US EPA proposes an amendment to VOCs

US EPA on the 29^th of April 2022, submitted a notification to World Trade Organization, to amend the regulatory decision on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).  According to US EPA, VOCs are compounds that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility. Many VOCs are human-made chemicals that are used and produced in the manufacture of paints, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerants.

Under the Clean Air Act (CAA), the agency proposes to add (2E)-1,1,1,4,4,4hexafluorobut-2-ene (also known as trans-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobut-2-ene, and HFO1336mzz(E); CAS number 66711-86-2) to the list of compounds excluded from the regulatory definition. The reason is that this compound makes an insignificant contribution to tropospheric ozone (O3) formation, that is, the chemical reaction caused between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC).

The main aim of this proposal is to protect both human health and the environment. The subjects concerned include industries manufacturing/using HFO-1336mzz(E) for use in foam blowing and refrigeration, industrial gas, semiconductor machinery, chemical products, vehicle parts, and building manufacturing among others.

Comments on this close on June 27, 2022. And the proposed date of adoption and entry into force is yet to be determined.