Monday, June 4, 2012

More on EPA's Work Plan Chemicals for 2013 and 2014

As noted previously, EPA has 18 additional chemicals that it will review and assess in 2013 and 2014. The list builds on the March 2012 release of the Agency’s work plan of 83 chemicals.  All are being assessed under the authority of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).  Each of the chemicals met a combination of various selection criteria as defined by EPA, including "specific hazards such as potential carcinogenicity or reproductive or developmental toxicity; chemicals presenting persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic potential; and chemicals found in biomonitoring or reported in consumer products." Other listed chemicals, "such as the five chlorinated hydrocarbons, the three flame retardants, and the four fragrance chemicals, may present an effective opportunity to assess groups of related chemicals together."

Those 18 chemicals are:

  •     1-Bromopropane
  •     Five Chlorinated Hydrocarbons:
    •         1,1-Dichloroethane
    •         1,2-Dichloropropane
    •         1,2-Dichloroethane
    •         1,2-Dichloropropane
    •         trans-1-2-Dichloroethylene
    •         1,1,2-Trichloroethane
  •     4-tert-Octylphenol
  •     Three Flame Retardants:
    •         Bis(2-Ethylhexyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrabromophthalate (TBPH)
    •         2-Ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (TBB)
    •         Tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate (TCEP)
  •     Four Fragrance Chemicals:
    •         Ethanone, 1-(1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro- 2,3,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-4-sec-Butyl-2,6-di-tert-butylphenol
    •         Ethanone, 1-(1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro- 2,3,5,5-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-
    •         Ethanone, 1-(1,2,3,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydro- 2,3,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-
    •         Ethanone, 1-(1,2,3,4,6,7,8,8a-octahydro- 2,3,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-
  •     4-sec-Butyl-2,6-di-tert-butylphenol
  •     2,4,6-Tri-tert-butylphenol
  •     P,p'-Oxybis(benzenesulfonyl hydrazide)
  •     Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4)
While EPA will compile data based on the sources listed in their Work Plan methodology, they would also "welcome the submission of additional relevant information on these chemicals, such as unpublished studies not already available through the existing literature, or information on uses and potential exposures."

Companies are asked to submit any relevant information to the Agency on or before August 31, 2012.

More information can be found on EPA's web site.