Perfluorochemicals (PFCs) in Carpets to be Banned by EPA?

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.

New PMNs and NOCs

US EPA publishes list of new substances covered by TSCA Section 5

July 9, 2012

As required by Section 5 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published the list of 34 premanufacturing notices (PMN), and 22 notices of commencement to manufacture (NOCs) received between 1 May and 25 May 2012. Of the PMNs, 19 have their manufacturer or importer protected as confidential business information. Comments on these notices are due to EPA by 6 August 2012.

TSCA Work Plan Chemicals Identified

As part of EPA’s continuing comprehensive approach to enhance the Agency’s existing chemicals management program, in March 2012, EPA identified a work plan of 83 chemicals for further assessment under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). EPA identified seven of these chemicals for risk assessment in 2012. EPA intends to use the TSCA Work Plan Chemicals to help focus and direct the activities of the Existing Chemicals Program over the next several years.

Detailed below:

• How Were the TSCA Workplan Chemicals Selected?
• What Chemicals Will EPA Assess First?
• Will EPA Consider Chemicals not on the Work Plan?

Tris Carbamoyl Triazine Significant New Use

EPA is finalizing an amendment to the significant new use rule (SNUR) under section 5(a)(2) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for the chemical substance identified generically as tris carbamoyl triazine, which was the subject to premanufacture notice (PMN) P-95- 1098. This action requires persons who intend to manufacture, import, or process the chemical substance for a use that is designated as a significant new use by this final rule to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing that activity. EPA believes that this action is necessary because new uses of the chemical substance may be hazardous to human health. The required notification would provide EPA with the opportunity to evaluate the intended use and, if necessary, to prohibit or limit that activity before it occurs.

Legislative Hearing on TSCA Reform

Full and Subcommittee on Superfund, Toxics and Environmental Health joint hearing entitled, "Legislative Hearing on the Safe Chemicals Act." 

   Thursday, November 17, 2011 10:00 AM
   EST EPW Hearing Room - 406 Dirksen

States Lead on Toxic Chemical Reform - Report

A first-ever analysis of votes on state laws aimed at protecting the public from toxic chemicals found that 18 states have passed 71 chemical safety laws in the last eight years by an overwhelming margin with broad bipartisan support.

According to the report released on Nov 2010, of more than 9,000 votes cast by state legislators, 73% of Republicans and 99% of Democrats favored stronger protection of children's health and the environment from dangerous chemicals, with equal support from governors of each party. The report found that the pace of state policymaking on chemicals has more than tripled in eight years.

TSCA New IUR CDR Rule Officially Released

EPA now refers to the Inventory Update Reporting (IUR) rule as the Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) Rule. This change was effective with the publication of the Inventory Update Reporting Modifications; Chemical Data Reporting Final Rule in August 2011.

Form U submission will be electronic. Electronic reporting for the 2012 CDR is not yet available. EPA will make the CDR electronic reporting tool, e-CDRweb, available through the Agency's CDX. e-CDRweb is a free, web-based reporting tool for completion of Form U for the 2012 CDR.

EPA Publishes CDR Rule to Improve Chemical IUR Reporting

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is increasing the type and amount of information it collects on commercial chemicals from chemical manufacturers, allowing the Agency to better identify and manage potential risks to Americans’ health and the environment. The improved rule, known as the chemical data reporting Rule (CDR), also requires that companies submit the information electronically to EPA, rather than on paper, and limits confidentiality claims by companies. The changes are part of EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson’s commitment to strengthen the agency’s chemical management program and increase the transparency of critical information on chemicals.

Inventory Update Rule (IUR) Information Session - CANCELED

EPA SUSPENDS IUR SUBMISSION PERIOD FOR 2011.
TSCA Inventory Update is due September 30, 2011. EPA is proposing to amend the reporting requirements of the Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory Update Reporting rule. You may be affected by this action resulting in changes to the way you submit and when you report. (see below for more info on IUR Update)

If you will be in the Hartford CT area, join us for an informational session (breakfast included) to learn about what is involved in completing your submission; and what the possible ramifications are if the new requirements are not met.

Nanotechnology: A Dead End for Plant Cells?

New Study Examines Nanoparticles’ Effects on Plants

Using particles that are 1/100,000 the width of a human hair to deliver drugs to cells or assist plants in fighting off pests may sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but these scenarios may be a common occurrence in the near future.

Carbon nanotubes, cylindrically shaped carbon molecules with a diameter of about 1 nanometer, have many potential applications in a variety of fields, such as biomedical engineering and medical chemistry. Proteins, nucleic acids, and drugs can be attached to these nanotubes and delivered to cells and organs. Carbon nanotubes can be used to recognize and fight viruses and other pathogens. However, results of studies in animals have also raised concerns about the potential toxicity of nanoparticles.