
According to an EPA media release dated October 11, 2016, EPA is prioritizing the review of five chemicals that are considered to be Persistant, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic (PBT) chemicals. These chemicals are:
Decabromodiphenyl ethers (DecaBDE), used as a flame retardant in textiles, plastics, and polyurethane foam;
Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD), used in the manufacture of rubber compounds and lubricants and as a solvent;
Pentachlorothio-phenol (PCTP), used an agent to make rubber more pliable in industrial uses;
Tris (4-isopropylphenyl) phosphate; used as a flame retardant in consumer products and other industrial uses; and
2,4,6-Tris(tert-butyl)phenol, used as a fuel, oil, gasoline or lubricant additive.
Manufacturers had the opportunity to request that EPA conduct full risk evaluations for the PBT chemicals on EPA’s 2014 Work Plan, as an alternative to expedited action. Requests for full risk evaluations were made for two chemicals that can be used in fragrance mixtures. These chemicals are:
ethanone 1-(1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-2,3,5,5-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl
ethanone 1-(1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-2,3,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl
For more information, please see the following link:
EPA’s actions are a result of implementing the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).