EPA proposal eyes additional reporting of chemical data

Washington — Chemical manufacturers and importers of 16 different chemicals would be required to submit data from unpublished health and safety studies, under a recently announced Environmental Protection Agency proposed rule.

Published March 26, the rule would mandate the reporting of data from studies related to chemical safety and those concerning effects on the environment or exposures among workers, consumers and the general population.

The data submission would “help inform EPA’s prioritization, risk evaluation and risk management of chemicals under [the Toxic Substances Control Act], furthering the agency’s efforts to protect human health care and the environment.”

The proposal includes five chemicals with links to cancer that are used to manufacture plastics:

• Acetaldehyde, primarily used in the manufacturing and processing of adhesives, petrochemicals and other chemicals, as well as intermediates for packaging, construction materials and other products
• Acrylonitrile, primarily used in the manufacturing and processing of plastic materials, paints, petrochemicals and other chemicals
• Benzenamine, used for manufacturing and processing of dyes and pigments, petrochemicals, plastics, resins, and other chemicals
• 4,4’-Methylene bis(2-chloroaniline), or MBOCA, used in the manufacturing and processing of rubbers, plastics, resins and other chemicals
• Vinyl chloride, primarily used in the manufacturing and processing of plastic materials including polyvinyl chloride and plastic resins – many of which are used for pipe, insulation and consumer goods

In December, EPA started a 12-month review process to prioritize the chemicals for risk evaluation under TSCA. Vinyl chloride is a known human carcinogen. The other chemicals are classified as probable human carcinogens.

The proposal covers 11 other chemicals. Overall, 13 of the chemicals were part of a 2014 update to the TSCA Work Plan, which identified substances based on hazard and potential exposure to the public and other factors, such as persistence and bioaccumulation.

Comments are due May 28.