In November, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposed rule to amend the regulations governing decabromodiphenyl ether (DecaBDE) and isopropyl phosphate phenol PIP (3:1), which is now open for public comment for 70 days.
Both substances are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) chemicals that persist in the environment and are subject to risk management under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
Proposed Revisions:
For Decabromodiphenyl ether:
- labeling of plastic shipping pallets containing decaBDE is required.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn during specified activities involving decaBDE, and existing protective measures, including NIOSH-approved N95 respirators with an assigned protection factor (APF) of 10 and gloves resistant to decaBDE chemistry, must be posted.
- The discharge of decaBDE into water is prohibited during the production, processing, and sale of decaBDE, products containing decaBDE. All relevant stakeholders should follow the regulations.
- The deadline for compliance regarding the processing and commercial sales of decaBDE-containing wire and cable used in nuclear power generation facilities is extended.
For PIP (3:1):
- The exemption for lubricants and greases is narrowed to aerospace and turbine uses, with a gradual ban on all other uses over the next 5 years;
- The exclusion of new and replacement parts for automobiles is amended to a 15-year phase-in ban on new parts and an additional 15 years for substances in replacement parts; and
- The 2024 compliance deadline would not be extended any further.
