EPA Proposes Rule to Protect Workers from Exposure to C.I. Pigment Violet 29

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.