USA Regulatory News

On January 3, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expanded the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) by adding nine per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The nine PFAS were added to th...

On January 3, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expanded the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) by adding nine per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The nine PFAS were added to the TRI list as part of the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which mandates annual updates based on specified EPA activities. For the 2025 reporting year, facilities are required to track and submit reports on their use, release, or waste management of these PFAS by July 1, 2026, bringing the total number of PFAS subject to TRI reporting to 205. 

TRI data helps communities, organizations, and agencies track local chemical management, supporting transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making for families, workers, and communities nationwide. 

New additions 

The 2020 NDAA provision automatically adds PFAS to the TRI list after the agency finalizes their toxicity values.  

The nine PFAS which were added for 2025 after EPA finalized toxicity values in 2024, with identities not marked as confidential are: 

• Ammonium perfluorodecanoate (PFDA NH4) (CAS no. 3108-42-7) 

• Sodium perfluorodecanoate (PFDA-Na) (CAS no. 3830-45-3) 

• Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid (CAS no. 377-73-1) 

• 6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonate acid (CAS no. 27619-97-2) 

• 6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonate anion (CAS no. 425670-75-3) 

• 6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonate potassium salt (CAS no. 59587-38-1) 

• 6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonate ammonium salt (CAS no. 59587-39-2) 

• 6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonate sodium salt (CAS no. 27619-94-9) 

• Acetic acid, [(γ-ω-perfluoro-C8-10-alkyl)thio] derivatives., Bu esters (CAS no. 3030471-22-5) 

Review of confidential business information 

Under NDAA Section 7321(e), EPA must review Confidential Business Information (CBI) claims before adding a PFAS to the TRI list if its identity is protected under 5 U.S.C. 552(a). Starting January 1, 2025, facilities must track activities involving these PFAS, with reports due by July 1, 2026. All PFAS on the TRI list, now 205 in total, are classified as chemicals of special concern, removing small concentration reporting exemptions.

On January 2, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized it's risk evaluation for formaldehyde under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The Agency concluded that formaldehyde...

On January 2, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized it's risk evaluation for formaldehyde under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The Agency concluded that formaldehyde poses an unreasonable risk of harm to human health under various conditions of use. Widely present in everyday products and the environment, formaldehyde has been linked to significant health risks, especially for workers and consumers exposed over time. 

Understanding Formaldehyde Exposure 

Formaldehyde (CAS No 50-00-0) is a common industrial chemical found in products such as adhesives, paints, textiles, and construction materials. It is also a byproduct of combustion processes such as car emissions and stove operations and is naturally released during the decomposition of organic materials. 

Due to its widespread presence, most people are exposed to formaldehyde in both indoor and outdoor environments, primarily through inhalation or skin contact. Common sources include composite wood furniture, adhesives, and various household products. Workers in manufacturing and processing environments are at the greatest risks, particularly without adequate protective equipment. Additionally, consumers who use products such as crafting supplies, automotive care products, or new leather goods may encounter health hazards, particularly when the products are new and emit higher concentrations of formaldehyde. 

Health Impacts Identified by EPA 

EPA's evaluation highlighted both short-term and long-term health risks: 

• Short-term (acute) exposure can cause sensory irritation, including inflammation of the eyes and respiratory tract, which typically resolves after exposure ends. 

• Long-term (chronic) exposure is linked to reduced lung function, increased risk of asthma and allergies, and cancer. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, with prolonged inhalation posing significant cancer risks, especially for workers. Skin contact with materials containing formaldehyde can also trigger allergic reactions. 

Conditions of Use and Findings 

EPA examined 68 conditions of use (COU) for formaldehyde and found that 50 occupational and 8 consumer COUs contribute significantly to unreasonable risks. While some risks were identified from chronic exposure to air near industrial facilities, they were deemed minimal due to natural degradation, modeling uncertainties, and upcoming regulations. Additionally, formaldehyde poses no significant environmental risks as it breaks down quickly in water, soil, and sediment, minimizing its impact on plants, animals, and ecosystems. 

What’s next? 

EPA will now initiate the risk management process under TSCA Section 6 to address the risk of formaldehyde. This will include proposing new rules to protect workers and consumers and ensure safer chemical management across industries. 

On December 12, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced a final rule under section 8(d) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This rule mandates manufacturers and importe...

On December 12, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced a final rule under section 8(d) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This rule mandates manufacturers and importers of 16 specific chemicals to report data from unpublished health and safety studies to EPA. The information gathered will support EPA’s efforts to prioritize, evaluate, and manage chemical risks, to protect human health and the environment.

