r/EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of
Public Affairs (A-107)
Washington DC 20460
A-107/86-003
June 1986
Pesticides Fact Book
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Contents
Overview of Pesticide Regulation 1
Products Regulated- 1
The Regulated Community 1
Statutory Authority for Pesticide
Regulation1 1
How EPA Regulates New Pesticides 1
Tolerances 2
How EPA Regulates Existing Pesticides 2
Registration Standards 3
Data Call-in 3
Special Review 3
State Enforcement Role 4
Product Packaging 4
Farmworker Safety 5
Ground Water Contamination 5
Data Quality 5
Microbial Pesticides 6
Tables
History of Federal Pesticide Legislation 6
Summary of Tolerance Provisions: Federal
Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) 6
Summary of the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA),
as amended 7
Pesticide Registration Process 7
Appendices
A. Glossary 8
B. Basic Data Requirements for a New Major
Food or Food Crop Pesticide 9
C. Map of EPA Regions 9
D. EPA Pesticide Contacts 9
E. State Agencies 10
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Overview of
Kcide
lation
Products Regulated
Pesticides include
insecticides, herbicides,
fungicides, rodenticides,
fumigants, disinfectants,
plant growth regulators and
other substances intended to
control pests. Approximately
45,000 pesticide products are
currently marketed in the
United States. The
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) regulates these
products primarily on the
basis of their pesticidal active
ingredients. There are
roughly 1,400 "active
ingredients" in the 45,000
products now on the market.
By combining these active
ingredients (such as salts and
esters) EPA has defined about
600 distinct active ingredient
groups that must be regulated
separately.
ximately 1.2 billion
of pesticides costing
are sold each
year. About 70 percent of all
pesticides used in this
country are applied in
agricultural production, 7
percent in home and garden
settings, and the remaining
23 percent in forestry,
industry and government
programs.
The Regulated
Community
About 30 major pesticide
producers, another 100
companies that market active
ingredients, 3,300 product
formulators, and 29,000,
distributors are subject to
EPA health and safety
regulations. Pesticide users,
including private citizens, are
also subject to EPA
regulation. It is a violation of
the law for any person to use
a pesticide in a manner
inconsistent with its label. In
order to use certain
that EPA has
for "restricted use,"
commercial
apprators must complete an
approved training program in
the proper handling of toxic
chemicals.
Statutory Authority for
Pesticide Regulation
EPA's regulation of pesticides
is mandated by Congress.
Through its Office of
Pesticide Programs (OPP),
EPA administers two statutes:
The Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide and Rodenticide
Act (FIFRA), last amended by
Congress in 1980, which
governs the licensing, or
"registration," of pesticide
products.
The Federal Food, Drug
and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA)
which, among other things,
governs pesticide residue
levels in food or feed crops.
FIFRA was originally
enacted in 1947, when it
replaced the Federal
Insecticide Act of 1910, but
Congress has amended FIFRA
several times since then. The
most important FIFRA
amendment was the Federal
Environmental Pesticide
Control Act (FEPCA) of 1972,
which shifted the emphasis
from safeguarding the
consumer against fraudulent
pesticide products to public
health and environmental
protection. EPA assumed
responsibility for
administering FIFRA when
the Agency was established
in 1970. Before that,
pesticides were regulated by
the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA).
How EPA
Regulates New
Pesticides
EPA is responsible under
FIFRA for registering new
pesticides to ensure that,
when used according to label
directions, they will not
Eresent unreasonable risks to
uman health or
environment. The law
requires the Agency to take
into account economic,
social, and environmental
costs and benefits in making
decisions.
Pesticide registration is a
pre-market review and
licensing program for all
pesticides marketed in the
U.S., whether of domestic or
foreign orgin. EPA annually
reviews approximately
15,000 registration
submissions of various kinds.
Only about 15 brand-new
chemicals (new active
ingredients) are registered
each year. Most registration
decisions are for new
formulations containing
active ingredients which are
already registered with EPA,
or new uses of existing
products.
The Agency bases
registration decisions for new
pesticides on its evaluation
of test data provided by
applicants. Required studies
include testing to show
whether a pesticide has the
potential to cause adverse
effects in humans, fish,
wildlife, and endangered
species. Potential human
risks include acute reactions
such as toxic poisoning and
skin and eye irritation, as
well as possible long-term
effects like cancer, birth
defects, or reproductive
system disorders. Data on
"environmental fate," or how
a pesticide behaves in the
environment, are also
required so that EPA can
determine, among other
things, whether a pesticide
poses a threat to ground or
surface water.
EPA may classify a product
for restricted use if its
toxicity warrants special
handling. Restricted
pesticides may be used only
by or under the supervision
of certified applicators
trained to handle toxic
chemicals, and this
classification must be shown
on labels. During registration
review, the Agency may also
require changes in proposed
labeling and use patterns.
Moreover, if a pesticide is
being considered for use on a
food or feed crop, the
applicant must petition EPA
for a tolerance (see
subsequent section on
Tolerances) and submit
appropriate data so that the
Agency can define a safe and
realistic tolerance level.
A brand-new active
ingredient may need six to
nine years to move from the
laboratory, through full
completion of EPA
registration requirements, to
retail shelves. This
time-frame includes two or
three years to obtain
registration from EPA. The
registration process generally
begins with an experimental
use permit (EUP) issued by
EPA to permit pre-market
field testing. Subsequently,
manufacturers typically
submit an application for
federal registration to EPA for
review. This application
must include appropriate
health and safety data, and
EPA may require further
testing to clarify specific
health or environmental
Questions that may arise
during registration review.
The estimated average cost
for a pesticide producer to
comply with EPA's
registration data requirements
is between $2.4 million and
$4.0 million per major new
active ingredient. This is
about four to seven percent
of typical total development
costs of $50 million to $70
million.
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Registration of a new
formulation containing an
active ingredient already
registered with EPA requires
far less time and expense.
Such new product
registrations may be
completed within six to nine
months.
Pending full development
of data required for the
registration of products
which contain existing active
ingredients, FIFRA allows
conditional registration if
EPA finds that the use of the
product will not significantly
increase the level of risk
posed by similar products
already on the market.
Conditional registrations are
subject to immediate
cancellation if the
outstanding data are not
submitted by the time
specified. Under special
circumstances prescribed by
FIFRA, the Agency may also
grant conditional
registrations for products
containing active ingredients
not previously registered
with EPA. These special
circumstances include a
rinding by EPA that the
conditional use of the new
pesticide will be in the
public interest, that a
reasonable time for
conducting the required
studies has not elapsed, and
that use of the pesticide for
the period of conditional
registration will not present
an unreasonable risk.
EPA also evaluates several
types of special registration
submissions mandated by
FIFRA. Experimental use
permits under section 5
allow large-scale
experimentation in order to
develop data for new
products or new uses of
existing ones. Through
emergency exemptions under
section 18, EPA may
temporarily authorize state or
federal agencies to combat
emergencies with pesticide
uses not permitted by
existing federal registrations.
Under section 24(c), "special
local need" registrations by
the states become effective
immediately, but may be
disallowed by EPA within 90
days.
Tolerances
Under the FFDCA, EPA sets
tolerances, or maximum legal
limits, for pesticide residues
on food commodities
marketed in the U.S.
Tolerances apply to imported
commodities as well as
domestically produced food
and animal feed. The
purpose of the tolerance
program is to ensure that
U.S. consumers are not
exposed to unsafe
food-pesticide residue levels.
Before a pesticide can be
registered under FIFRA for
use on a food or feed crop,
EPA must either establish a
tolerance or, if appropriate,
grant an exemption from the
tolerance requirement.
Tolerances for raw
agricultural commodities are
established under section 408
of the FFDCA. Certain
pesticide uses also require
separate tolerances under
section 409vfor processed
commodities, if residues are
expected to concentrate
during food processing.
The Agency establishes a
tolerance only if residue
chemistry and toxicological
data indicate no
unreasonable risk to lifelong
consumers. Tolerances are set
at levels no higher than
necessary to permit
marketing of treated
commodities. The Food and
Drug Administration and the
U.S. Department of
Agriculture are responsible
for enforcing tolerances for
food and feed commodities
in commerce. Any
commodities with residues in
excess of tolerance levels are
subject to seizure.
Residue chemistry and
toxicology are far more
advanced now than 30 years
ago, but until recently the
basic scientific assumptions
behind our regulations had
not been re-examined. In the
last few years, EPA has
consulted with numerous
outside experts in an effort to
upgrade its traditional
tolerance system. A number
of changes have been
initiated, including
refinement of dietary
consumption estimates, a
new scheme that allows for
more extensive use of group
tolerances for related crops,
and a data call-in program to
bring the data-base up to
contemporary standards.
Individual tolerances for
existing pesticides are being
reassessed as part of the
reregistration process. (See
subsequent section on
Existing Pesticides.) EPA is
also revoking tolerances for
cancelled pesticides.
Following tolerance
revocation EPA can
recommend "action levels,"
where appropriate, for
enforcement by FDA and
USDA. EPA typically
recommends an action level
if, following cancellation,
unavoidable low-level
residues are expected to
occur in food commodities as
a result of environmental
persistence of the cancelled
product.
How EPA
Regulates
Existing
Pesticides
In addition to regulating new
pesticides, EPA is charged
with protecting human health
and environment from any
unreasonable adverse effects
associated with pesticides
already registered and in use.
To ensure that previously
registered pesticides meet
current scientific and
regulatory standards, FIFRA
requires the "reregistration"
of all existing pesticides.
This is a massive
undertaking. The "old
chemicals" problem has
drawn criticism because EPA
has not been able to review
and reregister existing
pesticides as quickly as
Congress originally
envisioned. However, EPA
has underway an aggressive
reregistration effort through
its "Registration Standf
and "Data Call-In" pr
Also, whenever data ot
registered pesticide indicate
that it may be presenting
unreasonable risks, EPA
initiates a public "Special
Review" to determine
whether regulatory action is
warranted.
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Registration Standards
For reregistration. a pesticide
initially registered prior to
Jit regulatory
ements must meet the
'no unreasonable
ie effects" criteria that
apply to new pesticides.
Through its Registration
Standards program, EPA is
reexamining, by current
scientific standards, the
health and environmental
safety of the approximately
600 active ingredients
contained in some 45,000
currently registered products.
On the basis of these reviews,
the Agency establishes the
various conditions registrants
must meet in order to
reregister pesticide products
containing these active
ingredients.
These conditions are
spelled out in a document
known as a Registration
Standard. Such conditions
typically include
requirements for submission
of needed scientific data;
compliance with product
composition, labeling and
aging requirements; and
"^jgation to compensate
egistrants for use of
applfcable safety data.
Certain changes in
application methods and
label directions may also be
required, and some uses may
be restricted to certified
applicators as a condition of
reregistration.
Depending on how the
existing data measure up to
current registration
requirements, the
manufacturer of a major
active ingredient may incur
costs approaching first-time
registration costs (ranging
from $2.4 million to $4.0
million) to comply with EPA
data requirements for
registration. If existing data
largely satisfy registration
requirements, the costs of
complying with a
Registration Standard will be
considerably less.
Once a Registration
Standard is developed for a
given active ingredient, new
pesticide products will also
be registered according to the
terms and conditions of the
Standard. The Standards
approach eliminates the need
for complete data review for
individual products and
improves the efficiency and
consistency of registration
decisions.
EPA is proceeding with
Registration Standard reviews
on the basis of clusters of
similar-use pesticides, such
as termiticides, grain
fumigants, and fungicides.
High-volume and food-use
pesticides are being assessed
first. At the currently
planned rate, Registration
Standards will be developed
for all active ingredients by
the late 1990s. At the end of
fiscal year 1985 EPA had
issued 117 Registration ,
Standards. The table below
shows the Agency's progress
in completing Registration
Standards during the last six
fiscal years.
FY-80 6
FY-81 18
FY-82 18
FY-83 23
FY-84 25
FY-85 27
FY-86 (projected) 25
Data Call-In
One of the key questions in
doing a Registration Standard
is whether a chemical has an
appropriate data-base by
today's criteria. In many
cases the answer is "no."
This is not to impugn
pesticide registrants. The fact
is that data requirements
have been tightened over
time and many products
were registered in earlier
years when fewer
requirements were in place.
EPA has discovered, not
surprisingly, that the early
Registration Standards have
resulted in many
requirements for additional
data. In order to obtain
important data before the
Agency completes or even
begins a Registration
Standard on a chemical, EPA
initiated a Data Call-In
program in 1981. Letters are
sent to registrants identifying
long-term chronic testing
needs (cancer, chronic
feeding, reproduction, and
teratogenicity testing) and
requiring the initiation, of
such studies. At the end of
fiscal year 1985, EPA
completed "calling in"
chronic toxicity data for all
pesticides applied to food
crops.
In addition to its regular
data call-in program, EPA has
initiated several "special"
data call-ins. One was a
groundwater data call-in,
completed in fiscal year
1984, concerning 141 existing
pesticides known to
contaminate or suspected of
contaminating aquifers.
Special Review
If a registered pesticide
shows evidence of posing a
potential safety problem, the
Agency can conduct a
Special Review of risks and
benefits in which all
interested parties
(environmentalists,
manufacturers, users,
scientists, and the general
public) can participate. A
notice initiating a Special
Review is not a notice of
intent to cancel the
registration of a pesticide; a
Special Review may or may
not lead to cancellation.
Depending on EPA's
findings during the Special
Review process, the Agency
may implement various
regulatory options available
under FIFRA. Often, rather
than initiating cancellation or
suspension proceedings to
reduce risks associated with
pesticide use, EPA exercises
less drastic options such as
restricting pesticide use to
certified applicators,
requiring protective clothing,
and prohibiting certain
application methods or use
in certain areas. EPA may
also decide simply to
continue the pesticide's
registrations if risk-reduction
measures are found
unnecessary.
If the pesticide is found to
cause unreasonable adverse
effects on human health or
the environment, EPA may
issue a notice of intent to
cancel registration. The
registrants and others who
would be adversely affected
are given 30 days to request a
hearing. If there is no such
appeal, all pertinent
registrations are
automatically cancelled. If a
hearing is requested,
cancellation proceedings may
take two years or more, and
during that interval
marketing may continue.
