Search

TSCA News: Latest 2 Draft Risk Evaluations

Posted on 2/24/2020 by Roger Marks

Recently, US EPA has released draft risk evaluations for two more of its first ten chemicals under review.
TSCA draft risk evaluations are now available for Carbon Tetrachloride and Trichloroethylene (TCE).

These two substances are numbers seven and eight on EPA’s list of the first ten chemicals scheduled for risk review, respectively.
 

Carbon Tetrachloride Risk Evaluation

EPA released its draft risk evaluation for carbon tetrachloride on January 27, 2020. Carbon tetrachloride is a solvent. Its most common use is as a feedstock in the production of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and other chlorinated compounds, petrochemical, and agricultural products.

In its risk evaluation, EPA found no unreasonable risk to the environmental or to workers when proper personal protective equipment is used. EPA did find an unreasonable risk associated with chronic inhalation by “occupational non-users.” Occupational non-users are workers who may be exposed to a chemical substance but who do not work directly with that chemical.   

EPA will accept comments on its carbon tetrachloride draft risk evaluation until March 27.
View the carbon tetrachloride draft risk evaluation.
 

Trichloroethylene (TCE) Risk Evaluation

This month (February 2020), EPA released its draft risk evaluation for trichloroethylene or TCE.

TCE is a volatile organic compound. About 84% of annual production is for intermediate uses in HFC manufacturing. It is also used as a degreasing solvent. Other uses include a cleaning and furniture refinishing.
Between 2012 and 2015, TCE production volume decreased about 25% (from 220.5 million pounds to 171.9 million pounds).  

The TCE risk evaluation found no risk to the environment. However, EPA did find an unreasonable risk associated with dermal and inhalation exposure for workers, occupational non-users, consumers, and bystanders in nearly all use-cases. The one evaluated use of TCE that did not present an unreasonable risk is consumer use in pepper spray.

Once the TCE draft risk evaluation appears in the Federal Register, EPA will accept public comments on the document for 60 days. Stay tuned to Lion News for an update and a link to submit comments. 

View the trichloroethylene draft risk evaluation.


What is a TSCA Risk Evaluation?

According to the Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act (LCSA) amendment to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), EPA must evaluate the safety of existing chemicals, prioritize existing chemicals for evaluation, and create risk-based chemical assessments.

The final risk evaluation is designed to thoroughly evaluate the available science before taking action to manage the risk associated with the use of a chemical.

If EPA’s final risk evaluation finds there are adverse health risks associated with MC under any of the specific conditions of use, the agency can propose Actions to address those risks within the timeframe required by TSCA. EPA’s actions could include proposed regulations to prohibit or limit the manufacture, processing, distribution in the marketplace, use, or disposal of the chemical, as applicable.

TSCA Online Training

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) underwent major changes recently. Be confident you know how the Lautenberg Law impacts your responsibilities for chemical management, inventory reporting, and recordkeeping.

The TSCA Regulations Online Course is updated to cover the latest EPA requirements that professionals in the chemical manufacturing, import/export, storage, and processing fields must know.
 

Tags: chemicals, draft risk evaluation, environmental compliance, TSCA, TSCA risk evaluation

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

These are the best commercial course references I have seen (10+ years). Great job!

Ed Grzybowski

EHS & Facility Engineer

Having the tutorial buttons for additional information was extremely beneficial.

Sharon Ziemek

EHS Manager

I have been to other training companies, but Lion’s material is much better and easier to understand.

Mark Abell

Regional Manager

The instructor was very dedicated to providing a quality experience. She did her best to make sure students were really comprehending the information.

Stephanie Venn

Inventory Control Specialist

Very good. I have always appreciated the way Lion Tech develops, presents and provides training and materials.

John Troy

Environmental Specialist

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

Morgan Bliss

Principal Industrial Hygienist

I had a positive experience utilizing this educational program. It was very informative, convenient, and rewarding from a career perspective.

John Gratacos

Logistics Manager

Excellent. I learned more in two days with Lion than at a 5-day program I took with another provider.

Francisco Gallardo

HES Technician

I can take what I learned in this workshop and apply it to everyday work and relate it to my activities.

Shane Hersh

Materials Handler

Excellent job. Made what is very dry material interesting. Thoroughly explained all topics in easy-to-understand terms.

David Hertvik

Vice President

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Use this guide as a quick reference to the most common HAZWOPER questions, and get course recommendations for managers and personnel who are in need of OSHA-required HAZWOPER training.

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.