In addition to health and safety data, manufacturers are required to submit unpublished studies on environmental effects and exposure levels for occupational, general population, and consumer settings. The chemicals listed under this rule are:

1. 4,4-Methylene bis(2-chloraniline) (MBOCA) (CASRN 101-14-4)
2. 4-tert-octylphenol(4-(1,1,3,3-Tetramethylbutyl)-phenol) (CASRN 140-66-9)  
3. Acetaldehyde (CASRN 75-07-0)
4. Acrylonitrile (CASRN 107-13-1)  
5. Benzenamine (CASRN 62-53-3)
6. Benzene (CASRN 71-43-2)
7. Bisphenol A (CASRN 80-05-7)  
8. Ethylbenzene (CASRN 100-41-4)
9. Naphthalene (CASRN 91-20-3)
10. Vinyl Chloride (CASRN 75-01-4)
11. Styrene (CASRN 100-42-5)
12. Tribromomethane (Bromoform) (CASRN 75-25-2) 
13. Triglycidyl isocyanurate; (CASRN 2451-62-9) 
14. Hydrogen fluoride (CASRN 7664-39-3)
15. N-(1,3-Dimethylbutyl)-N’-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD) (CASRN 793-24-8)               
16. 2-anilino-5-[(4-methylpentan-2-yl) amino]cyclohexa-2,5-diene-1,4-dione (6PPD-quinone) (CASRN 2754428-18-5)

HISTORY:

EPA mandates companies manufacturing or importing the listed chemicals, whether as pure substances, mixtures, or components in products, to submit health and safety studies. This rule aims to enhance EPA’s understanding of environmental and toxic exposures, ensuring clean air and water for all communities.

The Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 gives EPA the authority to require reporting, record-keeping and testing requirements, and restrictions relating to chemical substances and/or mixtures. Certain substances are excluded from TSCA, including food, drugs, cosmetics and pesticides.

CHEMICALS UNDERGOING PRIORITIZATION:

The chemicals listed in the final rule are of particular interest because they are either undergoing prioritization for high-priority designation for risk evaluation or are expected to be candidates in the near future. In July 2024, EPA proposed to designate five chemicals as High-Priority Substances: MBOCA, Acetaldehyde, Acrylonitrile, Benzenamine, and Vinyl Chloride, all linked to cancer and used in plastic production.

Additionally, 11 chemicals are slated for the next round of prioritization beginning in December 2024, including Benzene, Bisphenol A, Ethylbenzene, Styrene, and 6PPD-quinone. Eight of these are part of the 2014 TSCA Work Plan, a list of chemicals identified for further assessment based on hazards and exposure potential.

6PPD reacts with ozone to form 6PPD-quinone, a chemical highly toxic to coho salmon in stormwater. EPA is collecting more data on both substances under TSCA, with public comments on associated risks due by January 21, 2025. Hydrogen fluoride, while not on the TSCA Work Plan, is under review due to stakeholder interest. This rule will expand EPA’s knowledge for potential prioritization.

The final rule underscores EPA’s commitment to transparency and data-driven chemical management. Stakeholders are encouraged to review the final rule for details.

On December 20, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed its 8th rule under TSCA to protect workers from inhaling C.I. Pigment Violet 29 (PV29) (CAS 81-33-4), a chemical that has ...

On December 20, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed its 8th rule under TSCA to protect workers from inhaling C.I. Pigment Violet 29 (PV29) (CAS 81-33-4), a chemical that has been linked to lung damage. The rule would mandate respiratory protection and workplace cleaning for PV29 in dry powder form. 

Overview of C.I. Pigment Violet 29 

PV29 is a pigment manufactured in powder, slurry or paste forms. Applications include the manufacture of watercolours, acrylic paints, merchant ink for commercial printing, and dyes for paints, coatings, plastics, and rubber products. It is used in industries such as automotive manufacturing and industrial carpeting production. 

Health Risks Identified in EPA's 2021 Risk Evaluation 

EPA’s risk evaluation in 2021 determined that PV29 presents an unreasonable risk to health under its conditions of use. Inhalation of PV29 dry powder can cause lung toxicity, which impairs the ability of the lungs to supply oxygen to the body 

Risk Differentiation 

EPA has concluded that PV29 already incorporated into paints, coatings, or other materials no longer poses an inhalation risk because it lacks the physical properties of the dry powder form. 

Proposed Worker Protections 

EPA is proposing minimum respiratory protection requirements for workers exposed to dry powder PV29 and the implementation of cleaning protocols for equipment and work areas where PV29 is handled to minimize exposure risks.  The rule will mandate worker protections for the following uses of dry powder PV29: 

1. Paints and Coatings: Incorporation into formulations, mixtures, or reaction products for paints and coatings. 

2. Plastic and Rubber Products: Incorporation into formulations, mixtures, or reaction products for plastic and rubber products. 

