Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency is looking for input from representatives of small businesses, local governments and nonprofit organizations as it evaluates Toxic Substances Control Act regulations for formaldehyde and legacy uses of asbestos.
In the coming months, EPA plans to convene separate Small Business Advocacy Review panels concerning the agency’s development of proposed rules covering unreasonable risks identified in risk evaluations for both substances.
EPA published on Jan. 3 a final risk evaluation for formaldehyde – a colorless, strong-smelling gas found in chemicals, plywood and household items such as glue and paper product coatings. In December, the agency published Part 2 of a final risk evaluation for asbestos, a known human carcinogen linked to lung cancer and mesothelioma (a cancer in the membranes in the abdomen and chest). The evaluation came after an agency final rule that bans the use and import of chrysotile asbestos (the focus of Part 1).
Part 2 addresses five other types of asbestos fiber beyond chrysotile, as well as talc and Libby asbestos. The evaluation centers on legacy uses of asbestos – cases in which manufacturing, processing or distribution have stopped but asbestos may still be present – and “future disposal” of these uses. Legacy uses include asbestos-containing construction materials in older homes, such as floor and ceiling tiles; pipe wraps; and insulation.
The deadlines to submit formaldehyde panel nominations and asbestos panel nominations are Aug. 22 and Sept. 7, respectively.