However, if the EPA
Administrator finds that
continued registration of the
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pesticide for a given use
presents an imminent hazard
to human health, he may
suspend it. Such action
requires evidence that the
risks of continued use
outweigh benefits during the
two or more years necessary
to complete a cancellation
hearing.
There are two kinds of
suspensions under FIFRA.
Under an ordinary
suspension, a registrant has a
right to request a hearing
before the suspension goes
into effect. Unlike the
cancellation hearing process,
which can consume several
years, an ordinary suspension
hearing may take about six .
months. But an emergency
suspension order is handed
down if EPA determines that
the risks of continued use
outweigh benefits during the
six months it would take to
hold an ordinary suspension
hearing. An emergency
suspension order is
immediate and absolute; it is
the most drastic step EPA
can take under FIFRA.
EPA began conducting
Special Reviews, originally
known as RPARs (Rebuttable
Presumptions Against
Registration), in 1975. Most
of the approximately 70
chemicals initially identified
as needing special review
have been reviewed since
then, resulting in removal of
some from the market or
changes in the way they are
used, in order to reduce risks
to exposed populations.
Other suspect chemicals have
been identified through the
Registration Standards
Program described above and
placed in the Special Review
process. Since the program
began in 1975, the time
required from start to
conclusion of a Special
Review has generally been
from two to six years.
However, EPA has recently
issued new Special Review
procedures designed to
expedite decision-making.
State
Enforcement
Role
Since the 1972 amendments,
FIFRA has included
provisions for monitoring the
distribution and use of
pesticides, and issuing civil
as well as criminal penalties
for violations. For example, it
is unlawful under FIFRA to
use a registered pesticide
product in a manner
inconsistent with its label, to
alter the approved label or to
distribute in commerce any
adulterated or misbranded
product. The 1972
amendments also authorized
"cooperative enforcement
agreements" between EPA
and the states, and a
certification and training
program for applicators that
qualifies them to use
chemicals classified for
restricted use.
In the 1978 amendments
the states were given primary
enforcement responsibility
for pesticide use violations,
subject to oversight by EPA.
Through cooperative
enforcement agreements all
states but two, Nebraska and
Wyoming, have now assumed
primary enforcement
responsibility. EPA sets
FIFRA enforcement policy
and conducts compliance
monitoring and enforcement
programs in these two states.
Pesticide applicator and
certification programs are
also conducted by the states,
except in Colorado (where
the state has a program only
for commercial applicators)
and Nebraska, where EPA
performs this role
Cases of pesticide misuse
or accidents should be
reported to the state agency
with lead responsibility for
pesticides, generally the state
department of agriculture. A
list of these agencies is
provided in Appendix E.
Such cases may also be
reported to an EPA regional
office. See Appendix C for a
map of the 10 EPA regions
and Appendix D for a list of
EPA headquarters and
regional pesticide contacts.
Product
Packaging
Pesticides are toxic chemicals
that must be stored and
handled with care. For this
reason, EPA has set
requirements to help prevent
incidents of pesticide
poisoning in residential as
well as agricultural settings.
In 1979, EPA published
regulations aimed at reducing
potentially hazardous
exposure to pesticides, such
as common insect and weed
killers and rat poisons
routinely used in and around
the home. These regulations
require that, if pesticides
registered for residential use
meet certain criteria, they
must be marketed in
packages with special
closures or other safety
features commonly known as
child-resistant packaging.
These standards have a dual
purpose: to prevent children
from gaining access to the
contents and to increase
adult awareness that the
contents may be hazardous.
These requirements are
similar to child-resistant
packaging requirements first
introduced by the Consumer
Product Safety Commission
in 1972,
In agriculture, EPA-
approved labels restrict the
use of certain pesticides to
trained, certified applicators.
In the past, EPA has
classified pesticides for
restricted use mainly because
of acute toxic risks to
applicators. However, the
Agency has begun using the
restricted use classification
more broadly, and pesticides
may be restricted for other
reasons such as long-term
health risks or potential
ground-water contamination.
The Agency is convinced
that the use of "closed
systems" for transferring
pesticides from containers to
mixing tanks or application
machinery will further
reduce the likelihood oil
accidental poisoning. EF
has published voluntary
standards, initially proposed
by the pesticide industry, to
encourage the development
and widespread use of closed
systems. The Agency is
encouraging advanced
technology in closed systems,
as well as more widespread
use of the limited technology
now available. EPA is
monitoring the results to
determine whether a
mandatory approach is
necessary.
\)
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Farmworker
ifety
«'
is making a concerted
t to safeguard
farmworkers' health through
its regulatory, educational,
and research programs.
Regulations in effect since
1974 have provided basic
protection for those engaged
in field and hand-labor tasks.
They prohibit direct spraying
of workers and require
protective clothing,
post-application field re-entry
intervals, and toxic-effect
warnings.
EPA is upgrading and
expanding the 1974
regulations through a
"negotiated rulemaking"
process in cooperation with a
committee of 25 federal,
state, farmworker, grower,
and industry representatives.
This committee is addressing
a spectrum of farmworker
issues ranging from
specialized protective
equipment for pesticide
ers, loaders, and
licators, to enforcement of
ations via federal
el ing and state programs.
EPA expects the proposed
regulations to be ready for
publication in the late spring
or early summer of 1986.
EPA has prepared two
versions of a slide and tape
program, one in English and
one in Spanish, for
presentation to farmworkers
and laborers who work with
pesticides. Many states are
now using these teaching
aids. EPA works with other
federal agencies, through
programs such as migrant
clinics, to provide
information on pesticide
hazards and safe-use
practices.
EPA is also studying field
exposures, health effects, and
the benefits of protective
clothing to agricultural
workers.
Ground Water
Contamination
Depending on their
properties and patterns of
use, pesticides may leach
through the soil and
contaminate ground water;
especially where the water
table is close to the surface
and soils are highly
permeable. EPA is
developing a comprehensive
approach to pesticides in
ground water focused on
existing problems and
prevention of future
contamination as wellall in
the context of a general
Ground-Water Protection
Strategy.
For pesticides not yet on
the market, EPA is using
sophisticated environmental
chemistry and mathematical
models to predict whether a
new pesticide has the
potential to reach ground
water. All prospective
registrants of pesticides
intended for use outdoors
must submit a range of test
data so EPA staff scientists
can assess the fate of a new
pesticide when used as
proposed.
For example, the most
important properties
determining whether a
pesticide represents a threat
to ground water are its
persistence and mobility. In
addition, EPA considers the
site itself, since local water
and soil conditions are
important variables in ground
water contamination. The
Agency has recently
published final guidelines
providing registrants with
detailed technical guidance
for developing
environmental-fate data.
Existing ground water
problems are generally
caused by pesticides that
entered the marketplace
before the current scientific
and regulatory standards
were put in place. To detect
and correct these conditions,
EPA is engaged in monitoring
ground water in cooperation
with the U.S. Geological
Survey and various state
agencies. EPA is also
planning a nationwide survey
of public and private water
supplies. The results of these
studies will be published in
annual reports and scientific
journals.
EPA is also taking action to
bring all previously
registered pesticides up to
current ground-water safety
standards. On a priority
basis, registrants of existing
pesticides are required to
submit studies to meet the
same rigorous requirements
that apply to new pesticides.
The Agency has recently
required updated information
on 141 existing pesticides
identified as having some
potential to contaminate
ground water. In some
instances, EPA may also
require the registrant to
conduct monitoring as a
condition of continued
registration.
Where ground-water
contamination is identified,
EPA may take regulatory
action ranging from selective
restrictions to outright bans
against the manufacture and
use of a pesticide. Where
regional restrictions are
needed, EPA is working
together with state agencies
to develop appropriate
product labeling. The Agency
has also begun to issue
Health Advisories to state
and local health officials
regarding levels of pesticides
in drinking water that may
pose significant risks.
Data Quality
Beginning in 1976, a series of
audits by the FDA and EPA
revealed serious deficiencies
in tests conducted by
Industrial Bio-Test
Laboratories (IBT) to support
the registrations, in both the
United States and Canada, of
numerous pesticides and
some drugs. The IBT case
raised concerns about the
integrity of data submissions
to EPA. Since then, EPA has
taken steps not only to
address the IBT case
specifically, but generally to
assure the quality of data
submitted to support
pesticide registrations.
The Agency has issued
data requirements and new
guidelines for conducting
studies required for pesticide
registration, and has
promulgated Good Laboratory
Practices (GLP) regulations
under both FIFRA and the
Toxic Substances Control Act
(TSCA). A reorganized
laboratory inspection and
data-audit program supports
EPA's concern for data
quality.
In December 1983, the
Office of Pesticides and
Toxic Substances (OPTS)
established a single
management unit in the
Office of Compliance
Monitoring for the data audit
and laboratory inspection
programs under FIFRA and
TSCA. Through these
programs, audits are
conducted to verify that final
reports accurately reflect
existing records, and
laboratory inspections are
conducted to check that
laboratories conducting
studies on pesticides and
toxic substances routinely
follow proper scientific
procedures. A computerized
system tracks study quality
from beginning to end. EPA's
inspection and audit
programs are coordinated
with FDA and the National
Toxicology Program through
interagency agreements.
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In 1986, the OPTS plans to
develop both Data Audit and
GLP Inspection manuals for
use by EPA inspectors and
scientific staff. The Agency is
also developing a
comprehensive set of
Standard Evaluation
Procedures governing how
studies submitted by
registrants are evaluated by
EPA staff scientists. These
procedures, covering studies
in ecological effects,
exposure assessment, residue
chemistry, and toxicology,
will ensure consistent
treatment of major scientific
topics in EPA's science
reviews and permit greater
public understanding of our
internal review process.
The IBT problem has been
largely resolved; invalid
studies either have been or
are being replaced. At the
end of 1985, the status of 724
IBT studies on long-term
health effects such as cancer
or reproductive disorders was
as follows:
461 do not require
replacement for one of
several reasons: the study is
valid, non-IBT data are
available, the pesticide is
cancelled or not registered, or
the type of study is not
required for registration.
107 studies have been
replaced; the new studies
have been reviewed by EPA
scientists and found
acceptable.
72 studies have been
replaced and are under
review by EPA scientists.
By the end of fiscal year
1988, the remaining 84 studies
will have been replaced,
according to an established
schedule.
Microbial
Pesticides
Naturally occurring
microorganisms were first
registered as pesticides in the
late 1940s. Today there are
14 naturally occurring
microbial agents, such as
bacteria, fungi, viruses and
protozoa, registered in about
100 products used in
agriculture, forestry,
mosquito control, and home
and garden applications.
These products are known to
be pest-specific and of low
toxicity to man.
Biotechnology has
advanced to the point where
genetically altered
micoorganisms have been
developed for use as
pesticides. In October 1984,
EPA published an Interim
Policy on Small-Scale Field
Testing of Certain Microbial
Pesticides, requiring
developers of biotechnologi-
cal products intended as
pesticides to notify the
Agency before initiating
small-scale field tests. They
must also submit adequate
information for EPA to assess
whether an Experimental Use
Permit (EUP) will be required
before testing. If an EUP is
required, additional scientific
data must be submitted to
support the safety of the
proposed study, and testing
may be carried out only
under conditions approved
by the Agency.
EPA imposes these
requirements to help ensure
that the experimental release
of genetically altered or other
exogenous microbes will not
result in unforeseen risks to
the environment. The Office
of Science and Technology
Policy, an arm of the
Executive Office of the
President, has published a
comprehensive proposed
framework for all federal
agencies regulating
biotechnological products,
including EPA. Its purpose is
to ensure safety without
stifling innovation in a
discipline with enormous
potential benefits.
History of Federal Pesticide Legislation
1910 - Federal Insecticide Act protects consumers agaj
fraudulent goods.
1947 - Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide^
(FIFRA) requires federal registration of .pesticides
prior to marketing in interstate commerce.
1954 - Miller amendment to Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act requires establishment of 'tolerances'
for residues of pesticides on food, feed, and fiber
crops.
1959 - Amendments broaden scope of products covered by
FIFRA.
1964 - Amendments tighten provisions regulating
marketing of pesticides.
1972 - Federal Environmental Pesticide Control Act
(FEPCA) shifts emphasis from consumer to public
health and environmental protection.
1975 - Amendments require review by USDA of major
pesticide decisions and regulations, and
establish a Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) for
review of major pesticide decisions and
regulations.
1978 - Amendments authorize a generic system of
pesticide registration, based on active
ingredients common to numerous pesticide
products, and introduce "conditional"
registration. Other 1978 provisions include
more flexible procedures for "restricted use"
classification outside the registration process,
delegation of primary use enforcement to the
states, and public access to basic health and
safety data underlying pesticide registrations
so long as "trade secret" information is
protected.
1980 - Wampler amendment requires peer review of
major scientific studies funded by EPA and
used in making regulatory decisions.
Summary Of Tolerance Provisions:
Federal Food, Drug And Cosmetic Act (FFDCA)
Section 406 Authorizes "action levels" (maximum safe
residue levels) for inadvertent residues of
pesticides in food or feed commodities.
Section 408 Requires tolerances (maximum legal residue
levels) for residues in raw agricultural
commodities. EPA sets tolerances, to be
enforced by FDA and USDA, at maximum
safe residue levels expected when approved
pesticide label directions are followed.
Section 409 Requires tolerances for food additives. A
"food additive" tolerance is required for a
pesticide when processing of raw
agricultural commodities concentrates
residues in excess of Section 408 tolerances.
Under the "Delaney Clause," a section 409
food additive tolerance cannot be
established for any substance shown to
induce cancer when ingested by animj
human beings.
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Summary Of The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide And Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), As Amended
Section 2 -
Sect^A
§3(c^f
Definitions
Basic Registration Requirements
A pesticide can be registered if, when used
in accordance with widespread and
commonly recognized practice, it will not
cause unreasonable adverse effects on the
environment.
§3(c)(l)(D) Payment of compensation to original data
submitters by subsequent registrants.
§3(c)(2) Publication of guidelines specifying data
required for registration.
§3(c)(2)(B) Additional data to support existing
registrations.
§3(c)(7) Registration under special circumstances
(i.e., conditional registration).
§3(d)(l) Classification of pesticides for restricted use
(i.e., for application only by trained,
certified applicators or those under their
direct supervision).
Section 4 - Use of restricted pesticides by certified
applicators.
