EPA is  proposing to stop resumption of manufacture, import and use of 15 currently discontinued nonyl phemol and nonyl phenol ethoxylates by using its TSCA Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) authority.  Manufacturers have abandoned the chemicals voluntarily, but to make sure no one picks them back up anyone who intends to market them will first have to submit the PMN-like Significant New Use form 90 days before making or importing the chemicals.  Hint: this is a de facto ban, so don't bother unless you have a very controlled process with no exposure like the 2 chemicals that whose use as intermediates or epoxy curing agents are not considered "new."  The final SNUR will be retroactive to the date of Federal Register publication, expected next week).
For details see: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/actionplans/np-npe.html

If you are currently using any of these nonylphenols, contact EPA right away to refute their assumption they are no longer commercial.  Comment period extended to Jan 15, 2015.
EPA has also added nonylphenols to the TRI list here for reporting in 2015.

Leave a reply