Search Results for keywords:"chemical regulation"

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has issued a final rule to update the Chemical Weapons Convention Regulations (CWCR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by adding certain chemical families and an individual chemical to “Schedule 1” of the CWC Annex on Chemicals. These changes reflect decisions made during an international conference and clarify the definition of "production" under the CWCR. The updates ensure the U.S. complies with international obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention, but are not expected to significantly impact U.S. industry due to limited commercial applications of the newly added chemicals.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing a final rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to limit the use of pentachlorothiophenol (PCTP), a chemical identified as persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic. The rule prohibits manufacturing, processing, and distributing PCTP and PCTP-containing products if the concentration exceeds 1% by weight. This restriction aims to lower the availability and exposure of PCTP, thereby reducing the potential risks to human health and the environment. By enforcing these limits, the EPA encourages the use of safer alternatives and reduces environmental and human exposure to PCTP.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted a request to extend the approval of its information collection practices related to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for chemical risk evaluations and management to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This extension would allow the EPA to conduct surveys and collect information from various entities such as chemical manufacturers and users to help with risk assessments and regulatory actions. The request is open for public comment until February 18, 2025. The information collected is intended to aid in developing regulations and evaluating the risks associated with chemicals under TSCA.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule targeting the chemical perchloroethylene (PCE), which poses significant health risks. This rule aims to limit the use of PCE in industrial, commercial, and consumer applications. It includes a phaseout of PCE in dry cleaning over a 10-year period and imposes restrictions such as workplace controls to protect workers and consumers. The rule addresses exposure risks such as neurotoxicity and carcinogenicity, promoting safer alternatives and ensuring compliance with new safety standards.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed changes to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) regulations to explicitly include certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the list of "toxic chemicals," as those are automatically added under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) starting January 1, following specific criteria. This clarification ensures that suppliers must notify their customers about products containing these PFAS at the beginning of each year. The action aims to align regulations with existing NDAA provisions without adding new requirements, merely clarifying when notifications must occur. Comments on this proposal are open until February 18, 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a new rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to address health risks associated with the chemical C.I. Pigment Violet 29 (PV29). This rule focuses on minimizing inhalation risks by requiring the use of protective gear and regular cleaning in workplaces that handle PV29 in its dry powder form. The EPA has also proposed to implement recordkeeping and labeling requirements to ensure compliance and communication throughout the supply chain. Public comments are being requested to help refine the proposal and ensure its effectiveness in protecting workers' health.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to regulate hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD), a chemical deemed persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic. This rule prohibits almost all manufacturing, processing, and distribution of HCBD and products containing it, except when HCBD is unintentionally produced as a byproduct in the creation of chlorinated solvents and when distributed for incineration as waste fuel. The rule aims to significantly reduce exposure to HCBD to protect human health and the environment, and it becomes effective on March 8, 2021.