Section 5 - Premarket testing of pesticides under
experimental use permits.
Section 6 - Procedures for removal of pesticide uses via
A. suspension (immediate halt of use
while cancellation hearing is conducted)
and
B. cancellation (permanent ban).
Sections Registration of pesticide-producing
7, 8, 9 - establishments, maintenance of records and
right of inspection.
Section 10 - Trade secret protection for certain data
submitted.
Section 12 - Unlawful acts (civil and criminal)
§12(a)(2)(g) "it shall be unlawful to use any registered
pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its
labeling."
Section 15 - Compensation for economic losses due to
EPA regulations.
Section 16 - Judicial review of cancellation decisions.
Section 17 - Notification of foreign governments of
suspension and cancellation actions and the
export of pesticides not registered in the
U.S.
Section 18 - EPA Administrator may temporarily exempt
a Federal or State agency from provisions of
FIFRA if warranted by emergency
conditions.
Section 19 - Procedures for the transportation and
disposal of pesticides.
Sections State authority in registering pesticides and
24. 26,,27 - enforcing regulations.
'esticide Registration Process
EPA Data Requirements
and
Test Protocols
Pesticide Producer Develops
Data Through Lab And Field
Testing
Pesticide Producer Submits
Application to Register
Pesticide with Data:
Product Chemistry
Environmental Fate
Toxicology
Fish And Wildlife
Pesticide Producer Submits
Tolerance Petition for Food
Use Pesticide with Data:
Residue Chemistry
Special Toxicology
\ /
EPA Enters Application or
Petition into Tracking System
nd Checks Completeness
Forms Label Data
EPA Sends Data to Its
Scientists for Review
Producer Responds
I
Are Data Valid?
What Effects Do They Show?
What is the Significance of
These Effects for Man and
Environment?
If Acceptable, EPA
Establishes Tolerances
If Unacceptable. Pesticide
Producer Must:
Modify Label and/or
Modify Uses and/or
Replace Data and/or
Submit More Data
Pesticide Producer Sells
Product
Consumer Uses Per Label
Directions
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Appendix A
Glossary
Action Levels: Whenever
unavoidable pesticide
residues occur in food or
feed commodities for reasons
other than the direct
application of a pesticide,
EPA can recommend "action
levels" (residue levels
warranting regulatory action)
for enforcement by FDA and
USDA. While tolerances are
established for residues
occurring as a direct result of
proper usage, action levels
are set for inadvertent
residues resulting from
previous legal use or
accidental contamination.
Active Ingredient: In any
pesticide product, the
component which kills, or
otherwise controls, target
pests. Pesticides are regulated
primarily on the basis of
active ingredients.
Cancellation: The Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide and
Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
section 6(b) authorizes
cancellation of registration if
unreasonable adverse effects
in the environment and
public health develop when a
product is used according to
widespread and commonly
recognized practice, or if its
labeling or other material
required to be submitted does
not comply with FIFRA
provisions.
Conditional Registration:
Under special circumstances,
FIFRA permits registration
(see definition below) that is
"conditional" upon the
submission of additional
data. These special
circumstances include a
finding by the EPA
Administrator that a new
product or use of an existing
pesticide will not
significantly increase the risk
of unreasonable adverse
effects. A product containing
a new (previously
unregistered) active
ingredient may be
conditionally registered only
if the Administrator finds
that such conditional
registration is in the public
interest, that a reasonable
time for conducting the
additional studies has not
elapsed, and the use of the
pesticide for the period of
conditional registration will
not present an unreasonable
risk.
Data Call-In: Through its
Data Call-in program, EPA's
Office of Pesticide Programs
(OPP) requires the
development of key test data,
especially on long-term
chronic effects, for existing
pesticides in advance of
scheduled Registration
Standard reviews. Data
Call-In is an adjunct of the
Registration Standards
program intended to expedite
registration (see definition
below).
Inert Ingredient: In addition
to active components,
pesticides contain inert
solvents, carriers, surfactants,
etc., that are not active
against target pests. However,
not all inert ingredients are
innocuous.
Registrant: Any manufacturer
or formulator who obtains
registration for a pesticide
active ingredient or product.
Registration: Before any new
pesticide can be sold or
distributed in intra-or
interstate commerce, it must
be registered under FIFRA.
EPA is responsible under
section 3 of FIFRA for
registration (premarket
licensing) of pesticides on
the basis of data
demonstrating that when
used according to approved
label directions, they will not
cause unreasonable adverse
effects on the environment.
Reregistration: Under section
3(g) of FIFRA, EPA is
responsible for the
reevaluation and
reregistration of existing
pesticides originally
registered prior to current
scientific and regulatory
standards. EPA reregisters
pesticides through its
Registration Standards
program.
Restricted Use: When a
pesticide is registered, some
or all of its uses may be
classified under FIFRA
section 3(d) for restricted use,
if the pesticide warrants
special handling because of
its toxicity. Restricted use
pesticides may be applied
only by trained, certified
applicators or those under
their direct supervision.
Special Review (formerly
known as Rebuttable
Presumption Against
Registration, or RPAR):
Existing pesticides suspected
of posing unreasonable risks
to human health, non-target
organisms or the
environment are referred for
Special Review to EPA's
Office of Pesticide Programs.
Special Review requires an
intensive risk/benefit
analysis, with opportunity for
public comment. If the risk of
any use of a pesticide is
found to outweigh social and
economic benefits, regulatory
action may be initiated.
FIFRA mandates a range of
regulatory options, from label
revisions and use-restriction
to cancelled or suspended
registration.
Suspension: Under FIFRA
section 6(c), the EPA $
Administrator may suspend
(halt) the use of
necessary to pre\
imminent hazard.^
emergency suspension take,-
effect immediately, but und
an ordinary suspension a
registrant can request a
hearing before the suspensii
goes into effect to determine
whether registrations of the
pesticide should be
suspended. An ordinary
suspension hearing may tak
six months.
Tolerances: Under the
FFDCA, EPA is responsible
for establishing tolerances
(maximum permissible
residue levels) for pesticide
in raw agricultural products
and processed foods.
Whenever a pesticide is
registered for use on a food
or feed crop, a tolerance (or
exemption from the tolerani
requirement) must be
established. Tolerances for
agricultural commodities ar
enforced by the FDA.
Tolerances for
poultry products
by the USDA.
-------
Appendix B
Appendix D
Basic Data Requirements For A New Major
Food Or Feed Crop Pesticide
Overview: Data from the following tests
must be submitted to EPA by a
manufacturer prior to
registration
Chemistry: list of ingredients (active, inert,
impurities]
description of manufacturing
process
discussion of formation of
impurities
physico-chemical properties
(e.g., melting point, solubility,
stability, flammability, PH,
etc.)
residue studies (original and
confirmatory tests for each
commodity or commodity
group)
metabolic studies
analytical methods (used in
setting tolerances for raw
agricultural commodities and
to detect residues for
tolerance enforcement)
results of analytical procedures
Environ- hydrolysis
mental leaching
Fate: terrestrial dissipation
photodegradation
metabolism (aerobic and
anaerobic soil degradation)
rotational crop study
Toxicology: acute oral
. acute dermal
acute respiratory
ocular irritation
chronic toxicity (two-year testing
of rats)*
subchronic oral toxicity
(six-month testing of dogs)**
reproduction and fertility
(two-generation study)
metabolism (testing of rats)
mutagenicity
teratogenicity (two species
tested)
oncogenicity (two species tested)
Ecological toxicity (acute) (freshwater
Effects: aquatic invertebrates)
fish (acute) (two species tested;
LC50 = lethal dose for 50
percent of test animals)
bird (dietary) (two species; LC50)
bird (single dose) (LC50)
Note:
Many other studies may also be
conditionally required depending upon
chemical class, site, physico-chemical
properties, biological activity and results of
basic test requirements.
'Chronic toxicity studies on rats can fulfill one
of two species requirements for oncogenicity.
* * New guidelines could replace this test with
a one-year canine study.
Appendix C
Map Of EPA Regions
EPA Pesticide Contacts
Head- Policy and Special Projects Staff
quarters Office of Pesticide Programs
401 M Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460
(703) 557-7102
Region 1 Director, Air Management
Division
JFK Federal Building
Room 2311-AAA
Boston, MA 02224
(617) 223-2226
Region 2 Chief, Pesticides and Toxic
Substances Branch
Woodbridge Avenue
Building 209
Edison, NJ 08837
(212) 264-2525
Region 3 Chief, TSCA/FIFRA Enforcement
Section
841 Chestnut Street
(3HW13)
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 597-8598
Region 4 Chief, Pesticides and Toxic
Substances Branch
345 Courtland Street, N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30365
(404) 881-4727
Region 5 Chief, Pesticides and Toxic
Substances Branch
536 South Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 353-2291
Region 6 Director, Air and Waste
Management Division
1201 Elm Street
Dallas, TX 75270
(214) 767-2600
Region 7 Chief, Case Preparation and
Technical Assistance Section
726 Minnesota Avenue
Kansas City, KS 66101
(913) 236-2800
Region 8 EPA
One Denver Place
999 18th Street
Suite 1300
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 293-1603
Region 9 Chief, Pesticides and Toxics
Branch
215 Fremont Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 974-8071
Region 10 Chief, Pesticides and Toxic
Substances Branch
Mail Stop 524
1200 6th Street
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 442-5810
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Appendix E
State Agencies
Region 1
Region 2
Region 3
Connecticut Director
Dept. of Environmental
Protection
Hazardous Materials
Management Unit
State Office Building
165 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT 06115
(203) 566-5148
Maine Director
Pesticides Control Board
State Office Building - Station 28
Augusta, ME 04333
(207) 289-2731
Massachu- Chief
setts Pesticides Bureau
Dept. of Food and Agriculture
100 Cambridge Street, 21st Floor
Boston, MA 02202
(617) 727-7712
New Supervisor
Hampshire Pesticides Control Division
Dept. of Agriculture
85 Manchester Street
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-3550
Rhode Chief
Island Division of Agriculture and
Marketing
Dept. of Environmental
Management
22 Hayes Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 277-2782
Vermont Director
Plant Industry Division
Dept. of Agriculture
116 State St., State Office Bldg.
Montpelier. VT 05602
(802) 828-2431
New Jersey Chief
Bureau of Pesticide Control
N] Dept. of Environmental
Protection
380 Scotch Road
West Trenton, NJ 08265
(609) 292-8393
New York Director
Bureau of Pesticides
Dept. of Environmental
Conservation
Rm. 404, 50 Wolf Road
Albany, NY 12233
(518) 457-7482
Puerto Director
Rico Analysis and Registration of
Agricultural Materials
Puerto Rico Dept. of Agriculture
POB 10163
Santurce, PR 00908
(809) 796-1710, 1715
Virgin Director
Islands Pesticide Programs
Division of Natural Resources
Management
Dept. of Conservation and
Cultural Affairs
111 Watergut Homes
Christiansted, St. Croix
U.S. Virgin Islands 00820
(809) 773-0565
Delaware Delaware Dept. of A
POB Drawer D
Dover, DE 19901
(302) 736-4815
District of Division of Pesticides and
Columbia Hazardous Materials
Dept. of Environmental Services
District of Columbia
5010 Overlook Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20032
(202) 767-8422
Maryland Chief, Pesticide Applicator's Lav
Section
Maryland Dept. of Agriculture
50 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401
(301) 841-5710
Pennsylva- Chief, Agronomic Services
nia Bureau of Plant Industry
PA Dept. of Agriculture
2301 N. Cameron Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 787-4843
Virginia Supervisor
VA Dept. of Agriculture and
Consumer Service
POB 1163
Richmond, VA 23209
(804) 786-3798
West Director, Plant Pest Control
Virginia Division
W VA Dept. of Agricjj
Capitol Building
Charleston, WV 253
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[abama
Florida
Georgia
Kentucky
Region 4
Director
Ag Chemistry/Plant Industry
Division
Alabama Dept. of Agriculture &
Commerce
FOB 3336
Montgomery, AL 36193
(205) 832-3753
Administrator
Dept. of Agriculture and
Consumer Services
Mayo Building, Room 213
Tallahassee, FL 32301
(904) 487-2130
Chief
Pesticides Division
Dept. of Agriculture
19 M.L. King, Jr. Drive, S.W.
Atlanta, GA 30334
(404) 656-4958
Director
Division of Pesticides
Kentucky Dept. of Agriculture
Capitol Plaza Tower
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-7274
Mississippi Director
Division of Plant Industry
Dept. of Agriculture and
Commerce
FOB 5207
Mississippi State, MS 39762
(601) 325-3390
Pesticide Administrator
Pest Control Division
Dept. of Agriculture
State Agriculture Building
Raleigh, NC 27611
(919) 733-3556
South Pesticide Supervisor
Carolina Plant Pest Regulatory Service
210 Barre Hall
Clemson University
Clemson, SC 29631
(803) 656-3005
Tennessee Director
Plant Industries Division
Dept. of Agriculture
FOB 40627, Melrose Station
Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 360-0117
"TWrth
Carolina
Regions
Illinois Chief
Bureau of Plant and Apiary
Protection
Dept. of Agriculture
Emmerson Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 785-2427
Office of Health Protection
Dept. of Public Health
535 West Jefferson
Springfield, IL 62761
(217) 782-4674
Indiana Pesticide Administrator
Office of the State Chemist
Dept. of Biochemistry
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN 47907
(317) 494-1587
Michigan Plant Industry Division
Dept. of Agriculture
Lewis Cass Building
Lansing, MI 48909
(517) 373-1087
Minnesota Director
Division of Agronomy Services
Dept. of Agriculture
90 West Plato Blvd.
St. Paul. MN 55107
(612) 297-1161 or 296-1161
Ohio Specialist in Charge of Pesticides
Dept. of Agriculture
8995 East Main Street
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
(614) 866-6361
Wisconsin Executive Assistant
Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and
Consumer Protection
FOB 8911
Madison, WI 53708
(608) 267-9423
Region 6
Arkansas Director
Division of Feed, Fertilizer and
Pesticides
Arkansas State Plant Board
1 Natural Resources Rd.
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501) 225-1598
Louisiana Office of Agricultural and
Environmental Sciences
Louisiana Dept. of Agriculture
FOB 11453
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
(504) 925-3763
New Chief
Mexico Division of Agricultural and
Environmental Services
N. M. State Dept. of Agriculture
FOB 3150
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM 88003
(505) 646-2133
Oklahoma Supervisor
Pest Management Section
Plant Industry Division
Oklahoma State Dept. of
Agriculture
310 N.E. 28th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 521-3863 or 3871
Texas Director
Division of Agricultural and
Environmental Sciences
Texas Dept. of Agriculture
FOB 12847
Austin, TX 78711
(512) 463-7524
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Region 7
Iowa Supervisor
Pesticide Control Section
Iowa Department of Agriculture
Henry A. Wallace Building
East 7th Street and Court
Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281-8590
Kansas Director
Plant Health Division
Kansas State Board of
Agriculture
109 S.W. Ninth Street
Topeka, KS 66612
(913) 296-2263
Missouri Supervisor
Bureau of Pesticide Confrol
Dept. of Agriculture
FOB 630
Jefferson City, MO 65102
(314) 751-2462
Nebraska Director
Bureau of Plant Industry
Nebraska Dept. of Agriculture
301 Centennial Mall
Lincoln. NE 68509
(402) 471-2341
Region 8
Colorado Supervisor
Pesticide Section
Division of Plant Industry
Colorado Dept. of Agriculture
4th Floor, 1525 Sherman Street
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 892-2838
Montana Administrator
Environmental Management
Division
Agriculture-Livestock Building
Rm317
Capitol Station
6th and Roberts
Helena. MT 59601
(406) 444-2944
North Director
Dakota Plant Industries Division
Dept. of Agriculture
State Capitol
Bismarck, ND 58505
(701) 224-2232
South Director
Dakota Division of Regulatory Services
SD Dept. of Agriculture
Anderson Bldg.
