N-methylpyrrolidone poses ‘unreasonable risk’ to workers in certain operations: EPA draft risk evaluation
Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency has extended to Jan. 21 the comment period on a draft risk evaluation for the chemical substance N-methylpyrrolidone, also known as NMP.
The chemical presents an unreasonable risk to workers under certain conditions, according to a notice published in the Jan. 3 Federal Register.
Frequently used in consumer products, NMP is among the first 10 chemicals slated for evaluation for potential health and environmental risks under the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. In 2015, EPA determined that NMP poses particular risks to pregnant women and women of childbearing age who had high exposure to the chemical through paint and coating removal.
The draft states that NMP presents “unreasonable risk” to workers involved in operations that include:
- Paint and coating removal
- Machine manufacturing
- Adhesive removal
- Cleaning and degreasing in electronic equipment
- Use of automotive care products
Comments initially were due Jan. 6 after EPA published the draft risk evaluation in the Nov. 7 Federal Register. The extension comes in response to stakeholder requests for additional time, the agency states.
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