EPA Acts on New Chemical Law to Fast-Track Five Chemicals

EPA, 11 October 2016

EPA is taking swift steps to carry out requirements in the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act to reform the Toxic Substances Control Act and to reduce exposure to certain persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) chemicals.

‘The threats from persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic chemicals are well-documented,’ said Jim Jones, assistant administrator in EPA’s office of chemical safety and pollution prevention.

‘The new law directs us to expedite action to reduce risks for these chemicals, rather than spending more time evaluating them.  We are working to ensure the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act signed in June of this year delivers on the promise of better protecting the environment and public health as quickly as possible.’

The five chemicals to receive expedited action are:

• Decabromodiphenyl ethers (DecaBDE), used as a flame retardant in textiles, plastics and polyurethane foam
•  Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD), used in the manufacture of rubber compounds and lubricants and as a solvent
• Pentachlorothio-phenol (PCTP), used as an agent to make rubber more pliable in industrial uses
• Tris (4-isopropylphenyl) phosphate, used as a flame retardant in consumer products and other industrial uses
• 2,4,6-Tris(tert-butyl)phenol, used as a fuel, oil, gasoline or lubricant additive.

The statutory deadline for EPA to propose action is June 22, 2019.