The EPA is taking action on five chemicals you may use as part of your manufacturing process.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced it is proposing to designate five chemicals as “High-Priority Substances” for risk evaluation under the nation’s chemical safety law, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
The five chemicals under evaluation are:
- Vinyl Chloride (CASRN 75-01-4)
- Acetaldehyde (CASRN 75-07-0)
- Acrylonitrile (CASRN 107-13-1)
- Benzenamine (CASRN 62-53-3)
- 4,4’-methylene bis(2-chloroaniline) (MBOCA) (CASRN 101-14-4)
If the EPA finalizes the chemicals on the high-priority list, the agency would then begin the risk evaluation process to determine the risks these chemicals pose to workers and the public.
If you’re a manufacturing facility or use any of these chemicals above, it’s important to stay informed about the potential regulatory changes and prepare for possible adjustments in your processes to comply with future safety standards.
5 Chemicals Under Review
The five chemicals under review were selected from the 2014 TSCA Work Plan. The EPA identified a list of chemicals
that may need further assessment based on the hazardous risks they pose.
When choosing which chemicals the EPA will consider for high priority evaluation, the organization looks at factors like:
- How the chemicals are used
- The production volume of the chemicals
- Changes in use or production volume over time
- Impacts to potentially exposed or susceptible subpopulations including children and workers
- The chemicals’ potential hazards and exposures
- The chemicals’ bioaccumulation and environmental persistence
- Whether the chemical is stored neared significant sources of drinking water
Vinyl Chloride
Vinyl chloride is used in the manufacturing of plastic materials like PVC (polyvinyl chloride), plastic resins and other chemicals. The chemical is known as a human carcinogen and has been linked to liver, brain and lung cancer. Short-term exposure can cause dizziness, nausea, and eye and skin irritation.
Acetaldehyde
Acetaldehyde is used in the manufacturing of adhesives, petrochemicals, plastic and other chemicals. A probable human carcinogen, the chemical has been linked to health effects in animal studies. These effects include nasal and laryngeal tumors, as well as irritation of the respiratory system and reduced heart function.
Acrylonitrile
Acrylonitrile is used in the manufacturing of plastic materials, paints, petrochemicals and other chemicals. This probably human carcinogen has been linked to lung and brain cancer in exposed workers. Short-term exposure can also lead to eye, skin and respiratory irritation. Long-term exposure can lead to reduced sperm count and developmental effects.
Benzenamine
Benzenamine is used in the manufacturing of dyes and pigments, petrochemicals, plastics, resins and other chemicals. It’s been linked to bladder tumors and pancreatic cancer, with additional long-term effects that include difficulty breathing, tumor growth in the spleen and possible reductions in fetal viability.
MBOCA
MBOCA is used in the manufacturing of rubbers, plastics, resins and other chemicals. Animal studies have shown that exposure to this chemical can cause liver and urinary bladder cancer. Short-term exposure can cause eye and skin irritation, and can potentially damage genetic material in cells. This can lead to numerous adverse health effects.
What Happens Next In The EPA Evaluation Process
If the EPA finalizes these designations, the agency says it then initiates risk evaluations for the chemicals within the
next three years. If the EPA determines that the chemicals pose an unreasonable risk to human health or the environment, it will then begin a risk management process to eliminate any unreasonable risks.
If you’re a company that uses one of these chemicals in your manufacturing processes, your next step is to closely monitor the EPA’s evaluation progress and stay informed about any regulatory updates.
You may also want to conduct an internal review of your usage of these chemicals and explore alternative substances or methods that could minimize potential risks.
Consider engaging with industry groups or legal experts who specialize in environmental regulations to ensure you are prepared for any changes that might impact your operations. Proactively developing a plan to address potential regulatory changes can help your company stay compliant and maintain safe practices for your workers and the environment. This plan may need to include proper waste disposal for these chemicals.
Important Chemical Disposal Considerations
As you preparee for potential regulatory changes, it’s important to consider how you will dispose of these chemicals if you begin using alternatives in their place. Proper disposal is essential to prevent environmental contamination and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Failing to dispose of these substances correctly can result in significant fines and legal consequences. An experienced waste disposal company can be an invaluable partner in this process. These companies specialize in handling hazardous materials and can provide the expertise needed to safely and legally dispose of the chemicals.
Hazardous waste disposal companies can assist with:
- Assessing Waste: Determining the classification and handling requirements for your chemical waste
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring your disposal practices meet all local, state and federal regulations
- Safe Transport: Providing secure transportation of hazardous waste to disposal facilities
- Disposal Methods: Utilizing environmentally sound disposal methods, such as incineration or chemical treatment
By working with a reputable waste disposal company, you can ensure that your chemical waste is managed responsibly, reducing your liability and protecting the environment.
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