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.

SNUR Withdraw - Vegetable Oil

On June 22, 2012 EPA withdrew a significant new use rule (SNUR) for the chemical substances identified generically as Vegetable oil, modified products; Vegetable oil, modified products, esters; Olefins; and Fatty acid methyl esters. These chemical substances were the subject of the premanufacture notices (PMNs) P–10–548, P–10–550, P–10–551, P–10–552, P–10–553, P–10–554, and P–10–555.

From EPA

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.

SNURs for 17 Chemicals & Carbon Nanotubes

EPA is proposing significant new use rules (SNURs) under section 5(a)(2) of TSCA for rutile, tin zinc, calcium-doped and rutile, tin zinc, sodium-doped, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The proposed SNURs would designate as a significant new use the absence of the protective measures required in EPA issued consent orders.

Substances Subject to Proposed Rule EPA is proposing to establish significant new use and recordkeeping requirements for 17 chemical substances in 40 CFR part 721, subpart E.

Regulatory Actions for Unsponsored Chemicals

EPA issued several actions under TSCA addressing 60 high production volume (HPV) chemicals.

1. A final rule that requires manufacturers to test the health and environmental effects of 15 high production volume (HPV) chemicals.
2. A proposal that would require manufacturers to test the health and environmental effects of 23 HPV chemicals
3. A proposal that would require companies to notify EPA prior to new uses of an additional 22 chemicals that are widely used in commerce.

Glyme(Dimethoxyethane) Proposed Significant New Use Rule (SNUR)

EPA proposed a significant new use rule (SNUR) on July 11, 2011, for 14 glymes or dimethoxyethane. Issued under section 5(a)(2) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the SNUR would require persons who intend to manufacture, import, or process these chemicals for an activity that is designated as a significant new use by the proposed rule to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing that activity. This notification would provide EPA with the opportunity to evaluate the intended use and, if necessary, to prohibit or limit that activity before it occurs.

Proposed Revocation of the Significant New Use Rule on Ethoxyethylamine Phosphonate

May 11, 2011 -- On top of the recent IUR suspension, EPA is proposing to revoke a significant new use rule (SNUR) promulgated under section 5(a)(2) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for a chemical substance identified generically as substituted ethoxyethylamine phosphonate, which was the subject of premanufacture notice (PMN) P-95-1950. EPA issued a “non-5(e)” SNUR (i.e. SNUR on a substance that is not subject to a TSCA section 5(e) consent order), designating certain activities as significant new uses based on the concern criteria. EPA has received and reviewed new information and test data for the chemical substance and proposes to revoke the SNUR.

The comment period that ends in on June 10, 2011.