445 East Capitol
Pierre. SD 57501
(605) 773-3375
Utah Director
Division of Plant Industries
Dept. of Agriculture
350 North Redwood Road
Salt Lake City, UT 84103
(801) 533-4107
Wyoming Manager
Plant Industry
Wyoming Dept. of Agriculture
2219 Carey Avenue
Cheyenne, WY 82002
(307) 777-9321
Region 9
Arizona Administrator :
Board of Pesticide Control
1624 West Adams - Suite 103
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 271-3578
State Chemist
Agriculture Experiment Station
POB 1586
Mesa, AZ 85201
(602) 833-5442
Executive Secretary
Structural Pest Control Board
2207 South 48th - Suite M
Tempe, AZ 85282
(602) 271-3664
California Assistant Director
Division of Pest Management,
Environmental Protection, and
Worker Safety
California Dept. of Food &
Agriculture
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 322-6315
Hawaii Head
Division of Plant Industry
Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture
POB 22159
Honolulu, HI 96822
(808) 548-7124
Nevada Administrator
Division of Plant Indust
Nevada Dept. of Agricul
POB 11100
Reno, NV 89510
(702) 789-0180
Guam Director
Air and Land Programs Division
Guam Environmental Protection
Agency
POB 2999
Agana. GU 96910
American Director
Samoa Dept. of Agriculture
POB 366
Pago Pago, American Samoa
96799
Trust Executive Officer
Territory of Trust Territory Environmental
the Pacific Protection Board
Islands Office of the High Commissioner
Trust Territory of the Pacific
Islands
Saipan. Mariana Islands !)(i950
Common- Environmental Engineer
wealth Division of Environmental
of the Quality
Northern Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Mariana Islands (CNMI)
Islands Dr. Torres Hospital
Saipan, Mariana Island 96950
12
-------
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-------
MERCURY IN PAINT PRODUCTS
Statement of Linda J. Fisher
Assistant Administrator for Pesticides and Toxic Substances
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
June 29, 1990
Good morning. I am here today to announce a series of
actions by EPA to protect public health, especially that of
children, resulting from exposure to mercury in paint. Mercury
compounds are used as preservatives in about 30 percent of the
water-based latex paint products currently on the market; oil
based paints do not contain mercury.
Before I begin, I would like to introduce Dr. William Roper,
Director of the Federal Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta,
Georgia. The CDC have assisted EPA in evaluating the toxicity of
mercury and the potential risks associated with exposure to
mercury-containing paints. I appreciate the support CDC has
provided EPA in this matter. At the conclusion of my statement,
Dr. Roper will make a few remarks.
To help prevent risks to the public, EPA is taking the
following specific actions regarding mercury in paint products.
-------
1). EPA a#d the registrants of mercury paint preservatives
have agreed to eliminate the use of mercury in interior
paints effective August 20, 1990. After that date, no
interior paint will be formulated with mercury.
2). All new exterior paints formulated with mercury after
August 20 will include new warning labels: the labels will
state that the paint contains mercury, stress the limitation
to outdoor use, warn of potential health hazards, and
caution against exposure to children.
3). Effective August 20, no new mercury-containing paints
will be labeled for both interior and exterior use, as
some now are.
EPA's current concern about the risks of mercury in paint
products stems from a reported case of acrodynia, a rare form of
mercury poisoning, which affected a four-year old child in
Michigan whose home was painted with a mercury-containing paint
in 1989. Although the case was severe, after months of medical
treatment the child is almost entirely recovered. Exposure to
mercury may also cause other adverse effects to the nervous
system and kidneys. In view of the fact that less risky
-------
alternatives to mercury are available to the paint industry, we
conclude that it is appropriate to take action to eliminate the
indoor uses which are most likely to pose significant risks.
EPA's concern about mercury in paint does not end with the
specific actions I have just cited. Our review of the potential
risks posed by mercury in paint products is on-going, and
includes these additional steps:
4.) Requiring the manufacturers of mercury preservatives to
submit a substantial amount of new testing data in order to
clarify the potential risks which may be posed by outdoor
uses of paints containing mercury. EPA will decide whether
additional actions are needed based on the results of those
studies on other available information.
5). EPA is also discussing with the registrant appropriate
regulatory measures concerning the use of mercury in certain
products used in construction work, including acoustical
plaster, adhesives, and spackling and jointing compounds.
EPA believes that it is preferable that consumers use paints
which do not contain mercury when painting indoor surfaces.
Effective on August 20, all further production of paints
containing mercury must be labeled exclusively for exterior use.
To deal with existing stocks of paint containing mercury, the
-------
National Paints and Coatings Association is working with paint
manufacturers tp relabel all paints with higher mercury levels
(over 200 ppm) for exterior use only. EPA believes that
consumers may continue to use interior paint with lower mercury
levels (200 ppm or less) without unreasonable risk if they follow
all label directions, ventilate thoroughly during and after use,
and minimize exposure of children.
If mercury-containing paints have already been used, or are
currently being used we advise that exposure be minimized,
especially for children or pregnant women, and that painted rooms
be thoroughly and frequently ventilated. We also strongly
caution consumers not to apply any mercury-containing paint
indoors which is labeled for exterior use or labeled as a dual
purpose interior/exterior paint. These products may contain high
levels of mercury.
If consumers wish to dispose of mercury-containing paint
products, we recommend disposal through a community hazardous
waste program, if one is available. Alternatively, if none
exists, consumers should consult their local governments for
proper means of disposal. Under no circumstances should mercury-
containing paints ever be poured down a drain, into a ditch or
into any body of water. Mercury is toxic to many species when
released into water.
-------
Again, it should be noted that about 30 percent of water-
based latex paints for interior use contain mercury; between 20
and 35 percent of exterior latex paints contain mercury. Based
on information from some paint manufacturers, we believe this
percentage may be dropping in anticipation of this announcement.
Oil-based paints do not contain mercury. To help consumers
identify mercury-containing paints, EPA will provide information
on which paint products contain mercury through EPA's National
Pesticide Telecommunication Network. The toll-free phone number
is noted in our press release. This information will also be
available through EPA Regional offices and State Departments of
Health. Consumers may also contact paint manufacturers for
information about specific products.
This concludes my statement. Let me introduce Dr. Roper and
then we will both be happy to take questions.
-------
United Stoies Communications And
Environmental Protection Public Affairs
Agency (A-107)
&EPA Environmental News
FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 1990
USE OF MERCURY COMPOUNDS IN INDOOR LATEX PAINT TO BE ELIMINATED
1
Al Heier (202) 382-4374
To avoid possible health risks, the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency announced today that the use of mercury compounds in indoor latex
paint will be eliminated. In addition, warning labels will be required on
all outdoor paint containing mercury stating that the paint is for outdoor
use only.
con
*
Effective on August 20, all further production of paints containing
mercury must be labeled exclusively for exterior use. EPA prefers that
consumers use paints which do not contain mercury when painting indoor
faces. To deal with existing stocks of paint containing mercury, the
ional Paint and Coatings Assn. is working with paint manufacturers to
elabel all paints with higher mercury levels (over 200 parts per million)
for exterior use only. EPA believes that consumers may continue to use
interior paint with lower mercury levels (200 parts per million or less)
without unreasonable risk if they follow all label directions, which
include ventilating thoroughly during and after use and minimizing exposure
to children.
The manufacturers (registrants) of mercury products registered as
pesticides for use in latex paint voluntarily agreed to the announced
actions following discussions with EPA. Mercury is used as an in-can
preservative to prevent bacterial and fungal growth and to control mildew
on exterior surfaces. It is used in 25 to 30 percent of all interior latex
paint (it is not used in oil based paint), and in 20 to 35 percent of
outdoor latex paint.
The Agency has contacted the approximately 1500 paint manufacturers in
the United States in an effort to identify the specific paints containing
mercury. Information on specific paints will be available to the public
through a toll free number for the National Pesticide Telecommunication
Network, 1-800-858-7378, as well as State Health Departments, State
Departments responsible for regulating pesticides (usually the State
Department of Agriculture) and EPA Regional offices. Information on
specific paints may also be available through the paint manufacturer.
(more)
-------
After August 20, manufacturing interior paint containing mercury will
be unlawful. By July 23, the mercury registrants have agreed to label
their own- products with specific directions and to deliver similar sticker
labels to the paint manufacturers. The labels will prohibit use of
mercury products to make interior paint. Warning statements, and maximum
allowable use rates will also be required on all newly formulated mercury-
containing exterior paint.
i
EPA's review of the use of mercury compounds in paints began after a
report of acrodynia (a rare form of childhood mercury poisoning) and
following an investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and the State
of Michigan. This severe case involved a four year old child whose
Michigan home was painted in 1989 with paint containing mercury. The
child's condition is much improved following medical treatment.. In this
case, the paint contained three times the amount of mercury normally used
to preserve interior paint (930 vs. 300 parts per million).
Exterior use paints and paints labeled for both interior and exterior
use may contain high levels of mercury. EPA recommends that these
products not be used indoors if they contain mercury. The Agency is
cautioning businesses, schools, homeowners and others, against the
practice of using exterior paints containing mercury on interior surfaces
because the higher mercury levels increase the chances of possible health
effects.
"While available evidence suggests that mercury poisoning is rare, EPA
concerned about the potential risks to public health and the environment
that may be associated with the use of mercury in paint," said Linda J.
Fisher, EPA's Assistant Administrator for Pesticides and Toxic "Substances.
"EPA wants to prevent the potential risks that mercury in indoor paint can
pose. We applaud the responsibility of the registrants of mercury for
agreeing to delete this use from their registrations and to accelerate the
development of data so EPA can make prompt decisions on the remaining
uses."
Most pesticidal uses of mercury were banned in 1976. The use of
mercury in paint was allowed to continue because it was determined that
effective alternatives were not available. Alternative preservatives are
available today and are already used by many paint companies. At this
point, EPA does not believe that any of these alternatives present an
unreasonable risk. Since paints contain many chemicals, however, it is
always prudent to minimize exposure by ventilating the area being painted
as well as possible.
Acrodynia is characterized by weakness and severe pain in the
extremities; pinkness and peeling of the hands, feet, and nose;
irritability; sweating; and a rapid heart beat. Other effects of mercury
poisoning include decreased motor functions and muscle reflexes, slight
tremors, short term memory loss, headaches and abnormal EEGs' (a graphic
record of the electrical activity in the brain). In both adults and
j.ldren, the major targets of mercury poisoning are the nervous system and
kidneys.
itSO
*
R-lll (more)
-------
People who believe that they or a family member may be experiencing
ns or symptoms of mercury poisoning should contact their family
physician. People who recently painted indoors with a mercury containing
paint ar» urged to ventilate the area throughly by opening windows for as
long as possible and practical. If possible, place a fan in or near an
open window to enhance circulation and draw the paint fumes -outside.
EPA is conducting studies to determine the rate at which mercury
vapors are released after paint is applied, the actual concentrations in
the air, and the amount of time it takes mercury to dissipate. EPA
believes that mercury concentrations in the air decrease within a number of
days after painting. Lower concentrations may be present in the air for
months after application, however.
As a result of discussions with .the mercury registrants, .only phehyl
mercuric acetate will remain registered for use in paint. Use will be
limited to exterior paint and coatings and miscellaneous interior uses
(spackling and patching compounds, for example).
Registrants of mercury will be required to develop and submit
substantial additional data concerning the remaining uses in exterior
paint. The Agency will be assessing whether further action is warranted
based on the results from these studies and other available data.
Mercury compounds are also used in other products for interior use
luding spackling and patching compounds, joint compounds, adhesives and
ustical plasters. EPA is continuing to evaluate these products and will
etermine whether action is necessary to address risks from these uses of
mercury.
i
Homeowners and consumers who wish to dispose of mercury-containing
paint should take the paint to a household hazardous waste collection point
in their community. If no community program exists, the consumer should
consult their local government for proper methods of disposal. For further
information, contact the State environmental agency, State health
department, solid waste management agency, or Regional EPA office to
determine an acceptable means of disposal. EPA cautions that_paint
containing mercury should never be poured down the sink, drain or toilet.
Mercury which enters aquatic systems can form methyl mercury which is very
toxic to humans and animals.
Businesses who wish to dispose of mercury-containing paint may be
subject to Subtitle C regulations governing hazardous waste under the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The method of disposal will depend
on the concentration of mercury in the paint and the quantity of hazardous
waste that the business generates each month.
R-lll # # #
-------
JUNE 29, 1990
MERCURY PESTICIDES IN PAINT
Facts for Consumers
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is concerned that
paints used indoors which contain mercury may present health
risks both to people who apply the paint and to people who occupy
painted rooms, especially children. The companies that produce
mercury for use as a biocide in paint have agreed to eliminate
future use of mercury in interior latex paints. Approximately 25
to 30% of interior use latex paints currently contain mercury.
