EPA Plan of Action for Methanol, MTBE, ETBA and Acrylonitrile Assessments

On April 11, 2011, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it would address the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) assessments for the four chemicals which were placed on hold in June 2010.  The assessments performed on methanol, methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE), ethyl tertiary-butyl ether (ETBE) and acrylonitrile outlined a review of research to evaluate potential cancer-causing effects from the chemicals.  Usage for the chemicals include paints, varnishes, wiper fluid and adhesives for methanol, gasoline additives for MTBE and ETBE, and plastic manufacturing for acrylonitrile. 

The hold was placed on the review due to an abundance of caution and to make sure the assessments were performed on sound science.  Leukemias and lymphomas were found in studies of MTBE and ETBE, while other tumors were found in studies of acrylonitrile, MTBE, and ETBE.  With the release of the hold, this information will be made public for acrylonitrile, MTBE and ETBE and the cancer assessment for methonol will remain on hold until its review is complete.

IRIS is a human health assessment program that evaluates risk resulting from exposure to environmental contaminants.  The program provides a data base for the EPA of information regarding exposure on various substances in the environment.  This data base is available on the internet at http://www.epa.gov/iris/.

EPA Announces HRS Addition to Vapor Intrusion

http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/npl/hrsaddition.htm

The EPA is soliciting input to add vapor intrusion threats as a component to the Hazard Ranking System (HRS) for Superfund sites.  The agency will consider information gathered during the comment period and 3 public listening sessions to determine whether to issue a proposed rulemaking for a vapor intrusion component.  Feedback will be accepted for 75 days after the January 28, 2011 announcement.

EPA Requires Testing of 19 Widely Used Chemicals

The EPA is issuing a final rule under the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA). This ruling will require manufacturers of certain chemicals to test for health and environmental effects. These chemicals are widely used in both consumer and industrial applications. Chemicals on the list are provided through the link above. You can also go to www.epa.gov/hpv/ for more information.