Practical EHS Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
The EPA has released what it describes as the first update of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory in 40 years. The update indicates that 47 percent of the 86,228 chemicals listed on the Inventory are “active,” which means they have been manufactured, processed, or imported for a nonexempt commercial purpose during the 10-year […]
It is not a stretch to say that the 2016 amendments to the federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) were motivated to a large extent by the EPA’s inability under the law to ban, or at least significantly restrict, industrial and commercial uses of asbestos. Under new authority provided in the amendments, the Agency promptly […]
The Tier II hazardous chemical inventory reporting deadline is quickly approaching. Are you prepared to submit your report by March 1st?
In a letter of interpretation dated August 3, 2018, U.S. OSHA’s Directorate of Enforcement Programs provided several valuable insights into the extent chemical manufacturers, distributors, or importers may make use of trade secret protections when completing safety data sheets (SDSs), formerly material safety data sheets (MSDSs).
Section 8(b)(10) of the amended Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) directs the EPA to develop an inventory of mercury supply, use, and trade in the United States and, based on that inventory, recommend actions, including proposed revisions of federal law or regulations, “to achieve further reductions in mercury use.” To create the inventory, the section […]
The EPA recently sponsored what it called a “historic summit” to provide active engagement and actions to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Q. If I want to switch chemicals in my water treatment process, can I complete an antidegradation analysis myself and all in one application? A. Yes. You can do the antidegradation analysis yourself, so long as all methods of sample collection, preservation, and analysis are conducted using approved methods and tested by a certified laboratory. […]
The recent signing of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act has brought about a long overdue reform of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). But despite the buzz surrounding TSCA reform and how the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will implement the new legislation going forward, chemical manufacturers and importers must […]
Substitution Is First Choice The EPA and OSHA recently issued a joint “alert” to encourage the use of inherently safer technologies (IST) at chemical facilities. The Chemical Safety Alert: Safer Technology and Alternativesis intended to lay the groundwork for a future guidance document by introducing safer technology concepts and general approaches. According to the Alert, […]
In response, in part, to the EO, the EPA has: Issued a request for information (RFI) seeking public comment on updating its risk management program (RMP) regulation, and a notice of proposed rulemaking is being prepared. The Agency is looking for specific feedback on whether the list of RMP-regulated substances should be modified by adding […]