Mercury will still be used in some paints for outdoor surfaces.
However, all these paints produced in the future will have a
statement on the label that warns painters that the product
contains mercury and should be used only outdoors. Mercury is
also used in various miscellaneous interior products such as
spackling and patching compounds, joint compounds, adhesives and
acoustical plasters.
EPA will continue to examine the potential risks of mercury and
will take further action, if necessary, to protect the health of
consumers and their families.
EPA believes that it is preferable that consumers use paints
which do not contain mercury when painting indoor surfaces.
Effective on August 20, all further production of paints
containing mercury must be labeled exclusively for exterior use.
To deal with existing stocks of paint containing mercury, the
National Paint and Coatings Association is working with paint
manufacturers to relabel all paints with higher mercury levels
(over 200 ppm) for exterior use only. EPA believes that
consumers may ^continue to use interior paint with lower mercury
levels (200 ppm or less) without unreasonable risk if they follow
all label directions and use the following precautions:
o Ventilate the area thoroughly by opening windows for as
long as possible and practical. If possible, place a
fan in or near an open window to enhance circulation
and draw the paint fumes outside.
-------
o Tightly seal any unused cans of paint and store them
out of the reach of children until they can be disposed
of properly.
Symptoms of mercury poisoning can intensify and may become
permanent as exposure time and/or concentration increases. These
symptoms, which could be reversed with proper treatment, include:
o Slight tremors, particularly affecting the hands and
interfering with fine motor control such as
handwriting; erethism, a syndrome characterized by
various levels of insomnia, shyness, and emotional
instability; decreases in motor function and muscle
reflexes; short term memory loss; headaches; and
abnormal EEGs (a graphic record of the electrical
activity of the brain).
o In children, severe pain in the extremities; pinkness
and peeling of the hands, feet, and nose; irritability;
sweating; and a rapid heartbeat. These are symptoms of
acrodynia, a rare form of childhood mercury poisoning.
Two separate cases of acrodynia have been diagnosed in
two children whose homes had been painted with interior
paint containing mercury.
If your house has recently been painted with mercury-
containing paint and you believe you are experiencing
symptoms of mercury exposure, consult a physician.
If you currently have paint that contains mercury and you wish to
dispose of it:
o Do not pour leftover paint down the sink, drain or
toilet.
o Contact the Household Hazardous Waste collection
program in your community to see if they will accept
paint. To find the location and hours of operation,
contact your local health department or solid waste
management agency. This is the preferred method of
disposal.
o To find out more about the approved methods of paint
disposal in your area, contact your State environmental
agency, State Health Department, solid waste management
agency, or EPA Regional Office.
If you want to know whether the paint you have or plan to
purchase contains mercury:
o Call the National Pesticide Telecommunication Network
(NPTN) toll-free at 1-800-858-7378, 24 hours a day, 7
-------
days a week, or contact your State Health Department,
the State Department responsible for pesticide
regulation (usually the State Department of
Agriculture), or an EPA Regional Office.
If you have other questions or want further information:
o Call the National Pesticide Telecommunication Network
(NPTN) toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-
800-858-7378.
-------
PAINT LIST INSTRUCTION SHEET
:ached is information EPA has compiled to aid in identification of paints
containing mercury. There are two lists included in this package. These lists
are as follows:
1) List 1 identifies those paint manufacturer's who DO NOT use mercury.
2) List 2 identifies those companies who DO use mercury.
3) Supplements to the above lists which are attached to each list.
In order to determine whether a particular paint contains mercury, first
identify the paint manufacturer and determine whether that company is on list
1 or list 2.
If the company is identified on list 1 (manufacturers who do not use mercury),
the paint is mercury free.*
If the company is identified on list 2 (manufacturers who do use mercury), it
will be necessary to consult Mercury Summary Report (specific information from
this report will be available through a toll free number for the National
Pesticide Telecommunication Network, 1-800-858-7378, as well as State Health
Departments, State Departments responsible for regulating pesticides and EPA
Regional Offices) to determine whether a specific product from.- that
manufacturer, contains mercury.
« Mercury Summary Report is arranged alphabetically by company (paint
ufacturer) followed by an alphabetical listing of the paints manufactured
by that company that contain mercury. The list also identifies if the product
is for interior use (I), exterior use (E), or both (B).
PLEASE NOTE THAT INCLUSION OF A MANUFACTURER'S NAME ON LIST 2 DOES
NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THAT ALL PAINTS MANUFACTURED BY THAT COMPANY
CONTAIN MERCURY. THE PROJECT MERCURY SUMMARY LIST MUST BE
CONSULTED TO DETERMINE WHETHER A PARTICULAR PRODUCT CONTAINS
MERCURY.
If the name of a company is not found on either list 1 or 2, that company did
not respond to EPA's request for information. Consumers should be advised to
contact the manufacturer directly to determine whether the paint in question
contains mercury, or the consumer should assume that the paint does contain
mercury.
* Information presented in this package reflects information provided to
EPA voluntarily, by paint manufacturers. Responses reflect the situation at
the time of reporting. Some paint manufacturers who have reported using
mercury may have already or may at some time in the future decide to use an
alternative to mercury. Consumers may want to contact paint manufactures
directly to determine whether or not their paint contains mercury. EPA has not
ified the accuracy of these responses and paint manufacturers were under no
al obligation to provide accurate information.
-------
LIST i
Page No. 1
05/31/90
Paint Manufacturers
Who Do Not Use Mercury
COMPANY (d(So See
A. J. DAW PRINTING INK CO.
A. L. HENDRY & CO.
A. P. NONWEILER CO. INC.
A.G.P. SURFACE CONTROL SYSTEMS
AACCO
ABCOM FINISHES INC.
ABSOLUTE COATINGS INC.
AC PRODUCTS INC.
ACADEMY PAINT CO. INC.
ACCURATE COATINGS & DISPERSION
ACE HARDWARE CORP.
ACHESON COLLOIDS CO.
ADAMS MFG. CO. INC.
ADHESIVE COATINGS
ADHESIVE PRODUCTS
ADVANCE PROCESS SUPPLY CO.
ADVANCED PACKAGING & PRODUCTS
ADVANCED PROTECTIVE PRODUCTS
AEROCHEM PAINT CO.
AEROSOL SYSTEMS INC.
AEXCEL CORP.
AGATE LACQUER MFG. CO.
AINSWORTH PAINT & CHEMICAL
AKONA CORP.
AKRON PAINT & VARNISH INC.
AKZO COATINGS
AKZO COATINGS CAR REFINISHES
AKZQ/IOVITE
AKZO/SRP
AL-CHROMA INC.
ALASKAN PAINT MFG. CO. INC.
ALLIED PAINT & COLOR WORKS
ALTAWOOD INC.
AMERICAN ABRASIVE METALS CO.
AMERICAN COATINGS
AMERICAN FINISH & CHEMICAL CO.
AMERICAN FINISHES INC.
AMERICAN INKS & COATINGS CORP.
AMES CHEMICAL CO.
AMITY LAC. PAINT & CHEMICAL
AMSTERDAM COLOR WORKS INC.
ANCHOR PAINT CO.
ANGLO AMERICAN VARNISH CO.
ANT. HYDRO CO. INC.
APPLIED COATINGS INC.
ARGUS COATINGS & CHEMICAL INC.
ARMORGUARD PRODUCTS INC.
ASAHIPEN AMERICA INC.
ATLAS COATINGS CORP.
ATLAS MINERALS & CHEMICALS INC
-------
Page No. 2
05/31/90
Paint Manufacturers
Who Do Not Use Mercury
COMPANY
ATLAS PRODUCTS INC.
ATOMIZED MATERIALS CO. INC.
AURACHEM CORP.
AUTOMOTIVE FINISHES INC.
BAKER SEALANTS & COATINGS CO.
BARRETT VARNISH CO.
BARRIER INDUSTRIES INC.
BASF COATINGS & COLORANTS
BASF CORP.
BEAVER PAINT CO.
BECK CHEMICALS INC.
BENJAMIN MOORE & CO.
BENNETTE PAINT MFG. CO. INC.
BERT'S PAINT INC.
BERWOOD IND. INC.
BIDDLE CO.
BIXEL PAINT CORP.
BLATZ PAINT CO, INC.
BONAKEMI USA INC.
BP CHEMICALS
BRADCO PLASTICS INC.
BRINER PAINT MFG. CO. INC.
BRUNING PAINT CO.
BURK-HALL
BY-CHEM CORP.
BYWATER SALES & SERVICE CO.
C. E. BRADLEY LABORATORIES INC
C. F. JAMESON & CO. INC.
C. M. ATHEY PAINT CO.
C. P. INC.
C. P. MAYEN CO. INC.
CACTUS PAINT MFG. CO.- INC.
CADDO PAINT CO. INC.
CALBAR INC.
CALDWELL PAINT MFG. CO. INC.
CAMCO PAINTS INC.
CAMGER CHEMICAL SYSTEMS INC.
CAMIE CAMPBELL INC.
CAPITOL PAINT MFG. CORP.
CARBIT PAINT CO. INC.
CARDINAL INDUSTRIAL FINISHES
CARLISLE MEMORY PRODUCTS GROUP
CAROLINA COATINGS INC.
CAROLINA SOLVENTS INC.
CARPENTER INSULATION & COATING
CARTER PAINT CO. INC.
CARVIN PAINT & WALLPAPER CO.
CAULKTITE CORP.
CELUCOAT CORP.
CERAMIC INDUSTRIAL COATINGS
-------
Page No. 3
05/31/90
Paint Manufacturers
Who Do Not Use Mercury
«
COMPANY
CERTIFIED COATINGS PRODUCTS CO
CHAMPION PAINT MFG. CO. INC.
CHAPMAN INDUSTRIAL FINISHES
CHARLES PAINT RESEARCH
CHASE CORP.
CHASE PRODUCTS CO.
CHEM-ELAST COATINGS INC.
CHEM-PAK INC.
CHEMCOAT INC.
CHEMCRAFT SADOLIN
CHEMDESIGN CORP.
CHEMICAL COATINGS & ENGINEERIN
CHEMICAL COATINGS INC.
CHEMICAL-WAYS CORP.
CHEMIFAX
CHEMRAY COATINGS CORP.
CHILDERS PRODUCTS CO.
CHILTON PAINT CO.
CHROMATIC PAINT CORP.
CHUGOKU MARINE PAINTS
CINCINNATI VARNISH CO.
CLEMENT "COVERALL" CO.
CLEVELAND COATINGS CORP.
CLUB KIT INC.
CO-PLAS INC.
CO-POLYMER CHEMICALS INC.
COATERS INC.
COATING SYSTEMS INC.
COATINGS & CHEMICALS CORP.
COATINGS LAB INC.
COATINGS RESOURCE CORP.
COLONIAL PRINTING INK
COLOR CORP. OF AMERICA
COLOR MART PAINT CO. INC.
COLOR TECHNOLOGY INC.
COLOR TILE MANUFACTURING
COLOR TILE SUPERMARTS
COLORAY PAINT CO.
COMMERCIAL COATINGS CORP.
COMMERCIAL MEXICANA DE PINTURA
COMMONWEALTH CUSTOM COATINGS
CONAP INC.
CONKLIN CO. INC.
CONSUMERS PAINTS FACTORY INC.
CONTINENTAL COATINGS INC.
CONTINENTAL PRODUCTS CO.
COOK COMPOSITES & POLYMERS
COOK PAINT & VARNISH CO.
CORBOLINE CO.
CORR-O-BOND PROTECTIVE COATING
-------
Page No. 4
05/31/90
Paint Manufacturers
Who Do Not Use Mercury
*»
COMPANY
COVENTRY COATINGS CORP.
CRC INDUSTRIES INC. 1
CRESCENT BRONZE POWDER CO.
CREST INDUSTRIES INC.
CROWE INDUSTRIAL COATINGS
CROWN METRO AEROSPACE COATINGS
CROWN METRO INC.
CROWN ROLL LEAF INC.
CTI INDUSTRIES INC.
CUDNER & O'CONNOR CO.
CUSTOM CHEMICALS CORP.
CUSTOM-PAK PRODUCTS INC.
D & B PAINT MFG. CO.
D & L PAINT CO.
D.C TRANCHE & CO.
D.P.I. QUALITY PAINTS
DAL-WORTH PAINT MFG. CO.
DALY'S INC.
DANACOLORS INC.
DANBERG CHEMICAL CO. INC.
DANIEL BOONE PAINT CO. INC.
DANIEL SMITH INC.
DAP INC.
DARTHWORTH CO.
DAVIES IMPERIAL COATINGS INC.
DEAN & BARRY CO.
DECKER PAINT CO.
DECRATREND PAINTS
DEFT INC.
DELRAC INC.
DELTA INDUSTRIAL COATINGS INC.
DENNIS CHEMICAL CO.
DEVOE & RAYNOLDS CO.
DEVOE COATINGS CO.
DEXTER BROTHERS CO.
DEXTER PACKAGING PRODUCTS
DHAKE INDUSTRIES
DIAMOND PRODUCTS CO.
DIAMOND VOGEL PAINT
DIAMOND VOGEL/KOMAC PAINT
DOLPHIN PAINT & CHEMICAL CO.
DREEBLAN PAINT CO.
DRYVIT SYSTEMS INC.
DUNN-EDWARDS CORP.
DUPLI-COLOR PRODUCTS
DYNAMATCH
DYNAMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP.
DYNAMIC PRODUCTS CORP.
-------
Page No. 5
05/31/90
Paint Manufacturers
Who Do Not Use Mercury
COMPANY
DYNATRON/BONDO CORP.
E-BOND EPOXIES INC. ;
EAGLE BRIDGES CO. INC.
EAGLITE CHEMICALS INC.
EARL CAMPBELL MFG. CO.
EASTERN CHEM-LAC CORP.
EASTERN COLOR & CHEMICAL CO.
EGYPTIAN LACQUER MFG. CO.
ELECHROME INC.
ELLICOTT PAINT CO. INC.
ELLIS PAINT CO.
ELPACO COATINGS CORP.
ELSTON PAINT & SUPPLY CO. INC.
