Lion's office will be closed on Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. For help with online training, please contact support@lion.com.
Search

3 More TSCA Chemical Risk Evaluations Finalized

Posted on 1/4/2021 by Roger Marks

Update 07/07/2022
EPA is working to revise many of the TSCA chemical risk determinations completed in 2020–21. A draft of the revised NMP Risk Determination was announced on July 1, 2022. EPA will accept public comments on the draft revision until August 1. 

Posted 01/21/2021
In recent weeks, US EPA announced three chemical risk evaluations required under TSCA as amended by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act or "Lautenberg Law." The Lautenberg Law requires EPA to assess the risks of all chemicals on the TSCA inventory. 

TSCA chemical risk evaluations are now complete for n-methylpyrrolidone (NMP); 1, 4 Dioxane; and chrysotile asbestos.

3 More TSCA Chemical Risk Evaluations Finalized

Final Risk Evaluation: n-methylpyrrolidone (NMP)

EPA’s Final Risk Evaluation for NMP finds no unreasonable risk to the environment or the general population.

EPA found unreasonable risks to consumers for one use (in adhesives and sealants) and found unreasonable risk for workers and occupational non-users in twenty-five uses. Risks posed to consumers and workers come from short-term and long-term inhalation, direct skin exposure, and vapor-through-skin exposure. 

Used as a substitute for halogenated solvents, NMP (CASRN 872-50-4) is used in chemical manufacturing, petrochemical processing, and electronics industry. It is also used in semiconductor fabrication and the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries.

Commercially, NMP is used to produce and remove paints, coatings, and adhesives, and in solvents, sealers, inks, and grouts.

Review the Final Risk Evaluation for NMP here.

Final Risk Evaluation: 1,4 Dioxane

Update: EPA's final TSCA risk evaluation for 1,4 Dioxane appeared in the January 8, 2021 Federal Register. 

On December 31, EPA announced completion of the final risk evaluation for 1,4 Dioxane (CASRN 123-91-1).

EPA found no unreasonable risks to:
  • The environment;
  • consumers or bystanders; or
  • the general population. 
EPA found unreasonable risks to workers and occupational non-users for 13 of the 24 conditions of use it studied.

Often called simply “dioxane,” 1-4 dioxane is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor. EPA’s risk evaluation states that 90% of the 1,4-dioxane produced is used as a stabilizer in chlorinated solvents. It is also used in laboratory chemicals, adhesives, sealants, and polyurethane foam.  

Review the Final Risk Evaluation for 1,4 Dioxane here.

Final Risk Evaluation: Chrysotile Asbestos

Raw chrysotile asbestos is the only type of asbestos known to be imported, processed, or distributed for use in the US at this time. Raw chrysotile asbestos is used only by the chlor alkali industry, which produces chlorine and sodium hydroxide for industrial use. 

While most consumer products that contain asbestos have been discontinued, the US still imports a few products containing chrysotile asbestos, such as aftermarket car brakes, brake blocks, and gaskets.

EPA finds no unreasonable risk to the environment. The risk evaluation finds unreasonable risks for half of the conditions of use studied (16 out of 32). Risks to workers from chrysotile asbestos come from inhalation.

The risk evaluation of chrysotile asbestos is Part 1 of EPA’s asbestos risk review. Part 2 of the review will focus on legacy uses and disposals of asbestos.

Review the Final Risk Evaluation for Chrysotile Asbestos here.

What Happens Now?

Once EPA identifies unreasonable risk to human health or the environment for a chemical, TSCA (as amended) requires the EPA to establish regulations to mitigate or remove the unreasonable risk.

The agency’s next step is to write those regulations, which could impose limits on manufacturing, processing, using, storing, or disposing of the chemical. As with most environmental regulations, the EPA will have to publish a proposed version of the rule first and open up public comment before revising and promulgating the final rule.

LCSA allows the EPA two years from the publication of the final risk evaluation to complete the risk management portion of the process.

Master TSCA Chemical Management and Reporting

Be confident you know how the Lautenberg Law impacts your responsibilities for chemical management, chemical inventory reporting, and recordkeeping under TSCA.

The TSCA Regulations Online Course guides you through your responsibilities under EPA's latest regulations. 
 

Tags: chemicals, TSCA

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

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

John Gratacos

Logistics Manager

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

Well designed and thorough program. Excellent summary of requirements with references. Inclusion of regulations in hard copy form, as well as full electronic with state pertinent regulations included is a great bonus!

Oscar Fisher

EHS Manager

This course went above my expectations from the moment I walked in the door. The instructor led us through two days packed with useful compliance information.

Rachel Stewart

Environmental 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

The course was very informative and presented in a way that was easily understood and remembered. I would recommend this course.

Jeffrey Tierno

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor was probably the best I ever had! He made the class enjoyable, was humorous at times, and very knowledgeable.

Mary Sue Michon

Environmental Administrator

I can't say enough how pleased I was with this course! Everything finally makes sense.

Kim Graham

Lab Manager

The instructor was energetic and made learning fun compared to dry instructors from other training providers.

Andy D’Amato

International Trade Compliance Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Four key considerations to help you maximize the convenience and quality of your experience with online 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.