The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has initiated a crucial process to prioritise five toxic chemicals for risk evaluation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), signifying a major advancement in chemical safety laws. This action is a part of the ongoing efforts by the Biden-Harris Administration to bolster the nation’s chemical safety protocols.
Chemicals Targeted for Evaluation
The EPA has identified the following chemicals for a comprehensive risk assessment:
- Acetaldehyde (CASRN 75-07-0): Widely used in adhesives, petrochemicals, and as an intermediate in various products. It’s known for causing respiratory irritation and is a probable human carcinogen.
- Acrylonitrile (CASRN 107-13-1): A key component in plastics, paints, and petrochemicals, this chemical has similar health risks, including respiratory system irritation and potential carcinogenic effects.
- Benzenamine (CASRN 62-53-3): Employed in dyes, pigments, plastics, and other products, exposure to benzenamine can adversely affect blood, foetal development, and reproduction.
- 4,4’-Methylene bis(2-chloroaniline) (MBOCA) (CASRN 101-14-4): Used in rubbers and plastics, MBOCA poses risks like genetic material damage, especially harmful to infants and children.
- Vinyl Chloride (CASRN 75-01-4): Primarily for making PVC, this chemical can cause liver toxicity and is a known human carcinogen.
Significance of the Review
Assistant Administrator Michal Freedhoff highlighted the significant progress made under the current administration in addressing years of delay in chemical safety law enforcement. The comprehensive study of these chemicals, some in use for decades, is crucial for protecting public health from toxic exposures.
Judith Enck, President of Beyond Plastics and former EPA Regional Administrator, emphasised the critical nature of this review, particularly for chemicals like vinyl chloride, known for its health and environmental concerns for over 50 years.
Broader Impact and Future Steps
This initiative aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to combating cancer and delivering environmental justice. EPA plans to initiate prioritisation of five chemicals annually, fostering a sustainable and effective approach to chemical risk evaluations.
The prioritisation process is a preliminary step in regulating existing market chemicals. It focuses on evaluating the need for health and environmental protections, especially for overburdened communities, workers, and consumers. Post risk evaluation, if a chemical is deemed to present an unreasonable risk, the EPA will promptly begin risk management procedures to mitigate these risks.
Public Participation and Next Steps
The public comment period will open upon publication in the Federal Register, under docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2023-0601. EPA encourages stakeholders, including manufacturers and users of these chemicals, to provide relevant information and comments, which will be pivotal in the agency's review process.
In conclusion, this decisive action by the EPA marks a significant stride in ensuring chemical safety, reflecting a comprehensive approach to protecting public health and the environment from hazardous chemical exposures. Stakeholders are encouraged to actively participate in the comment period to aid in this critical evaluation process.
