Available Now: 2023 Schedule of Hazmat & RCRA Training
Search

Next Phase of TSCA Chemical Risk Evals Underway

Posted on 7/8/2021 by Roger Marks

TSCA requires EPA to establish management standards for any chemical substance that poses unreasonable risks of injury to health or the environment, based on the results of risk evaluations mandated by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act or LCSA.

EPA has completed risk evaluations for the original 10 substances and now plans to promulgate TSCA Section 6 management standards for three of those chemicals: HBCD, PV-29, and chrysotile asbestos.

However, the timing for risk management standards for the remaining seven substances is uncertain.

In a TSCA policy updated announced on June 30, EPA announced changes to the risk evaluation process. Based on these changes, EPA will review the other seven completed risk evaluations to ensure that they “follow science and the law.”

What Could Change on Review

A new “whole chemical approach.” EPA is shifting its approach to TSCA risk evaluations. EPA will continue to evaluate the risk for each condition of use. Now, however, EPA will make an unreasonable risk determination for the chemical as a whole when a majority of the conditions of use for that chemical warrant the unreasonable risk label.

More exposure pathways considered. Consider more pathways, incl. possibly air, water, and disposal. Previous efforts to evaluate the risks of these chemicals did not consider pathways for which EPA regulatory programs already exist (e.g., the Clean Air and Water Acts, RCRA, CERCLA, etc.)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). EPA previously determined that certain uses of the evaluated chemicals present no unreasonable risk. This determination was based on an assumption that employees who use the chemical will be outfitted with proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

EPA now believes that “assumptions that PPE is always provided to workers, and worn properly, are not justified.” With this in mind, the Agency will revisit six of the completed risk evaluations.  

10 Down, 40,000 To Go

EPA will continue to evaluate the risks of TSCA inventory chemicals—and they have their work cut out for them. Results from a one-time TSCA reporting rule in 2016 shows that more than 40,000 chemicals are active in commerce in the United States. 

The “Lautenberg Law” requires EPA to keep 20 risk evaluations moving forward at any given time. In other words, a new risk evaluation must begin each time one is completed. EPA released a list of 20 more high-priority chemicals in late 2020.

Online Training to Master TSCA Compliance

Be confident you can meet your EPA chemical reporting, recordkeeping, and management requirements under TSCA. 

The TSCA Regulations Online Course guides EHS managers through these complex rules—including how to use the TSCA Chemical Inventory; inventory, IUR, or “Form U” reporting responsibilities; Pre Manufacture Notifications (PMN); Significant New Use Rules (SNUR); management standards for PCBs, and much more.

Tags: chemical risk evaluations, chemicals, environmental compliance, lautenberg, TSCA

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The online course was well thought out and organized, with good interaction between the student and the course.

Larry Ybarra

Material Release Agent

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

Lion was very responsive to my initial questions and the website was user friendly.

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

The workshop covered a lot of information without being too overwhelming. Lion is much better, more comprehensive than other training providers.

George Alva

Manufacturing Manager

Excellent class, super instructor, very easy to follow. No rushing through material. Would like to take his class again.

Lawrence Patterson

EH&S Facility Maintenance & Security Manager

The training was impressive. I am not a fan of online training but this was put together very well. I would recommend Lion to others.

Donnie James

Quality Manager

You blew the doors off the competition!

Stephen Bieschke

Facilities Manager

I like the consistency of Lion workshops. The materials are well put together and instructors are top notch!

Kevin Pylka

Permitting, Compliance & Environmental Manager

Excellent course. Very interactive. Explanations are great whether you get the questions wrong or right.

Gregory Thompson

Environmental, Health & Safety Regional Manager

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

Sarah Baker

Planner

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.