EPA proposes rules to curb uses of toxic chemicals

Additional testing on health and environmental impacts of PBDEs requested by agency

The EPA wants to control the use of certain
chemicals that could be harmful to human health.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants companies to report all new uses of five groups of potentially harmful chemicals.

This would apply to new uses in domestic or imported products, including paints, inks, pigments and dyes in textiles, flame retardants in flexible foams and plasticizers.

The five chemicals targeted by EPA are

1. polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs)
2. benzidine dyes
3. a short chain chlorinated paraffin
4. hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD)
5. phthalate di-n-pentyl phthalate (DnPP)

Even though many of these chemicals are no longer used in the United States, people could be exposed to them in imported products, according to the EPA.

The proposed regulatory actions are known as significant new use rules (SNUR) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

If the rules are passed, it would mean that any company that intends to manufacture, import or process any of the above chemicals will have to notify the EPA at least 90 days before, so that the EPA can respond and limit the use if necessary.

Source: EPA

Curb toxic chemicals at work

Many companies and employers do work with potentially harmful chemicals that may affect their workers’ health and well-being.

Electrocorp offers powerful air cleaners for commercial and industrial applications that can help remove dangerous chemicals, odors and fumes as well as particles and other pollutants from the ambient air.

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Industry-specific solutions are also available.

Contact Electrocorp for more information.