On July 10, 2024, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) introduced a draft rule to ban aerosol dusters containing over 18 milligrams of either 1,1-Difluoroethane (HFC-152a) or 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a). Pending CPSC Commission approval, this rule, scheduled for review on July 31, will take effect 30 days after final regulations are published, following public consultation.
Banned Propellant Substances
HFC-152a
HFC-134a
Affected Demographics
Importers, Exporters, and Manufacturers
Limitation Thresholds
≤ 18 mg
Supplementary Constraints
Under new regulations, aerosol duster products with excessive propellant levels will be listed as prohibited items under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA). Manufacturers are now required to certify these products and clearly label them with the type of safe propellant used, ensuring consumer safety and regulatory compliance.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) notes that switching propellants in these products necessitates minimal adjustments to production and promises significant economic returns. Over the next three decades, this change is expected to generate approximately $2 billion in economic benefits and substantially reduce health hazards. Records from 2012 to 2021 show over 1,000 deaths linked to inhalation incidents. Based on animal research, the CPSC has established a safe exposure limit of 18 milligrams for HFC-152a and determined that HFC-134a can meet the same standard due to its lower toxicity, allowing for slight contaminations during manufacturing.
