Search

Plastic Container Manufacturing Process May Create PFAS

Posted on 4/4/2022 by Lauren Scott

Last month, US EPA penned an open letter addressed to stakeholders who manufacture, process, distribute, use, or dispose of fluorinated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers and similar plastics (i.e., fluorinated polyolefins).

EPA has found that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may form as a byproduct during the manufacturing process and later contaminate the environment. 

The letter reminds stakeholders that these byproducts are not exempt from the TSCA Significant New Use Reporting requirements for long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylate (LCPFAC) at 40 CFR 721.10536.

Manufacturers must notify EPA of any PFAS byproduct generated via a Significant New Use Notice (SNUN). The SNUN allows EPA to assess the potential risks of this use under TSCA section 5 and determine whether the use should continue (under which conditions as necessary).

Normally performed to protect containers from weathering degradation, certain fluorination processes may run a higher risk of generating PFAS. EPA has found that fluorination using fluorine gas with an inert gas could reduce the potential for inadvertent PFAS manufacture.

TSCA Enforcement Alert: Unlisted PFAS in Ski Wax Products

Earlier this year, US EPA released an enforcement alert after identifying several ski wax products sold in the US that contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are not listed on the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory. The alert follows enforcement actions in which two ski product distributors allegedly imported PFAS-containing ski waxes in violation of TSCA.

The Agency published the notice to remind ski wax sellers to ensure that the products they sell do not contain PFAS that are not on the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory or have prohibitions on their use in sporting goods.

EPA recommends reviewing the product's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or contacting a manufacturer or supplier for details about chemical identity information. Manufacturers and importers may also contact EPA's TSCA Hotline with additional questions about compliance.

Convenient, Effective Online EHS Manager Training

Managing site compliance with the many complex EPA programs that affect your business—from the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts to TSCA, EPCRA, CERLCA, and more—is a major challenge. If you’re new to the field or need an update on changing EPA rules, online training is a convenient way to quickly build in-depth expertise.

The Complete Environmental Regulations online course will prepare you to identify your site's liabilities and responsibilities under major environmental laws and regulations. This course is ideal for new EHS managers, environmental consultants, and anyone who wants clarity about how complex environmental requirements fit together. 

Or check out these courses on specific EPA programs:
 
TSCA Regulations Online
Clean Air Act Regulations Online
Clean Water Act & SDWA Regulations Online
Superfund and Right-to-Know Act Regulations Online 
 

Tags: environmental compliance, PFAS, TSCA

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

One of the best trainings I have ever received!

Brandon Morfin

EH&S Manager

The instructor was very engaging and helped less experienced people understand the concepts.

Steve Gall

Safety Leader

The instructor made the class enjoyable. He presented in a very knowledgeable, personable manner. Best class I've ever attended. Will take one again.

John Nekoloff

Environmental Compliance Manager

The instructor made the class very enjoyable and catered to the needs of our group.

Sarah Baker

Planner

Lion's course was superior to others I have taken in the past. Very clear in the presentation and the examples helped to explain the content presented.

George Bersik

Hazardous Waste Professional

The exercises in the DOT hazardous materials management course are especially helpful in evaluating your understanding of course information.

Morgan Bliss

Principal Industrial Hygienist

Lion courses always set the bar for content, reference, and practical application. Membership and access to the experts is an added bonus.

John Brown, CSP

Director of Safety & Env Affairs

I have over 26 years of environmental compliance experience, and it has been some time since I have attended an environmental regulations workshop. I attended this course as preparation for EHS Audits for my six plants, and it was exactly what I was looking for.

Frank Sizemore

Director of Regulatory Affairs

Amazing instructor; real-life examples. Lion training gets better every year!

Frank Papandrea

Environmental Manager

I really enjoy your workshops. Thank you for such a great program and all the help Lion has provided me over the years!

George Chatman

Hazardous Material Pharmacy Technician

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

What to do before, during, and after a RCRA hazardous waste inspection to defend your site from rising State and Federal penalties.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.