EPA Establishes a Chemicals of Concern List

Late last month, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an intention to create a "Chemicals of Concern" list which would give priority to some chemicals which are of particular danger to Americans.

Immediately, phthalates and PBDE chemicals are being added to the concern list -- phthalates are used in flexible plastics like soft toys for children, household products and medical equipment. The EPA targeted these chemicals because they raise “serious health or environmental concerns.”

Administrator Lisa P. Jackson announced the news stating,

“The American people are understandably concerned about the chemicals making their way into our products, our environment and our bodies. We will continue to use our authority under existing law to protect Americans from exposure to harmful chemicals and to highlight chemicals we believe warrant concern.”

“At the same time, I will continue to fight for comprehensive reform of the nation’s outdated chemical management laws that ensures a full assessment of the safety of chemicals on the market today and effective actions to reduce risks where chemicals do not meet the safety standard. Chemical safety is an issue of utmost importance, especially for children, and this will remain a top priority for me and our agency going forward.”

When Laurie Valeriano wrote for the Safer States blog in November, she asked for prioritization of the worst chemicals first -- it's nice to see that the EPA is listening to those who have the safety of American citizens in mind.

As Elizabeth Grossman wrote in Scientific American,

“This is a big deal because it is the first time since TSCA was passed in 1976 that the EPA has made such a move. To date, the agency has only successfully used TSCA to restrict or ban five of the 80,000-plus chemicals on its inventory of those used or produced in the U.S.

“Although this action will not immediately change the chemical landscape for consumers and manufacturers, the "chemical of concern" listings indicate EPA thinking that these chemicals are potentially dangerous and that further regulatory action is warranted. Listing also triggers export and production notifications under TSCA, requirements that may deter some users.”

Further reading:

What the EPA's “Chemicals of Concern” plans really mean. Scientific American, 01/11/10.

EPA deserves an “A for Effort” for its new Chemical Action Plans. Environmental Defense Fund, 01/04/10.

EPA launches New Year crackdown on chemicals and pollutants. BusinessGreen.com, 01/05/10.

EPA announces actions to address chemicals of concern, including phthalates: Agency continues efforts to work for comprehensive reform of toxic substance laws. EPA press release, 12/30/09.