On January 15, 2015 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it had proposed measures to ensure that phased-out perfluorinated chemicals do not re-enter the marketplace without review. The current action builds on several others EPA has already taken since 2006, while reaching an agreement with companies to completely phase-out these chemicals by the end of 2015. Under Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the EPA proposed a Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) addressing long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylate chemicals including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, CAS 335-67-1) used in food contact. The SNUR requires manufacturers and importers of these chemicals to notify EPA at least 90 days before starting/resuming new uses of these chemicals in any products. This notification would allow the agency to evaluate the new use and, if needed, take action to prohibit/limit the activity.
Read more
U.S. EPA (January 15, 2015). “EPA’s actions to restrict PFOA and similar chemicals yield significant human health and environmental benefits.”
U.S. EPA (December 18, 2014). “Proposed rule – long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylate and perfluoroalkyl sulfonate chemical substances; Significant New Use Rule.”(pdf)
