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:
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.
The five chemicals under review were selected from the 2014 TSCA Work Plan. The EPA identified a list of chemicals
When choosing which chemicals the EPA will consider for high priority evaluation, the organization looks at factors like:
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 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 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 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 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.
If the EPA finalizes these designations, the agency says it then initiates risk evaluations for the chemicals within the
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.
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:
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.