EPA Prioritizes MBOCA for TSCA Risk Evaluation: Requires Health and Environmental Data Submission

On 14 December 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it has prioritized the chemical 4,4'-Methylene bis(2-chloroaniline) (MBOCA) CAS RN: 101-14-4) for risk evaluation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Chemical companies will be required to submit records of the significant adverse impacts on human health and the environment caused by MBOCA. This action is consistent with EPA's mission to protect human health and the environment.  

EPA is collecting environmental and health data on a chemical for the first time in over 30 years, hoping that the data will improve its understanding of the chemical's potential adverse effects on human health or the environment and streamline the risk assessment process. 

MBOCA is used in various industrial applications, particularly in the manufacturing and processing of rubbers, plastics, polymers, resins, and other compounds. MBOCA is a potential human carcinogen, and its inclusion in the 2014 update to the TSCA Work Plan, indicates the need for more evaluation. EPA expects to start a risk review of MBOCA within 9-12 months, as the Agency recently started the statutory priority process for five chemicals, including MBOCA.  

Chemical companies are required to keep records of any reports regarding the chemical's adverse effects on the environment or human health. EPA is authorized by TSCA Section 8(c) to obtain copies of these records. 

EPA has published a Quick Guide to CDX Submissions and a TSCA Section 8(c) Recordkeeping and Reporting Fact Sheet to help respondents in meeting their obligations. Records should be submitted using the Agency's online Central Data Exchange (CDX) system.