EPA requests input on proposed significant new use rules for 31 chemicals

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency, in accordance with the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, is seeking public comment on proposed significant new use rules for 31 chemical substances that were subject to agency premanufacture notices.

According to a notice published in the Aug. 6 Federal Register, each rule would “require persons to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing the manufacture or processing of a chemical substance for any activity proposed as a significant new use.” Such advance notice is intended to allow the agency to regulate the intended use as needed.

EPA cites concerns over possible harm to workers’ lungs for 17 of the chemical substances, which all underwent premanufacture review. Additionally, the notice states that seven of the substances were subject to consent orders under section 5(e) of the Toxic Substances Control Act – which the Lautenberg Act amended – and “may present an unreasonable risk of injury to human health via inhalation exposure.”

This month, EPA updated its online chemical review status tracker to include active premanufacture, significant new use and microbial commercial activity notices under agency review.

Comments on the proposed significant new use rules are due Sept. 5.