EPA Issues Final Rules to Reduce Exposure to Five PBT Chemicals

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The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released final rules under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) that will reduce exposure to five chemicals that are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT). The FDA released a statement that “PBT chemicals are of particular concern not only because they are toxic but also because they remain in the environment for long periods and can build up or accumulate in the body.” These agency efforts can be an essential step to protect the health of children, workers, and fishers in America. 

The finals rules will limit or prohibit the manufacturer, processing, and distribution in commerce of the following five chemicals:

  • Decabromodiphenyl ether (DecaBDE)

  • Phenol, isopropylated phosphate 3:1 (PIP (3:1))

  • 2,4,6-tris(tert-butyl) phenol (2,4,6-TTBP)

  • Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD)

  • Pentachlorothiophenol (PCTP)

DecaBDE

DecaBDE is toxic to aquatic invertebrates, fish, and terrestrial invertebrates. There have been reports of the chemical having developmental, neurological, and immunological effects. 

Even though many uses of decaBDE have ceased, EPA has concluded that humans or the environment are likely exposed to decaBDE under certain conditions. 

Acceptable uses include: 

  • Manufacture, processing, and distribution in commerce for use in curtains in the hospitality industry.

  • Processing and distribution in commerce for use in wire and cable insulation in nuclear power generation facilities.

  • Manufacture, processing, and distribution in commerce for use in parts for new aerospace vehicles, and distribution in commerce of the new vehicles containing such parts

  • Manufacture, processing, and distribution in commerce for use in replacement parts in motor vehicles, and distribution in commerce of the replacement parts themselves.

PIP (3:1)

PIP (3:1) is toxic to aquatic plants, aquatic invertebrates, sediment invertebrates, and fish. There is potential for reproductive and developmental effects, neurological effects, and effects on systemic organs, specifically adrenals, liver, ovaries, heart, and lung. 

Acceptable uses include: 

  • Processing and distribution in commerce for use in aviation hydraulic fluid in hydraulic systems and use in specialty hydraulic fluids for military applications

  • Processing and distribution in commerce for use in lubricants and greases;

  • Processing and distribution in commerce for use in new and replacement parts for the aerospace and automotive industries;

  • Processing and distribution in commerce for use in specialized engine air filters for locomotive and marine applications;

  • Processing and distribution in commerce for use in sealants and adhesives; and

2,4,6-TTBP

2,4,6-TTBP is toxic to aquatic plants, aquatic invertebrates, and fish and also has the potential for liver and developmental effects.

The EPA prohibits the distribution in commerce of 2,4,6-TTBP and products containing 2,4,6-TTBP at concentrations above 0.3% by weight in any container with a volume of fewer than 35 gallons. In order to effectively prevent the use of 2,4,6-TTBP as a fuel additive or fuel injector cleaner by consumers and small commercial operations (e.g., automotive repair shops, marinas).

HCBD

HCBD is toxic to aquatic invertebrates, fish, and birds and has been identified as a possible human carcinogen. Data indicate the potential for renal, reproductive, and developmental effects.

The EPA is prohibiting the manufacturing (including import), processing, and distribution in commerce of HCBD and HCBD-containing products or articles, except for the unintentional production of HCBD as a by-product during the production of chlorinated solvents, and the processing and distribution in commerce of HCBD for burning as a waste fuel.

PCTP

PCTP is toxic to protozoa, fish, terrestrial plants, and birds. Data for analogous chemicals (pentachloronitrobenzene and hexachlorobenzene) indicate the potential for liver and reproductive effects. However, no animal or human hazard data have been identified.

The EPA prohibits manufacturing (including import), processing, and distribution in commerce of PCTP and products or articles containing PCTP unless PCTP concentrations are at or below 1% by weight.