On December 18, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced five new chemicals to undergo risk evaluation under the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA; FPF reported and here). These chemicals are acetaldehyde (CAS 75-07-0), acrylonitrile (CAS 107-13-1), benzenamine (CAS 62-53-3), 4,4′-methylene bis(2-chloroaniline) (MBOCA; CAS 101-14-4), and vinyl chloride (CAS 75-01-4). All of them are used in the manufacture of plastic materials and are classified as a probable human carcinogen. Additionally, all but MBOCA are used in food contact applications.
The purpose of the EPA’s risk evaluation is to assess whether the chemicals present an “unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment, without consideration of costs or other non-risk factors, under the conditions of use.” This evaluation marks the final step in a prioritization process that began in December 2023.
Additionally, the EPA disclosed the next set of five chemicals to begin the prioritization process: benzene (CAS 71-43-2), ethylbenzene (CAS 100-41-4), naphthalene (CAS 91-20-3), styrene (CAS 100-42-5), and 4-tert-octylphenol (CAS 140-66-9). Similar to the first group, they are commonly used in food contact materials and have been associated with a wide range of adverse health effects, including a variety of cancers, developmental abnormalities, tissue damage, and impaired fertility. The prioritization process will determine whether these substances are of high risk and need to undergo a risk evaluation.
The agency is seeking public comments on the usage, hazards, and potential exposure risks related to the five chemicals now underdoing the prioritization process. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their input by March 18, 2025.
Reference
U.S. EPA (December 18, 2024) “EPA Begins Five Chemical Risk Evaluations Under Toxic Substances Control Act, Starts Process for the Next Five Chemicals.”
