Lion.com will be offline for scheduled maintenance from 11 PM ET on Saturday, September 13, to 1 AM ET on Sunday, September 14.
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

The price was reasonable, the time to complete the course was manageable, and the flexibility the online training allowed made it easy to complete.

Felicia Rutledge

Hazmat Shipping Professional

I tried other environmental training providers, but they were all sub-standard compared to Lion. I will not stray from Lion again!

Sara Sills

Environmental Specialist

The instructor was very patient and engaging - willing to answer and help explain subject matter.

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

You blew the doors off the competition!

Stephen Bieschke

Facilities Manager

Best instructor ever! I was going to take my DOT training w/a different provider, but based on this presentation, I will also be doing my DOT training w/Lion!

Donna Moot

Hazardous Waste Professional

I was able to present my scenario to the instructor and worked thru the regulations together. In the past, I attended another training firm's classes. Now, I have no intention of leaving Lion!

Diana Joyner

Senior Environmental Engineer

This training broke down the regulations in an easy-to-understand manner and made them less overwhelming. I now feel I have the knowledge to make more informed decisions.

Amanda Oswald

Shipping Professional

The instructor does a great job at presenting material in an approachable way. I have been able to save my company about $30,000 in the last year with what I have learned from Lion!

Curtis Ahonen

EHS&S Manager

My experience with Lion training, both online and in the classroom, is that they are far better organized and provide a better sequential explanation of the material.

Robert Roose

Manager, Dangerous Goods Transportation

I used the IT support number available and my issue was resolved within a few minutes. I don't see anything that could have made it better.

Danny Province

EHS Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Use this guide to spot which tanks and substances are regulated under EPA's Underground Storage Tank program, and which are excluded as of October 2018.

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.