EPA Announces Updates to Chemicals Program
Rules must meet the criteria of the Toxic Substances Control Act.
- By Shereen Hashem
- Mar 31, 2021
The EPA announced March 29th that it is conducting an evaluation of its current policies, regulations, guidance and templates under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) new chemicals program. The evaluation is meant to make sure the agency is meeting all requirements, executive orders and other directives. EPA identified instances where a new approach for management associated with new chemicals can more closely align with the requirements of TSCA meant to protect human health and the environment.
EPA says it is committed to meeting its deadlines on new chemical submissions and communicate any changes to stakeholders and the public.
Use of Significant New Use Rule (SNUR)
- Stop issuing determinations of “not likely to present an unreasonable risk” based on the existence of proposed SNURs
- Intend to continue issuing SNURs following TSCA Section 5(e) and 5(f) orders for new chemicals to ensure the requirements imposed on the submitter via an order apply to any person who manufacturers or processes the chemical in the future
- Ensure necessary protections for workers identified in its review of new chemicals through regulatory means
Worker Exposure
- Ensure necessary protection for workers in its review of new chemicals
- EPA will no longer assume workers are adequately protected under OSHA’s worker protection standards
- EPA will identify the absence of worker safeguards as “reasonably foreseen” conditions of use and mandate necessary protections through a TSCA Section 5(e) order.
About the Author
Shereen Hashem is the Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety magazine.