EMPIRE STATE VARNISH CO.
ENCAPSULATE INC.
ENGARD COATINGS CORP.
ENGINEERING MATERIALS INC.
ENVIRONMENTAL COATINGS INC.
ESGARD INC.
EVERSEAL INTERNATIONAL SALES
EXCELSIOR VARNISH & CHEMICALS
FAULTLESS STARCH/BON AMI CO.
FEDERATED PAINT
FIELDCO
FINE PAINTS OF FRANCE
FINISHES UNLIMITED INC.
FISCHER INDUSTRIAL COATINGS
FLAME CONTROL COATINGS INC.
FLAMEMASTER CORP.
FLAMORT CHEMICAL CO.
FLECTO CO. INC.
FLEX PROOF INC.
FLEX-BON INC.
FLEXABAR CORP.
FLOOD CO.
FLOORTECH INC.
FMI CORP.
FORREST PAINT CO.
FORREST TECHNICAL COATINGS
FOSROC INC.
FREEDOM COATINGS CO. INC.
FROST PAINT & OIL CORP.
FYN PAINT & LACQUER CO. INC.
G & H COATINGS CO.
G & W ENTERPRISES INC.
G. J. NIKOLAS & CO. INC.
GARDWELL MANUFACTURING CORP.
GARLOCK INC./COLT IND.
GATEWAY PAINT & CHEMICAL CO.
GAVLON INDUSTRIES INC.
-------
Page No. 6
05/31/90
Paint Manufacturers
Who Do Not Use Mercury
"COMPANY
GC - THORSEN
GEM GRAVURE CO. INC;
GEMINI COATINGS INC.
GENERAL COATINGS TECHNOLOGIES
GENERAL PAINT & CHEMICAL CO.
GILBERT SPRUANCE CO.
GILBRALTER NATIONAL CORP.
GILSONITE CORP.
GLOSS-FLO CORP.
GLYPTAL INC.
GOLD BOND BUILDING PRODUCTS
GOLDEN AGE FURNITURE FINISHING
GORDON BARTELS CO.
GRAHAM PAINT & VARNISH CO.
GRIGGS PAINT
GROW BATON ROUGE CORP.
GROW GROUP INC.
GULF COAST PAINT MFG. INC. .
GULF PAINT & CHEMICAL CO. INC.
GULF STATES ASPHALT
HARCO CHEMICAL COATING INC.
HARLAN ASSOCIATES INC.
HARRY MILLER CORP.
HARTIN PAINT & FILLER
HASKELL CHEMICAL CO. INC.
HEMPEL COATINGS (USA) INC.
HENTZEN COATINGS INC.
HERESITE PROFECTIVE COATINGS
HEXCEL CORP.
HILL BROS. CHEMICAL CO.
HISTRAND CHEMICALS INC.
HK RESEARCH CORP.
HOLRITE INC.
HONEY DO PAINT
HOPPE CO. INC.
HORN SALES CORP.
HOUSE OF KOLOR INC.
HSC INDUSTRIAL COATINGS INC.
HUNTING SPECIALTY PRODUCTS INC
HYDROMER INC.
HYDROSOL INC.
HYDROZO INC.
I. T. W. PHILADELPHIA RESINS
I. V. C. INDUSTRIAL COATINGS
IGI ADHESIVES
ILLINOIS BRONZE PAINT CO.
IMPERVIOUS PAINT INDUSTRIES
INDUROL CHEMICALS INC.
INDUSTRIAL COATING SPEC. CORP.
INDUSTRIAL FINISHING PROD.INC.
-------
Page No. 7
05/31/90
Paint Manufacturers
Who Do Not Use Mercury
«
COMPANY
INDUSTRIAL POWDER COATINGS INC
INGLIS CO. INC.
INLAND COATINGS
INORGANIC COATINGS INC.
INSI-X PROD. CORP.
INSULATING COATINGS CORP.
INTERNATIONAL PAINT (USA) INC.
INTERNATIONAL PAINT POWDER
IROQUOIS CHEMICALS
ISIS COATINGS INC.
ISOTRON CORP.
ITD INDUSTRIES INC.
J. C. WHITLAM MANUFACTURING
CO.
J. LANDAU & CO. INC.
J. M. RICH PAINT & VARNISH CO.
J. URBAN CO. INC.
JAMES B. DAY & CO.
JAMESTOWN PAINT & VARNISH CO.
JASCO CHEMICAL CORP.
JATUN VALSPAR
JEDCO CHEMICAL CORP.
JELLICO CHEMICAL CO. INC.
JEMA-AMERICAN
JESCO RESOURCES INC.
JOHN C. DOLPH CO.
JOHN C. KAISER CO.
JOHN L. ARMITALE & CO.
JONES BLAIR CO.
JORDAN PAINT
K.A. DUTCHER PAINT & VARNISH
KAUFMAN PRODUCTS INC.
KC COATINGS
KEELER & LONG INC.
KEL-GIO CORP.
KELLER PAINT & LACQUER CO.INC.
KELLY GOODWIN CO.
KEMPEN PAINT CO.
KEN-LAC INC.
KENLAR INDUSTRIES INC.
KENTUCKY PAINT MFG. CO.
KEY POLYMER CORP.
KIMAT PAINT
KIRKER CHEMICAL INC.
KOCH MATERIALS CO.
LAKELAND LABORATORY INC.
LAURENCE - DAVID INC.
LAWRENCE-MCFADDEN CO.
LENMAR INC.
LEXINGTON PAINT & SUPPLY CO.
-------
Page No. 8
05/31/90
Paint Manufacturers
Who Do Not Use Mercury
"COMPANY
LILLY CO.
LILLY INDUSTRIAL COATINGS
LILLY PLASTICS COATINGS
LILLY POWDER COATINGS
LINDSAY FINISHERS INC.
LINEAR DYNAMICS INC.
LLOYD LABORATORIES INC.
LOCKHART CHEMICAL CO.
LONE STAR PAINT & LACQUOR MFG.
LONG ISLAND PAINT
LORD CORP.
LOUTON PAINT
M. A. B. PAINTS INC.
M. A. BRUDER & SONS INC.
M. GRUNBACHER INC.
MAGNET PAINT & SHELLAC CO.INC.
MAN-GILL PAINT GROUP
MANSFIELD PAINT CO.
MARCHEM CORP.
MARCHEM SOUTHEAST INC.
MARINE INDUSTRIAL PAINT CO.
MARK-TEX CORP.
MARSH CO.
MARTIN PAINT & CHEMICAL CORP.
MASTER BUILDERS INC.
MATTHEWS PAINT CO.
MCCARTY PAINT CO.
MCWHORTER INC.
MEDUSA CEMENT CO.
MERCURY PAINT CORP.
MERECO DIVISION
MERICHEM CO.
METALCRETE MFG. CO.
MIDWEST LACQUER MFG.
MILLER PAINT CO.
MINUTEMAN INC.
MINWAX CO. INC.
MISSION OFFSHORE INC.
MOHAWK FINISHING PRODUCTS INC.
MOLINE PAINT MFG.
MORTELL CO.
MORTON INTERNATIONAL
MT. MORRIS COATINGS INC.
N. JOSTEN & CO. INC.
N.I.G. CO.
N.Y. BELL PAINT
NA COATINGS
NANKEE ALUMINUM PAINT CO. INC.
NATIONAL AEROSOL PRODUCTS CO.
NATIONAL BRONZE POWDER CO.INC.
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Page No. 9
05/31/90
Paint Manufacturers
Who Do Not Use Mercury
COMPANY
NATIONAL CHEMICAL PLASTICS CO.
NATIONAL COATINGS INC.
NATIONAL LACQUER & PAINT CO.
NATIONAL MARINE PAINT CORP.
NAZ-DAR CO.
NAZ-DAR/KC ATLANTA
NCH CORP.
NELSON PAINT CO.
NELSON PAINT CO. OF OREGON
NELSON TECHNICAL COATINGS INC.
NEW YORK BRONZE POWDER CO.INC.
NILES CHEMICAL PAINT CO.
NOR-COTE INTERNATIONAL
NORFOLK CORP.
NORTH AMERICAN PAINT CORP.
NORTHERN COATINGS & CHEMICAL
NORTHERN INDUSTRIES INC.
OCEAN COATINGS INC.
OKON INC.
OLD WESTERN PAINT CO. INC.
OMNI INDUSTRIAL COATINGS INC.
ORELITE CHEMICAL
ORGANIC PRODUCTS CO.
ORLEANS PAINT CO. INC.
P. D. GEORGE CO.
P. F. I. INC.
PAINT ENGINEERING
PAINT PRODUCERS INC.
PAJCO PRODUCTS INC.
PALMER PAINT PRODUCTS INC.
PAN AMERICAN COATING INC.
PAN CHEMICAL CORP.
PARAGON PAINT & VARNISH CORP.
PARIS PAINT & VARNISH CO. INC.
PARKER PAINT MFG. INC.
PATRIOT PAINT CO. INC.
PCA ENGINEERING INC.
PEARL PAINTS NORTH AMERICA INC
PEERLESS COATINGS INC.
PEERLESS INDUSTRIAL PAINT CO.
PENTAGON PLASTICS INC.
PERFECTION & LETZ PAINT MFG.
PERFORMANCE COATINGS UNLIMITED
PERFORMANCE POLYMERS INC.
PERMA INC.
PERMAGILE INDUSTRIES INC.
PERMALUME PLASTICS CORP.
PERMITS CORP.
PETRI PAINT CO. INC.
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Page No. 10
05/31/90
Paint Manufacturers
Who Do Not Use Mercury
"COMPANY
PETTIT PAINT CO.
PIEDMONT PAINT MFG.'CO.
PIEDMONT PAINTS PRIMERS INC.
PIERCE & STEVENS CORP.
PILGRIM PERMOCOAT INC.
PILOT PAINT CO. INC.
PIONEER PAINT & VARNISH CO.
PIONEER PAINT PRODUCTS INC.
PLAS-CHEM COATINGS
PLASTI-KOTE CO. INC.
POLY-CARB INC.
POLY-LUX INC.
POLYCHEM CORP.
POLYMER PLASTICS CORP.
POLYTEX COLOR & CHEMICAL CORP.
POTTER PAINT CO. INC.
POTTER PAINT CO. OF IND. INC.
PRATT & LAMBERT INC.
PRECISION TECHNICAL COATINGS
PREMIER COATINGS INC.
PREMIUM FINISHES INC.
PRESERVO PAINT & COATINGS MFG.
PRESTON PACIFIC CORP.
PRILLAMAN CHEMICAL CORP.
PRIME LEATHER FINISHES CO.
PRODUCTION FINISHES INC.
PRODUCTS/TECHNIQUES INC.
PROFESSIONAL COATINGS INC.
PROSOCO INC.
PROTECTIVE COATING SYSTEMS INC
PRUETT-SCHAFFER CHEMICAL
PURE-COTE CORP.
PYRAMID PAINT PRODS. INC.
PYROLAC CORP.
QUALITY COATINGS INC.
R & A SPECIALTY CHEMICAL CO.
R. J. MCGLENNON CO. INC.
RAABE CORP.
RAFFI & SWANSON INC.
RAMPART COATINGS INC.
RANBAR TECHNOLOGY INC.
RANDOLPH PRODUCTS CO.
RAPPAHANNOCK COPPER PAINT CO.
RED DEVIL COATINGS
RED SPOT WESTLAND INC.
RELIABLE COATINGS INC.
RELIANCE UNIVERSAL INC.
RESEARCH SALES INC.
REVERE PRODUCTS
RICH ART COLOR
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Page No. 11
05/31/90
Paint Manufacturers
Who Do Not Use Mercury
COMPANY
RICHARDSON PAINT CO. INC.
RICO CHEMICALS
RIVER VALLEY COATINGS INC.
RIVERSIDE CHEMICAL CO. INC.
RM ENGINEERED PRODUCTS INC.
ROBINSON CHEMICAL COATINGS INC
ROBINSON PAINT PRODUCTS
ROCK-TRED CORP.
ROCKFORD COATINGS CORP.
ROLLIE WILLIAMS PAINT SPOT
ROMAN ADHESIVES INC.
ROWE PAINT MFG.
ROYMAL INC.
RPM INC.
RUDD CO. INC.
RUSTOLEUM CORP.
RUTLAND PRODUCTS
S. L. GILLMAN PAINT
S. P. KISH INDUSTRIES INC.
SADOLIN PAINT PRODUCTS INC.
SAFETY COATINGS INC.
SAGAMORE INDUSTRIAL FINISH COR
SAMUEL SMIDT CHEMICAL CORP.
SASHCO INC.
SAU-SEA SWIMMING POOL PRODUCTS
SAV-KOTE
SAVANNAH PAINT MFG. CO.
SAVOGRAN CO.
SEA MASTER MARINE COATINGS INC
SEIBERT OXIDERMO
SEM PRODUCTS INC.
SENTCO PAINT MFG.
SENTINEL PAINT & VARNISH CO.
SENTRY PAJMT TECHNOLOGIES INC.
SERMATECH INTERNATIONAL INC.
SERVICE COATINGS INC.
SEYMOUR OF SYCAMORE INC.
SHERWIN-WILLIAMS
SHUBERT PAINTS INC.
SIKA CORP.
SIMCO COATINGS INC.
SINCLAIR PAINT CO.
SINNETT-ELPACO COATINGS CORP.
SMITH PAINT PRODUCTS
SNYDER BROTHERS CO.
SOCCO PLASTIC COATING CO.
SOLAR PAINTS & VARNISHES INC.
SOLVENT RECOVERY CORP.
SOPHIE CO.
SOPHIR - MORRIS
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Page No. 12
05/31/90
Paint Manufacturers
Who Do Not Use Mercury
«v>
COMPANY
SOPHIR CO. INC.
SOUTHEASTERN PAINT MFG. LTD.
SPARTAN LACQUER & PAINT CORP.
SPECIALTY COATING CORP.
SPECIALTY COATINGS & CHEMS INC
SPECIALTY COATINGS CO.
SPECTRUM COATINGS LABORATORIES
SPECTRUM PAINTS INC.
SPENCER-ADAMS PAINT CO.
SPRAYLAT CORP.
SPRUANCE CO. INC.
STAINLESS STEEL COATINGS INC.
STAMPS SALES INC.