3. Pigment Manufacturing: Use as an intermediate in creating or adjusting the colour of other perylene pigments. 

4. Automotive Industry: Industrial and commercial use in automobile paints and coatings, including original equipment manufacturing and refinishing. 

5. Coatings and Basecoats: Industrial and commercial use in coatings and basecoats for paints and coatings. 

6. Commercial Printing: Industrial and commercial use in merchant ink for commercial printing. 

7. Lifecycle Processes: Domestic manufacturing, import, recycling, and disposal of PV29. 

Public Participation and Comments on the Proposed Rule 

EPA encourages the public and stakeholders to review and comment on the proposed rule. The Agency seeks feedback on how practical and effective the proposed worker protection rules are, especially from stockholders. The public can submit comments for 45 days following the publication of rule in the Federal Register.

On December 18, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its decision to formally classify five known or suspected carcinogens as High-Priority Substances (HPS) for risk evaluati...

On December 18, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its decision to formally classify five known or suspected carcinogens as High-Priority Substances (HPS) for risk evaluation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Additionally, the Agency revealed the launch of a 9- to 12-month statutory process to prioritize another set of five chemicals under TSCA, aiming to determine whether they should also undergo risk evaluations.

EPA Begins Risk Evaluations for Five Chemicals

In July 2024, EPA proposed 5 chemicals for risk evaluation, releasing significantly more data earlier than previous efforts, providing the public better opportunities for input. This streamlined approach builds on improvements made over the past year, including advanced software for earlier data reviews, enhanced systematic review methods recommended by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC), and interactive tools to improve transparency.

EPA will now begin evaluating whether these substances pose unreasonable risks to health or the environment under their current uses. If risks are identified, the Agency will promptly initiate management measures to address them. The chemicals are:

• Vinyl chloride (CASRN 75-01-4), widely used in producing plastics such as PVC, plastic resins, and other materials for pipes, insulation, and consumer goods, poses significant health risks. Exposure can cause liver toxicity and is linked to cancer, as it is a known human carcinogen.
• Acetaldehyde (CASRN 75-07-0), widely used in manufacturing adhesives, petrochemicals, and intermediates for packaging and construction materials, poses health risks, including respiratory irritation. It is also a probable human carcinogen.
• Acrylonitrile (CASRN 107-13-1), widely used in producing plastics, paints, petrochemicals, etc., poses health risks, including respiratory irritation and is classified as a probable human carcinogen.
• Benzenamine (CASRN 62-53-3), widely used in manufacturing dyes, pigments, plastics, and chemicals, poses potential health risks including blood disorders, reproductive harm, and fetal development issues. It is also classified as a probable human carcinogen.
• 4,4’-methylene bis(2-chloroaniline) (MBOCA) (CASRN 101-14-4), widely used in manufacturing rubbers, plastics, and resins, is classified as a probable human carcinogen. Studies show it can damage genetic material in cells, posing significant health risks, especially to infants and children.

Prioritization Process Initiated for the Next Five Chemicals:

• Benzene (CASRN 71-43-2): Used in manufacturing adhesives, petrochemicals, plastics, and consumer products such as paints and fuels. Benzene is a known human carcinogen linked to leukemia and immune system impacts.
• Ethylbenzene (CASRN 100-41-4): Found in petroleum, paints, adhesives, and plastics. Exposure may harm the liver, kidneys, and hearing and is a probable carcinogen linked to lung and kidney tumors in animals.
• Naphthalene (CASRN 91-20-3): Used in paints, fuels, and metal products. It may cause red blood cell damage, liver and lung tissue harm, and is a probable carcinogen linked to lung and nasal tumors.
• Styrene (CASRN 100-42-5): Found in adhesives, plastics, toys, and construction materials. Styrene may lead to hearing loss, memory issues, miscarriages, and tissue damage. It is a probable carcinogen linked to lung tumors in animals.
• 4-tert-Octylphenol (CASRN 140-66-9): Used in plastics and automotive products. Exposure may cause kidney inflammation and reduced sperm count, potentially affecting fertility.

EPA has opened a 90-day public comment period, seeking information on the uses, hazards, exposures, and potential risks of the five chemicals under review. Comments are due by March 18, 2025.

On December 11, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a new rule to protect workers from carbon tetrachloride (CTC), a chemical linked to liver toxicity, cancer, brain tumors,...

On December 11, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a new rule to protect workers from carbon tetrachloride (CTC), a chemical linked to liver toxicity, cancer, brain tumors, and adrenal gland tumors. The rule mandates stringent worker safety programs and bans certain uses of CTC, in line with President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative to combat cancer.

