EPA designated five chemicals as high-priority substances for risk evaluation
The five chemicals designated as high-priority substances for risk evaluation by the EPA are also used in paints and coatings.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed designating five chemicals as High-Priority Substances for risk evaluation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). If these designations are finalized, the EPA will initiate the risk evaluation process promptly.
“The Biden-Harris Administration continues to make significant strides in protecting workers and communities from harmful chemical exposure. By studying these five chemicals—each associated with cancer and used in plastics—we aim to enhance public health and environmental protections nationwide. This process will also provide the public with earlier access to critical data on these substances,” said Michal Freedhoff, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.
The five chemicals proposed for High-Priority Substance designation are:
- Vinyl Chloride (CASRN 75-01-4): Used in plastic materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plastic resins, and other chemicals, many of which are used in pipes and insulating materials.
- Acetaldehyde (CASRN 75-07-0): Used in adhesives, petrochemicals, plastics, and other chemicals, as well as intermediates for products like packaging and construction materials.
- Acrylonitrile (CASRN 107-13-1): Used in paints, coatings, and other chemicals.
- Benzenamine (CASRN 62-53-3): Used in pigments and resins.
- 4,4’-Methylene Bis(2-Chloroaniline) (MBOCA) (CASRN 101-14-4): Used in plastics, resins, and other chemicals.