STANCHEM INC.
STANDARD COATING CORP.
STANDARD T CHEMICAL CO. INC.
STANDARD TECH. APPLIED RESQURC
STAR BRONZE CO.
STAY NEW PAINT CORP.
STEADFAST INC.
STEBBINS & ROBERTS INC.
STEELCOTE MANUFACTURING CO.
STERLING LACQUER MFG. CO.
STEWART BROS. PAINT CO.
STO CORP.
STONHARD INC.
STRATHMORE PRODUCTS INC.
STRICKER PAINT PRODUCTS INC.
STUART INDUSTRIAL COATINGS INC
SULLIVAN CHEMICAL COATINGS
SUMMIT INDUSTRIAL COATINGS INC
SUNBELT COATINGS INC.
SUNNYSIDB CORP.
SUPERIOR COATINGS INC.
SUREGUARD INC.
SURFACE PAINT CO.
SURFACE RESEARCH CORP.
SYNTHETIC SURFACES INC.
TACC INTERNATIONAL CORP.
TALSOL CORP.
TAPECOAT CO.
TECHNICAL COATINGS CO.
TECHNICAL COATINGS LABORATORY
TEMPO PRODUCTS CO.
TENAX FINISHING PRODUCTS CO.
TESTOR CORP.
TEX ENTERPRISES INC.
THEMEC CO. INC.
THERMAL SCIENCE INC.
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Page No. 13
05/31/90
Paint Manufacturers
Who Do Not Use Mercury
COMPANY
THERMOCLAD CO.
THOMPSON & FORMBY ING.
THORO SYSTEM PRODUCTS
TI-KROMATIC PAINTS INC.
TIOGA INTERNATIONAL INC.
TITAN FINISHES CORP.
TN. TECHNICAL COATINGS CORP.
TNEMEC CO. INC.
TREMCO INC.
TREMEC CO. INC.
TRI-CHEM INC.
TRIAL CHEMICAL CORP.
TRIPLE G COATINGS INC.
TW GRAPHICS GROUP
U-C COATINGS CORP.
U.S. PAINT CORP.
U.S. YACHT PAINT CO. INC.
UNICHEM COATINGS CO.
UNION INK CO. INC.
UNION TANK CAR CO.
UNITED COATINGS INC.
UNITED GILSONITE LABORATORIES
UNITED PAINT CO. INC.
UNIVERSAL CHEMICALS & COATINGS
UNIVERSAL COOPERATIVES INC.
USG CORP.
V. J. DOLAN & CO. INC.
VALLEY PAINT MFG.
VALSPER CORP.
VANEX COLOR INC.
VANGUARD PAINTS & FINISHES INC
VERSATILE MORAN PAINT PROD. CO
VICKERS INDUSTRIAL COATINGS
VIMASCO CORP.
VOPLEX CORP.
W. C. RICHARDS CO.
W. C. RICHARDS CO. OF CAROLINA
W. J. RUSCOE CO.
W. R. GRACE & CO,-CONN
WABASH PRODUCTS CO.
WAMPLER CHEMICAL CORP.
WASHINGTON PAINT PRODUCTS INC.
WATERLAC INDUSTRIES INC.
WATERSHED SALES CORP.
WATSON STANDARD CO.
WAUKEGAN PAINT & LACQUER CO.
WCC INDUSTRIES'
WELLBORN-DE CORP.
WESLEY LACQUER CORP.
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Page No. 14
05/31/90
Paint Manufacturers
Who Do Not Use Mercury
*>
«r> ~
COMPANY
WESTFIELD COATINGS CORP.
WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORP.
WHITFORD CORP.
WHITTAKER COATINGS
WIENERT
WILLAMETTE VALLEY CO.
WILLIAMS-HAYWARD PROTECTIVE
WILSON IMPERIAL CO.
WILSON PAINT CO.
WISCONSIN PROTECTIVE COATINGS
WISE CHEMICAL CO. INC.
WLS COATINGS INC.
WM. ZINSSER & CO. INC.
WOOD FINISHING SUPPLY CO. INC.
WOOD-KOTE PRODUCTS INC.
XIM PRODUCTS INC.
ZEHRUNG CORP.
ZEHRUNG CORP.
ZENITH PRODUCTS
ZOLATONE
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SUPPLEMENT
Paint Manufacturers
Who Do Not Use Mercury
COMPANY
3M COMPANY
A.F.WOLKE COMPANY, INC.
A.H. THOMPSON COMPANY
ACUSTAR INC.
AJAX FLOOR PRODUCTS CORPORATION
AKZO RESINS & VEHICLES
AKZO-LANCHEM
ALL PURPOSE MARINE PAINTS
AMERICAN TAR COMPANY
APPLIED POLYMERS OF AMERICA
AVONDALE SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
BRINER PAINT MFG. COMPANY, INC.
C.A. REEVE PAINT COMPANY, INC.
CHRYSLER/ACUSTAR CHEMICAL.
CONSOLIDATED COATINGS CORPORATION
CROWN INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS COMPANY
CUSTOM BUILDING PRODUCTS
D-B INDUSTRIES, INC.
DAY-GLOW COLOR CORPORATION '
DEL PAINT MFG.
DELTA TECHNICAL COATINGS
DUNCAN ENTERPRISES
E-DELEPAINT PRODUCTS COMPANY, INC.
E.I. DUPONT DE NEMOURS & COMPANY
EMPIRE INDUSTRIAL COATING
EPOXY COATINGS COMPANY
FARBOIL COMPANY
FASCO UNLIMITED OF HIALEAH, INC.
GEMINI AEROSOLS, INC.
GIBSON" PAINT COMPANY
HAMPTON PAINT MFC COMPANY INC.
HARDIG PAINT
HILLYARD CHEMICAL
INTERSTATE PAINT CORPORATION
JOHNSON PAINTS INC.
KNS COMPANIES, INC.
LACQUER-MAT SYSTEMS INC.
LOES ENTERPRISES INC.
MANTROSE-HAEUSER COMPANY
MASCO PAINT MANUFACTURING
MODEL WALLPAPER & PAINT COMPANY
MORTON PAINT COMPANY
NATIONAL POLYMERS, INC.
NATIONAL VARNISH COMPANY
PAINT AMERICA COMPANY
PARKER COATINGS INC.
PERFORMANCE COATINGS, INC.
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SUPPLEMENT
Paint Manufacturers
Who Do Not Use Mercury
COMPANY
PRE FINISH METALS
PRODUCTS/TECHNIQUES INC.
REED-UNION CORPORATION
RULE INDUSTRIES INC.
SEABOARD ASPHALT PRODUCTS COMPANY
SOLAR COMPOUNDS CORPORATION
SOUTHERN COATINGS INC.
SOUTHERN STYLE PAINT MFG.
SPECIALTY MARINE COATINGS
STRUCTURAL COATINGS
T.J. RONAN PAINT CORPORATION
THERMOCLAD COMPANY
W.J. LYNCH PAINT & VARNISH
WESTERN STATES LACQUER CORPORATION
ZARCO INDUSTRIAL FINISHES
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Page No. 1 I I ~> '
06/04/90
Project Mercury
Companies Who Use Mercury
Company Name < ******
ACRYLUX PAINT MFG. CO.
ALADDIN PAINT MFG. CO. INC.
AMERITONE PAINT CORP.
AMERON ENMAR FINISHES DIV.
AMERON PCD
AMTECO INC.
ANVIL PAINTS & COATINGS INC.
ARMOR PAINTS INC.
ARTCO NATIONAL CORP.
ATECH INC. OF FLORIDA
BEL-MAR PAINT CORP.
BERKLEY PRODUCTS CO.
BEXREL COATINGS CORP.
BLACK & PURYEAR PAINT MFG. CO.
BLUE RIDGE TALC CO. INC.
BOND CHEMICAL MFG.
BRADLEY PAINT CO.
BRIDGES-SMITH & CO. INC.
BROD-DUGAN CO.
BRUNSWICK PAINT CO.
BURKE'S PAINT CO. INC.
CAL WESTERN PAINTS INC.
CALIFORNIA PRODUCTS CORP.
CANSTO PAINT & VARNISH CO.
CAPITOL CITY PAINT CO.
CARBOLINE CO.
CENTERLINE INDUSTRIES INC.
CHEMEX PAINT & COATINGS INC.
CLARK PAINT & VARNISH CO. INC.
COATINGS DEVELOPMENT CO.
COLORADO PAINT CO.
COLORAMA PAINT CO.
COLUMBIA PAINT CO.
COLUMBIA PAINT CORP.
COLUMBIA PAINT LAB INC.
CON-LUS COATINGS INC.
CONTRACT COATINGS CORP.
COOK & DUNN PAINT CORP.
CORONADO PAINT CO.
COURTAULDS COATINGS
CRAIZIE PAINT CO.
CREATIVE COATINGS INC.
CROSBY COATINGS INC.
CYPRESS PROTECTIVE COATINGS
CZS ENTERPRISES
DAMPNEY CO. INC.
DAN-TEX PAINT & COATING MFG.CO
DAVIS PAINT CO.
DAVIS PAINT MANUFACTURERS
DAVLIN PAINT CO.
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Page No. 2
06/04/90
Project Mercury
Companies Who Use Mercury
Company Name
DEHART PAINT VARNISH CO.
DELAWARE VALLEY PAINT CO.
DELTA LABORATORIES INC.
DESOTO INC.
DEXTER CORP.
DOUGLAS CHEMICAL CO. INC.
DOZIER & GAY PAINT CO.
DUO PAINTS OF ELKHORN INC.
DUPACO PAINT INC.
DURON INC.
DUX PAINTS & CHEMICALS INC.
DYCO PAINTS INC.
EARLY AMERICAN PAINT & VARNISH
EASTERDAY PAINT & CHEMICAL CO.
ELITE COATINGS
ELIXIR INDUSTRIES
EMPIRE PAINT MFG. CO.
ERIE COATINGS & CHEM.
ERIE PAINT & WALLPAPER INC.
EVANS PAINTS INC.
EVR-GARD COATINGS CO.
FARMLAND INDUSTRIES
FARRELL-CALHOUN INC.
FARWEST PAINT MFG. CO.
FINE LINE PAINT
FINNAREN & HALEY INC.
FLORIDA PROTECTIVE COATINGS
FRAZEE INDUSTRIES INC.
FREDERICKS HANSEN PAINT CO.
FUTURA COATINGS INC.
FUTURE SYSTEMS
GACO WESTERN INC.
GATOR PAINT MFG.
GEORGE KIRBY JR. PAINT CO.
GILLESPIE COATINGS INC.
GILMAN/JONES-BIAIR
GLIDDEN CO.
GROCO PAINT MFG. CO.
GUARDSMAN PRODUCTS INC.
H-I-S PAINT MFG. CO. INC.
H. B. FULLER CO.
HANCOCK PAINT & VARNISH CO.
HANLEY PAINT MFG. CO. INC.
HARRISON PAINT CORP.
HENRY CO.
HIRSHFIELD'S PAINT MFG. INC.
HOBOKEN PAINTS INC.
HUMBOLDT PAINT FACTORY
HY-KLAS PAINTS INC.
IMPERIAL PAINT CO.
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Page No. 3
06/04/90
Project Mercury
Companies Who Use Mercury
Company Name
INDURALL COATINGS INC.
INTERCHEM INC.
IOWA PAINT MFG. CO. INC.
J. S. WILLIAMS & SONS
JAY BEE PAINT CO.
KALCOR COATINGS CO.
KANSAS PAINT & COLOR CO.
KELLEY TECHNICAL COATING INC.
KELLY-MOORE PAINT CO. INC.
RISER PAINT INC.
KLINGER PAINT CO. INC.
KOOL SEAL INC.
KOP-COAT INC.
KURFEES COATINGS
KYANIZE PAINTS
L & L COATINGS CORP.
LANCI INDUSTRIES INC.
LANDZETTEL & SONS
LUNA PAINTS CORP.
LYLE VAN PATTEN CO. INC.
M&R & SONS INC.
MAHONING PAINT CORP.
MAJOR PAINT CO.
MARCUS PAINT CO.
MARTEE IND.
MASON PAINT CO. INC.
MAUTZ PAINT CO.
MCCORMICK PAINT WORKS CO.
MCI QUALITY COATINGS
MICHIGAN INDUSTRIAL FINISHES
MID STATES PAINT & CHEM. CO.
MID-AMERICA PAINT CO.
MISSOURI PAINT & VARNISH CO.
MOBILE PAINT MFG. CO. INC.
MONARCH PAINT CO.
MONSEY PRODUCTS CO.
MURCO WALL PRODUCTS
NORRIS PAINT CO.
NORTH JERSEY PAINT CO. INC.
NORTON & SON INC.
NUBRITE CHEMICAL CO. INC.
O'BRIEN CORP.
O'LEARY PAINT CO.
OLD QUAKER PAINT CO.
OLIVER PAINT MFG. CO. INC.
OSAGE PAINT & VARNISH CO.
P.H.K. PRODUCTS INC.
PAINT MART
PALM PAINTS
PARAGON PAINT & LACQUER INC.
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Page No. 4
06/04/90
Project Mercury
Companies Who Use Mercury
Company Name
PASSONNO PAINTS
PEN PAINTS INC.
PENN JERSEY PAINT CO.
PERFECTION PAINT & COLOR CO.
PERRY & DERRICK CO.
PERVO PAINT CO.
PIONEER COATINGS INC.
PLASTIC COATINGS CORP.
POLYTECH COATINGS INC.
PONDEROSA PAINT CO.
PORT CITY PAINTS
POVIA PAINTS INC.
PPG ARCHITECTURAL FINISHES INC
PPG INDUSTRIES (DOVER)
PPG INDUSTRIES INC.
PRECISION IND. CTG.
PRECISION PAINT CORP.
PRIDE PAINT CO.
PRIDE PAINTS
PRO-LINE PAINT CO.
PROGRESS PAINT MFG. CO. INC.
PURITAN PAINT & OIL CO.
RASMUSSEN PAINT CO.
RED MILLS PAINT & CHEMICAL CO.
RED SPOT PAINT & VARNISH CO.
REPCOLITE PAINTS
REPUBLIC POWDERED METALS
RICH PAINT MFG. INC.
RICHARD'S PAINT MFG. CO.