This is the fifth risk management rule under the bipartisan 2016 Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) amendments, marking a significant step forward for chemical safety after years of insufficient protection measures.

Carbon Tetrachloride

Carbon tetrachloride (CASRN: 56-23-5) is an industrial solvent used in the production of refrigerants, aerosol propellants, foam-blowing agents, pesticides, cleaning fluids, degreasers, fire extinguishers, and spot removers, etc. Its use in consumer products was banned in 1970 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Production of CTC for most domestic applications, excluding chemical manufacturing, was phased out in 1996 under the Montreal Protocol and the Clean Air Act.

CTC remains essential for the production of chemicals with low-global-warming-potential, supporting the goals of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 (AIM Act) and the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.

Details on the Final Rule:

1. The final rule mandates protections for workers in most CTC uses being continued. Some uses that were initially prohibited will be permitted under the final rule, as public comments and evidence showed these uses were ongoing and that workplace safeguards could be applied.

2. Under the Workplace Chemical Protection Program, which includes inhalation limits and skin protection measures, the following uses of CTC will be allowed to continue:

• Incorporation into formulations, mixtures or reaction products in agricultural products manufacturing, vinyl chloride manufacturing (originally proposed to be prohibited), and other basic organic and inorganic chemical manufacturing.
• Repackaging for use as a laboratory chemical.
• Use as a processing aid to manufacture agricultural products.
• Use as a processing aid to manufacture vinyl chloride (originally proposed to be prohibited).
• Use in the elimination of nitrogen trichloride in the production of chlorine and caustic soda and the recovery of chlorine in tail gas from the production of chlorine. 
• Import, recycling, disposal and domestic manufacture of CTC.
• Processing as a reactant in the production of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) and perchloroethylene (PCE).

3. In response to public feedback, companies now have 36 months to implement the Workplace Chemical Protection Program, allowing time to refine test methods for inhalation exposure limits.

4. Laboratory use of CTC will require workplace controls that are now better aligned with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.

5. The final rule also requires owners to ensure that engineering controls do not increase CTC emissions outside the facility, thereby protecting surrounding communities.

From December 9, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be implementing a ban on trichloroethylene (TCE, CAS No: 79-01-6) and a phase-out of perchloroethylene (PCE, CAS No: 127-...

From December 9, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be implementing a ban on trichloroethylene (TCE, CAS No: 79-01-6) and a phase-out of perchloroethylene (PCE, CAS No: 127-18-4) under the bipartisan these long-awaited measures target two highly toxic chemicals linked to serious health risks, including cancer, and address years of inadequate protection. The rules aim to eliminate harmful exposures,promote safer alternatives, and protect public health, workers, and the environment.

Trichloroethylene (TCE): A Complete Ban on Use

TCE is a nonflammable chlorinated solvent that is a recognized carcinogen. It is known to cause liver cancer, kidney cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, as well as damage to the central nervous system, liver, kidneys, immune system, and reproductive organs. Even at low concentrations, TCE poses significant health risks.

Under the new rule, EPA will prohibit all consumer and most commercial uses of TCE within one year, as safer alternatives are available for most applications. Certain industrial uses of TCE will be phased out over a longer period of time with stringent worker protections, including a revised inhalation exposure limit designed to reduce long-term exposure by 97%. These uses, such as cleaning aircraft parts and manufacturing refrigerants, will eventually be banned, although exemptions allow for a gradual transition to avoid impacts on national security and critical infrastructure. Additionally, the use of TCE in the cleanup efforts at contaminated sites, such as Superfund locations, will be allowed for 50 years with necessary safeguards.

Perchloroethylene (PCE): Gradual Phase-Out and Strict Controls

PCE, another chlorinated solvent, is associated with liver, kidney, brain, and testicular cancer, as well as neurotoxicity and reproductive harm. PCE can degrade into TCE and may contain trace amounts of TCE impurities. While TCE is being banned entirely, some analogous uses of PCE will continue safely under strict workplace controls, including vapor degreasing and refrigerant production.

EPA has set a 10-year phase-out for PCE use in dry cleaning, with the transition beginning sooner for older machines. Many dry cleaners have already started this process. PCE use in consumer and commercial products will be largely phased out within three years. EPA’s rule also establishes strict controls for essential uses of PCE in critical sectors such as national security and aviation under the Workplace Chemical Protection Program.

These regulations prioritize safer, cost-effective alternatives to PCE and TCE, aligning with climate goalsand ensure the protection of workers, public health, and the environment under the Workplace Chemical Protection Program.

Protecting Health, Workers, and the Environment

These new regulations represent a major step forward in protecting public health, workers, and the environment while supporting climate goals. By prioritizing sustainable alternatives and ensuring workplace protections, EPA is addressing decades of advocacy and ensuring a safer future.