In December, the US EPA announced that it would optimize risk evaluations for five toxic chemicals under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). If, following a 12-month statutory process, EPA identifies that these five chemicals as high priority substances, EPA will proceed with risk evaluations for these chemicals.
In the following are the details of these five chemicals:
| Substance name |
Intended use and potential hazard |
| Acetaldehyde (CASRN 75-07-0) |
- The main uses of acetaldehyde are in the manufacturing and processing of petrochemicals, adhesives, and other compounds. Additionally, it serves as an intermediary in goods like building supplies and packaging.
- Acetaldehyde exposure has been linked to respiratory discomfort and may be carcinogenic to humans.
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Acrylonitrile (CASRN 107-13-1)
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- The primary uses of acrylonitrile are in the manufacturing and processing of paints, petrochemicals, plastics, and other compounds.
- Both acrylonitrile and ethanol exposure can lead to health issues, including irritation of the respiratory system.
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Benzenamine (CASRN 62-53-3)
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- Benzenamine is a chemical molecule that is frequently utilized in the manufacturing of resins, plastics, petrochemicals, dyes, and pigments.
- Benzenamine exposure may have detrimental consequences on women and children’s health, including possible impairment to the reproductive system, blood, and embryonic development.
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| 4,4’-Methylene bis(2-chloroaniline) (MBOCA) (CASRN 101-14-4) |
- MBOCA is utilized in the production of rubber, plastics, resins, and other chemicals.
- It is considered potentially carcinogenic to humans. Furthermore, there is a significant amount of data indicating that exposure to infants and young children may result in damage to genetic material in cells.
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| Vinyl Chloride (CASRN 75-01-4) |
- Vinyl chloride is primarily utilized in the production of plastic materials, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plastic resins, and other chemicals.
- These materials are commonly used in the manufacturing of pipes, insulation, and various consumer products.
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EPA plans to optimize risk evaluations for five chemicals annually to ensure consistent and efficient evaluations. If a chemical is found to pose an unreasonable risk to health or the environment during the risk evaluation, relevant authorities will promptly initiate a risk management programme to eliminate those risks.
After the notice is published in the Federal Register, EPA will commence a public comment to encourage manufacturers and companies that use these chemicals to submit their comments.
Further Information:
US EPA
