Final TSCA Risk Eval for HBCD Now Available

Posted on 9/28/2020 by Roger Marks

Update 07/07/2022
EPA is working to revise many of the TSCA chemical risk determinations completed in 2020. A Final revised Risk Determination for Cyclic Aliphatic Bromide Cluster chemicals (including HBCD) was announced on June 29, 2022.

Update 11/04/20
EPA will host a webinar concerning the risk management process under TSCA and the findings in the final risk evaluation for HBCD on November 20. Details.

US EPA has completed another chemical risk evaluation required by the amended Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The latest risk evaluation concerns a class of flame retardants called Cyclic Aliphatic Bromide Cluster chemicals, namely hexabromocyclododecane or HBCD.

EPA’s risk evaluation found “unreasonable risk” for six of the twelve uses of HBCD studied.

Read the Final Risk Evaluation for HBCD

HBCD is one of the first ten priority chemicals EPA chose for risk evaluations in 2016.

Final TSCA Risk Eval for HBCD Now Available

Final TSCA Risk Eval for HBCD Now Available

What is HBCD?

HBCD’s primary use is as a flame retardant in building materials like insulation, solder paste, recycled plastics, and replacement car parts. It has been largely substituted out of use in the United States in recent years.

Evidence supports HBCD being a persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic chemical. High concentrations of the chemical have been found in samples of animals.

EPA has had an HBCD Action Plan in place since at least 2010.

What's Happens Next?

Now that EPA has identified the unreasonable risks that HBCD poses under some of its uses, they must address those risks with regulatory action within two years. EPA's menu of risk management options includes prohibition or limits on manufacture, processing, or distribution of the chemical, worker protections, disposal restrictions, and more.

EPA continues to plow through its backlog of chemical risk evaluations required by the Lautenberg Law or LCSA, which amended TSCA.

Under the law, EPA is expected to be at work on twenty chemical risk evaluations at any given time. Earlier this month, EPA released scope documents for the next twenty high-priority chemicals that will undergo risk evaluation.

Oct. 20–21 | Complete EPA Regulations Training

This unique two-day webinar covers the latest environmental regulations you should be familiar with for 2021:

EPA's new Waters of the US (WOTUS) Rule
Major Lautenberg Law amendments to TSCA
CSB's new chemical release reporting rule
The latest Clean Air Act requirements for facilities

Join a Lion instructor live on October 20–21 to get a strong handle on the EPA requirements that impact your facility, how these programs fit together, and what you must do to comply.

Tags: Chemical safety, chemicals, EPA, Lautenberg Law, TSCA

Find a Post

Search for:

Compliance Topics

Compliance Archives

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

As always, Lion never disappoints

Paul Resley

Environmental Coordinator

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

Course instructor was better prepared and presented better than other trainers. Course manual and references were easier to use as well.

Marty Brownfield

Hazardous Waste Professional

The course was very well structured and covered the material in a clear, concise manner.

Ian Martinez

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Lion was very extensive. There was a lot of things that were covered that were actually pertaining to what I do and work with. Great Job. I will be coming back in three years!

Tony Petrik

Hazmat Shipping Professional

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

Mark Abell

Regional Manager

Lion is easily and consistently the best option for compliance training. I've learned new information from every instructor I've had.

Rachel Mathis

EHS Specialist

One of the best trainings I have ever received!

Brandon Morfin

EH&S Manager

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE Specialist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Explore ten hazardous waste management errors that caused generators in California the most trouble last year.

Download

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.