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EPA Removes Toxic Substances Control Act Exemptions for PFAS

The Environmental Protection Agency announced Dec. 4 finalized amendments on the regulation of new chemicals under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

Specifically, the EPA targeted stricter regulations of certain exemptions under the TCSA for PFAS and PBT chemicals. As our blog has previously reported, the challenges surrounding the manufacturing of PFAS and PFAS PBT chemicals continue to steadily increase.

The EPA through the TCSA review program acts as a “gatekeeper” for the manufacture of “new chemicals” (i.e. chemicals not presently listed in the …

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Next On EPA’s Chopping Block: Trichloroethylene

The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a risk management rule as part of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) that would ban the production, processing and distribution of trichloroethylene (TCE) for all uses. TCE is used in a variety of applications, including cleaning and furniture-care products, paints and coatings, solvents, laundry and dishwashing products, degreasers, lubricants, brake cleaners and tire-repair sealants. 

According to EPA, the proposed rule is meant to address “the unreasonable risk of injury to human health presented by [TCE]” associated with its …

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Chemical hazard pictograms Toxic focus

EPA Issues Final Rule Under Toxic Substances Control Act Consistent with 2016 Amendments

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA) provides the EPA with needed authority to require reporting, record-keeping and testing requirements related to chemical exposures where risks or exposures of concern are found. The TSCA addresses the production, use, and disposal of multiple chemicals – including chemicals such as lead-based paint and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The TSCA applies to more than 83,000 chemicals, with new chemicals added when commercial manufacturing becomes available.

Under the authority of the TSCA, the EPA collects …

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