which […]
RoHS working group will consider restricting five substances.
The European Commission will present proposals to restrict five additional substances under the EU’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS), which applies to electrical and electronic equipment. Four of the substances – hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) and the phthalates DEHP, BBP and DBP – have already been assessed by the Austrian Environment Agency (UBA). These assessments are […]
Chromium manufacturer fined by EPA for failure to disclose health risks.
Last month, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) ruled on a relatively rare Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) enforcement case, ordering Elementis Chromium to pay a $2.57 million penalty for violating TSCA § 8(e), a provision of the law that required the company to disclose information about serious health risks. The ALJ found that Elementis Chromium, […]
IC2 Releases Draft Risk Reduction/Safer Alternatives Guidance
The Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse (IC2) has released a draft guidance document for alternatives assessment and risk reduction. The public comment period continues through Friday, May 3, 2013. The IC2 is an association of state and local governments working together to coordinate inter-agency efforts promoting the use of safer chemicals and products. Of the member states, […]
EU Commission Releases Roadmap on Substances of Very High Concern
EU REACH Substances of Very High Concern: Last week, the EU Commission released its Roadmap on Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). The Roadmap outlines a process for identifying and assessing potential SVHCs within the following categories: substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMRs); substances that are persistent, bioaccumulative or toxic for […]