EPA Issues TSCA Section 4 Test Orders for Nine Chemicals Undergoing Risk Evaluation

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on January 15, 2021, that it has issued test orders under Section 4 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to obtain additional data on nine of the next 20 chemicals undergoing risk evaluation.  EPA states that after reviewing the available data on these chemicals, it determined additional data are needed and is using its TSCA test order authority to require companies to develop and submit information on environmental hazard and inhalation and dermal exposures for workers.  According to EPA, companies subject to the test orders may provide EPA with existing data or conduct new tests.  Companies may also form consortia to consolidate costs and burden and to avoid unnecessary duplication of testing.  The nine chemicals subject to the Section 4 test orders are:

• Chlorinated Solvents:
  • 1,1,2-Trichloroethane;
  • 1,1-Dichloroethane;
  • 1,2-Dichloroethane;
  • 1,2-Dichloropropane;
  • Trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene;
  • o-Dichlorobenzene; and
  • p-Dichlorobenzene;
• Flame Retardants:
  • 4,4ʹ-(1-Methylethylidene)bis[2,6-dibromophenol] (TBBPA); and
  • Phosphoric acid, triphenyl ester (TPP).

EPA states that the orders and any data submitted in response to the orders will be made publicly available on EPA’s website and in applicable dockets on www.regulations.gov.  More information will be available in a forthcoming memorandum that will be posted on our website.