RODDA PAINT CO.
ROSE TALBERT PAINT CO.
ROY ANDERSON PAINT CO.
SAMPSON COATINGS INC.
SAMUEL CABOT INC.
SAN JACINTO PAINT MFG. CO.
SAN LUIS PAINTS
SANDSTROM PRODUCTS CO.
SCOTT PAINT CORP.
SHEBOYGAN PAINT CO.
SHERBURN PAINT CORP.
SIERRA CORP.
SIGMA COATINGS
SMILAND PAINT CO.
SOMAY PRODUCTS INC.
SOUTHERN COATINGS INC.
SOUTHWESTERN PAINT & VARNISH
SPECTRATONE PAINT CORP.
SPECTRUM DISPERSIONS INC.
ST. LOUIS PAINT MFG. CO.
STABLER PAINT MFG. CO.
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Page No.
Project Mercury
Companies Who Use Mercury
Company Name
STAHL USA
STANDARD (DETROIT) PAINT CO.
STERLING CLARK LORTON CORP.
STILES PAINT MFG. INC.
SUN COATINGS INC.
SUNLIFE INC.
SUNTEC PAINT INC.
SUPERIOR SEALANTS
SURFACE PROTECTION INDUSTRIES
TANNER PAINT CO.
TEXTURED COATINGS OF AMERICA INC.
TOLEDO PAINT & CHEMICAL CO.
TOOL WORLD INC.
TOURAINE PAINTS INC.
TOWER PAINT MFG. CO.
TRESCO PAINT CO. INC.
TRIANGLE COATINGS INC.
UCI PAINT FACTORY
UNITED PAINT & CHEMICAL
UNITED PAINT & VARNISH CO.
UNITED PAINT MFG. CO.
UNIVERSAL PAINT PRODUCTS CO.
UP COATINGS INC.
VAN SICKLE PAINT MFG. CO.
VELCO INC.
VERFLEX CO. INC.
VIKING PAINTS INC.
VISTA PAINT CORP.
VOGEL PAINT & WAX CO. INC.
WARLICK PAINT CO. INC.
WARREN PAINT & COLOR CO.
WATERLOX CHEMICAL & COATINGS
WHITTAKER CORP.
WILCO PAINT INC.
WILTECH CORP.
YENKIN-MAJESTIC PAINT CORP.
ZPC INDUSTRIAL COATINGS
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SUPPLEMENT
Paint Manufacturers
Who Do Use Mercury
COMPANY
AMERICAN HOME PAINT PRODUCTS INC.
B-B PAINT CORPORATION
BEST BROTHERS PAINT MFG. CO., INC.
BRINK PAINT MFRS INC.
BLUE RIBBON QUALITY PAINTS
BOLCE PAINT COMPANY
CAL-TONE PAINTS, INC.
COMMERCIAL CHEMICAL
CROSSCO AMERICA CORPORATION
CROWN PAINT COMPANY
D.J. SIMPSON COMPANY
DIAMOND PAINT COMPANY
DURANT PAINTS INC.
DURRELL PAINT AND VARNISH COMPANY
FOUR SEASONS PAINT MFG. COMPANY
HALLMAN PAINTS, INC.
HAWTHORNE PAINT COMPANY, INC.
HOFFERS INC.
IOWA PAINT MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
JASPER CHEMICAL COATINGS
KALCOR COATINGS, INC.
LASTING PAINTS, INC.
MAINLINE PAINT MFG. COMPANY
MERRIFIELD PAINT COMPANY, INC.
MORTON INTERNATIONAL
P.H.K. PRODUCTS, INC.
PARKS CORPORATION
PARKS PAINT AND VARNISH COMPANY
PENNSBURY COATINGS CORPORATION
RAINBOW COATINGS CORPORATION
SALEM PAINT COMPANY INC.
SCHULTE PAINT MFG. COMPANY INC.
STANDARD PAINTS, INC.
TALON PAINT PRODUCTS INC.
WELCO MANUFACTURING COMPANY
WIKEL MFG. COMPANY, INC.
WILSHIRE PAINT COMPANY
-------
June 29, 1990
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT
MERCURY IN PAIMT
What is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) doing
about mercury-containing paint?
EPA is concerned about the use of mercury in interior
paints. As a result of this concern, the manufacturers of
mercury products have voluntarily agreed to eliminate the
use of mercury in indoor latex paint. In addition, warning
labels will be required on all outdoor paint containing
mercury stating that the product should be used only
outdoors.
EPA believes that it is preferable that consumers use paints
which do not contain mercury when painting indoor surfaces.
Effective on August 20, all further production of paints
containing mercury must be labeled exclusively for exterior
use. To deal with existing stocks of paint containing
mercury, the National Paint and Coatings Association is
working with paint manufacturers to relabel all paints with
higher mercury levels (over 200 parts per million) for
exterior use only. EPA believes that consumers may continue
to use interior paint with lower mercury levels (200 parts
per million or less) without unreasonable risk if they
follow all label directions and use the following
precautions:
o Ventilate the area thoroughly by opening windows for as
long as possible and practical. If possible, place a
fan in or near an open window to enhance circulation
and draw the paint fumes outside.
o Tightly seal any unused cans of paint and store them
out of the reach of children until they can be disposed
of properly.
-------
Q Why is the EPA concerned about mercury biocides in paint?
A EPA's concern regarding mercury stems from a recent case of
acrodynia (a type of mercury poisoning) in a 4-year old
child whose Michigan home was painted in July 1989 with
interior paint containing three times the usual level of
mercury (930 parts per million vs. 300 parts per million).
Acrodynia is a rare form of mercury poisoning which usually
occurs in children and is characterized by weakness and
severe pain in the extremities; pinkness and peeling of the
hands, feet, and nose; irritability; sweating; and a rapid
heartbeat. The effects seen in the Michigan child were
severe and the pain and weakness in his muscles made him
unable to walk. After treatment, the child is much
improved. EPA is concerned not only about the possibility
of other acrodynia cases, but also about other health
effects which may result from exposure to mercury in paints.
Children, painters, and the general population could
experience these effects.
Q What are the signs/symptoms of mercury poisoning?
A Mercury primarily affects the nervous system and the
kidneys. Symptoms can intensify and may become permanent as
exposure duration and/or concentration increases. Among the
signs that have been noted are: l) slight tremors,
particularly affecting the hands and interfering with fine
motor control such as handwriting, 2) erethism, a syndrome
characterized by various levels of insomnia, shyness, and
emotional instability, 3) decreases in motor function and
muscle reflexes, 4) short term memory loss, 5) headaches,
and 6) abnormal EEGs (a graphic record of the electrical
activity of the brain).
Q Why are mercury compounds used in paints?
A Mercury is used in some water-based latex paints to preserve
the paint while it is in the can by controlling bacterial
and fungal growth. It is also used in some exterior paints
to protect the paint film from mildew attack after it is
applied.
Q Do all paints contain mercury?
A Approximately 25 to 30 percent of interior latex paint and
20 to 35 percent of exterior latex paint contains mercury.
Mercury is not used in oil-based paint. The use of mercury
has decreased since 1976, when all but a few of the
pesticidal uses were cancelled because of concerns about
release of mercury into the environment. The pesticidal use
of mercury in paint was retained in 1976 because of concerns
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about the availability of effective alternatives. More
alternatives are available and used today.
Q Can the mercury in paint get into the air inside my house?
A Yes. Mercury present in paint can vaporize into the indoor
air environment, with levels highest during and immediately
following painting. EPA is currently conducting studies to
determine the rate at which mercury vapors are released
after the paint is applied, the actual concentrations in the
air, and the amount of time it takes mercury to dissipate.
Studies indicate that mercury concentrations decrease a
number of days after painting. However, lower
concentrations may be present in the indoor air for months
following painting.
Q How do I determine if the paint I purchased or used in my
house contains mercury?
A Until now, paints that contained mercury were not required
to list it as an ingredient on the product label.
Therefore, EPA, the National Paint and Coatings Association,
and paint manufacturers nationwide have compiled information
on which paints contain mercury. Information on whether a
specific paint contains mercury is available through your
State Health Department, the State Department responsible
for pesticide regulation (usually the Department of
Agriculture), EPA Regional Offices, and the National
Pesticide Telecommunication Network (NPTN). The toll free
telephone number for NPTN is 1-800-858-7378. Also,
consumers may wish to contact the paint manufacturer
directly to obtain this information. In the future, mercury
will not be used in interior paints. Exterior paints
containing mercury will be clearly labeled to state that the
product contains mercury.
Q If my house has been painted with a mercury paint, what can
I do to minimize exposure to mercury?
A Consumers whose homes recently have been painted with
mercury-containing paint can take a number of steps to
reduce potential risks that may be associated with the use
of this paint. Ventilate the area thoroughly by opening
windows for an extended period of time after painting. If
possible, place a fan in the window to enhance circulation
and draw the fumes outside. Tightly seal any unused cans of
paint and store out of the reach of children until they can
be disposed of properly.
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Q If my house has been recently painted with a mercury-
containing paint, should I consult with a physician to
determine if I should be tested for mercury exposure?
A No. At this time, EPA does not believe widespread testing
is necessary, and testing should only be conducted on the
recommendation of a physician. If you or a family member
are experiencing symptoms of mercury poisoning, contact your
family physician. As you may be aware, mercury is a
naturally occurring element, thus low background levels of
mercury are normally present in the body and are not
cause for concern.
Q What if someone in my family is showing symptoms of mercury
poisoning?
A Consult a physician. In addition, thoroughly ventilate the
painted area for as long as possible.
Q Should I have the air in my house tested for mercury?
A No. EPA does not believe that testing the air in homes is
necessary. Again, if you have recently painted, we strongly
recommend ventilating the area thoroughly.
Q Are professional painters at greater risk of mercury
poisoning than the general population?
A EPA believes professional painters face a greater potential
risk depending on the brand(s) of paint used. EPA has
required the manufacturers of mercury biocides to conduct a
painter exposure study so that we may better estimate the
risks to painters using exterior paints.
Q How can I dispose of unused cans of mercury-containing
paint?
A Do not pour leftover paint down the sink, drain, or into the
toilet. Mercury in aquatic systems could interfere with the
operation of wastewater treatment systems or could pollute
waterways, and cause serious injury to animals as well as
humans.
If the paint is a household waste (which means any waste
material derived from households, including single and
multiple residences, hotels and motels, bunkhouses, ranger
stations, crew quarters, campgrounds, picnic grounds, and
day-use recreation areas) it may be disposed of as follows:
Contact the Household Hazardous Waste collection
program in your community to see if it will accept your
paint. To find the location and hours of operation,
contact your State Health Department or solid waste
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management agency. This is the preferred method of
disposal.
If no community programs exist, consumers should
consult their local governments for proper means of
disposal.
Empty paint cans should not be reused.
To find out more about paint disposal requirements in
your area, contact your State Health Department, your
solid waste management agency, or an EPA Regional
Office.
If the paint is a business waste, disposal of mercury-
containing paint is subject to the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations unless the waste is within
the scope of the household waste exclusion. If you are a
business disposing of mercury-containing paint, you may be
subject to RCRA regulations, depending on the concentration
of mercury in the paint and the quantity of all hazardous
waste that is generated by your business each month.
Contact the RCRA/Superfund Hotline (In Washington, D.C.:
382-3000; Toll-free: 800-424-9346) for further information.
Q Is the paint manufacturer or retailer responsible for
refunding my money or replacing my unused can of paint that
contains mercury?
A Paint manufacturers and retailers are not required to
provide refunds for or replace paint containing mercury.
However, you can ask the store where you purchased the paint
about its return policy.
Q Do exterior mercury-containing paints present the same type
of problem?
A We expect exposure to mercury while painting outdoors to be
significantly lower than indoor use because of the rapid
dilution of paint fumes by the air. However, exterior
paints may contain a higher level of mercury than interior
paints, so it is very important that exterior paint not be
used indoors. A warning statement is now required on
exterior paint cans which tells painters that the paint
contains mercury and instructs them not to use indoors.
Pregnant women and children should not apply or assist in
applying mercury-containing paint. EPA has required mercury
manufacturers to develop and submit additional data
concerning use of mercury in exterior paints. We will
examine mercury exposure from exterior paints further after
receipt of the data. Businesses-, schools, homeowners, etc.,
should never purchase exterior mercury-containing paint to
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use on interior surfaces even if available at reduced
prices. "
Q How long will mercury-containing paint remain on the shelves
of paint and hardware stores?
A EPA economists and industry experts believe that paint
supplies in the marketplace are turned over about every
three months, although some paint may be found on the
shelves for longer periods.
Q How else is mercury used?
A Other uses of mercury include: thermometers; instruments
that are atmospheric-pressure sensitive; mercury vapor and
fluorescent lamps; fungicides; preservatives; and dry cell
batteries.
Q Besides paint, how are people exposed to mercury?
A Mercury is a naturally occurring element which is present in
very low concentrations throughout our natural environment.
It is found in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the
water we drink.
Q Does EPA expect the paint industry to incur significant
economic costs?
A Many paint manufacturers do not currently use mercury
compounds in their paint formulations and, therefore, would
not be adversely affected by the elimination of interior
uses. However, paint manufacturers currently using mercury
compounds may incur significant short-term economic costs.
This situation might arise if a manufacturer is unable to
reformulate its products by August 20th. In that event, the
company would have to cease production of affected products.
Production halts could result in plant closures if a
significant portion of a company's sales are affected.
Due to the availability of cost-effective alternatives, EPA
does not expect there to be substantial long-term economic
impacts to the industry.
Q Will the price of paint increase at the consumer level?
A There may be a short-term increase in the price of interior
paint, if temporary production halts (mentioned above) occur
and less paint is available. However, EPA expects that
production of paint that does not contain mercury will
increase and the prices will stabilize.
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Q Are there alternatives to mercury and do they also pose
health problems?
A Alternatives do exist. Based on the data available, EPA
does not believe that they pose unreasonable risks.
However, paints contain many chemicals and it is always a
good idea to ventilate well when using any paint.
Q Who may I contact for additional information?
A The EPA operates the National Pesticide Telecommunication
Network (NPTN). This is a toll free telephone service
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide a
variety of information about pesticides to anyone in the
contiguous United states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin
Islands. The toll free telephone number is 1-800-858-7378
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