EPA is launching a new rulemaking to restrict the use of so-called long-chain perfluorochemicals (PFCs) in carpets, recognizing growing concerns over the chemicals' toxicity and their widespread presence in the environment by preventing industry from re-introducing the voluntarily phased-out substances, sources say.
EPA, in an April Action Initiation List (AIL) released June 22, says it plans to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking within the next 12 months to announce an upcoming significant new use rule (SNUR) for perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFAS) and long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFAC) for use in carpets. The SNUR, to be issued under Toxic Substances Control Act section 5(a)(2), would “require persons to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing the manufacture, import, or processing of [PFAS] and long-chain [PFAC] for use as part of carpets.
