Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • Middle East Foam & Polyurethane
  • UTECH Asia/PU China
  • UTECH Europe
  • UTECH Las Americas
Subscribe
  • My Account
  • Login
  • Subscribe
  • Ukraine
  • News
    • Asia
    • Americas
    • Europe
    • M & A
    • Financial results
    • Automotive
  • Data
  • Information
    • Country Overview
    • Market Sector overviews
    • Technical articles
    • Company profiles and strategies
  • Events
    • Exhibitions
    • Conferences
    • Webinars / Livestreams
    • Become a Speaker
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Issues
  • Subscribe
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. News
November 07, 2016 12:00 AM

EPA fast-tracks five chemicals of concern

Simon Robinson
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print

    Washington, DC – Five chemicals are being fast-tracked through the recently updated Toxic Substances Control Act by the US Environment Protection Agency (EPA).

    These include the flame retardant decabromodiphenyl ester (DecaBDE). Although DecaBDE was not used directly as a flame retardant in polyurethane foam in the US, applications include the backing of textiles used as furniture coverings.

    The Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act was passed in June. Among its aims is to reduce exposure to persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic chemicals, and EPA says it is looking to do this as quickly as possible. The five fast-tracked chemicals are of particular concern because they will remain in the environment for extended periods of time, and concentrate in the organisms that are exposed to them.

    “The threats from persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic chemicals are well documented,” explained Jim Jones, assistant administrator in the EPA’s office of chemical safety and pollution prevention. “The new law directs us to expedite action to reduce risks for these chemicals, rather than spending more time evaluating them.”

    Also being expedited are hexachlorobutadiene and pentachlorothiophenol, both of which have applications in rubber manufacturing; another flame retardant, tris(4-isopropylphenyl)phosphate; and the additive 2,4,6-tris(t-butyl)phenol.

    EPA’s statutory deadline to propose action is June 2019, three years after the new Act was signed into law. Its expedited action is designed to reduce exposure to these chemicals to the extent that is practical. The first step is to identify where they are used and how people are exposed to them. EPA will then propose limitations on their use.

    Recommended for You
    UTECH Awards 2024 nominations open
    UTECH Europe 2024 – Polyurethane Awards open for entries
    corn maize 800
    BASF deal with Qore secures supply of raw material for biobased TPU
    Novel XDI-based crosslinker creates flexible adhesives with good recovery
    Novel XDI-based crosslinker creates flexible adhesives with good recovery
    Latest Issue
    urethanes technology
    Get the latest edition here
    View All Archives
    Get our newsletters

    Breaking news and in-depth coverage of essential topics delivered straight to your inbox.

    Subscribe today

    Register to access our archive of leading information on the polyurethanes industry.

    Subscribe now
    Connect with Us
    • Twitter
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Youtube

    Follow us on social media for the latest polyurethanes industry news and event updates.

    Logo
    Contact Us

    Crain Communications
    11, Ironmonger Lane
    London
    EC2V 8EY
    United Kingdom

    Editorial
    Phone +44 (0) 20 3287 5935
    Email click to send

    Customer Service
    Phone +1 313 446 0450
    Email click to send

    Resources
    • Advertise with Us
    • Media Kit
    • Staff
    • Careers
    • Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Legal
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    Copyright © 1996-2023. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • Ukraine
    • News
      • Asia
      • Americas
      • Europe
      • M & A
      • Financial results
      • Automotive
    • Data
    • Information
      • Country Overview
      • Market Sector overviews
      • Technical articles
      • Company profiles and strategies
    • Events
      • Exhibitions
      • Conferences
      • Webinars / Livestreams
      • Become a Speaker
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Issues
    • Subscribe