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Office of Toxic Substances
(OTS)
Vol. 8 No. 1
February 1987
INSIDE
What's Happening in OTS—by Charles L. Elkins
NEW LAW REQUIRES SCHOOLS TO PROTECT AGAINST ASBESTOS THREAT
ITS ADDS 4 CHEMICALS TO PRIORITY LIST
EPA ASSESSES $4.3 MILLION FINE AGAINST BASF
EPA FINES COMPANY $1.5 MILLION FOR MISUSE OF PCBs
EPA AMENDS TSCA MODEL HEALTH AND SAFETY DATA REPORTING RULE
EPA REPORTS ON REGULATORY INVESTIGATION OF FORMALDEHYDE
FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
"Don't Blow It!"; How To Get It
13 New FYls Available
New Publication: New Chemical Information Bulletin
OTS Distributing New TSCA Section 4 Booklet
EPA Warns Manufacturers Who Use Toluenediamines
OTS Receives 19 Substantial Risk Notices
TSCA Inventory Computer Tapes Available Through NTIS
EPA Warns Workers, Employers About 2-Nitropropane
Concern is dioxin and furan formations
EPA NOW WANTS DATA ON 30 CHEMICALS
2
6
3
3
2
9
7
7
8
9
9
10
8
6
10
This news bulletin is intended to inform all persons concerned
with the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) about recent de-
velopments and near-term plans. For further information or to
request copies of documents mentioned, write the TSCA Assist-
ance Office (TAO), (TS-799) EPA, Washington, D.C. 20460, or
call (202) 554-1404.
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What's Happening In OTS—Charles L. Elklns
Title III of the recently enacted Superfund Amendments contains chemical information gathering provi-
sions that are important to the public, industry, and to State and local governments. The Office of Toxic
Substances has specific responsibility for implementing Section 313 of Title III. Under Section 313, cer-
tain manufacturers, processors and users of over 300 listed toxic chemicals must report annually their
routine release of these chemicals to all environmental media. The information gathered under this sec-
tion must be made available to the public through computer telecommunications and other means.
This sharing with the public of unreviewed data is a significant new step for the Agency and for the pub-
lic. We won't be delaying the information for interpretation; it will be directly accessible to everyone in-
terested in it. This is an exciting, new challenge for the public. In this section Congress placed added re-
sponsibility on citizens to be aware of chemical releases and to interact with their local companies.
In addition to informing the general public, we believe that the data base shall allow Federal, State and
local governments to set better priorities in regulating toxic chemicals. The availability of chemical emis-
sions data is seen as a key to the development of better standards, guidelines and regulations so that
our shared goals of protecting human health and the environment can be achieved.
I look forward to the exciting days ahead as we begin implementing Section 313.
Michael H. Shapiro, Director of the Economics and Technology Division, in a separate article below out-
lines the basic requirements of Title III.
Superfund Amendments—Michael H. Shapiro
Perhaps you have heard or read about the Superfund Amend-
ment and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA). Public attention
on this Act, which was signed by President Reagan on October
17,1986, has focused on the creation of an $8 to $9 billion fund to
be used primarily for cleaning up hazardous sites across the
United States. A lesser known, but extremely significant part of
that legislation is Title III, which is really a new law requiring
chemical emergency planning at the State and local level and es-
tablishing a number of chemical reporting and notification re-
quirements. The law broadly addresses the public's "right-to-
know" about chemical hazard in each community.
We at the Office of Toxic Substances (OTS) will be responsible
for gathering certain chemical information under SARA. OTS is
charged with the responsibility of gathering specific toxic chemi-
cal emissions data, creating and maintaining a chemical emission
inventory and making that information publicly accessible. OTS is
also assisting EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Re-
sponse on certain provisions for their activities under Title III.
Under the emissions reporting and inventory section of Title III,
owners and operators of manufacturing facilities, who manufac-
ture, process or use any of 300 or so congressionally named
chemicals must report certain information, if the manufacturing,
processing or use volume meets certain quantity thresholds.
Those required to report must provide EPA and the States with
information on whether the chemical is manufactured, processed
or used at the facility, the maximum quantity of the chemical and
site during the previous year, the methods and efficiency of treat-
ment for each waste stream, and the annual quantity of the chem-
ical entering each environmental medium. SARA then requires
EPA to make this information publicly available.
EPA must develop and publish the emissions inventory reporting
form by June 1,1987. The form when issued must be filled out by
the owners and operators by July 1988 and annually thereafter.
The "list" of the 300 or so chemicals Isn't carved in granite. EPA
was given the authority to add or delete chemicals from the list,
so long as the changes do not conflict with the overall intent of
Congress. Also, any citizen may petition EPA to add or delete a
specific substance from the list and the Agency must respond
within 180 days.
In developing the form and planning for the inventory, OTS recog-
nizes the importance of public meetings as a way of obtaining val-
uable information on how the data will be used. Public meetings
were held in early January 1987. We will continue to seek public
reaction to the major issues, specific comments on elements of
the form and the draft instructions, plus recommendations on the
development and implementation of the data base.
SARA also requires that EPA make the collected data available
"to any person through computer telecommunications and other
means." EPA is looking at "other means" such as making
printouts of the data available to the public in such place as librar-
ies and local and State government offices.
"Right-to-know" about chemical substances, particularly for
workers, is not a new concept. At least 28 States and 65 cities
and counties have some form of right-to-know laws. What is new
is that Congress decided (Title III) and the President agreed that
all persons in every community in the country have the right to
know what chemicals are being manufactured, used, stored and
released in their community. Title III provides the mechanism for
a community to become informed about its chemical facilities and
Title III is expected to produce a comprehensive, national picture
of chemicals released to the environment.
EPA Fines Company $1.5 Million For Misuse of PCBs
EPA issued an administrative civil complaint and assessed a $1.5
million penalty against a corporation for importing, for domestic
sale, radiator heaters containing oil contaminated with polychlori-
nated biphenyls (PCBs). The importer, De'Longhi America, Inc.,
also exported the PCB-containing heaters without EPA authori-
zation. Both actions are in violation of TSCA.
Although the oil was contaminated with low levels of PCBs, the
importation of any PCBs for use in the United States has been
largely prohibited since 1979 because of the risks PCBs pose to
human health and the environment.
in April 1986, EPA was notified by the Canadian government of
the presence of PCB-contaminated oil in De'Longhi radiators.
EPA immediately stopped imports of certain oil-filled radiator
heaters pending analysis of their oil content. Of the samples
tested, only oil samples from De'Longhi heaters have been found
to contain PCBs. Up to 50 percent of models of De'Longhi
heaters were found to be contaminated with low concentrations
of PCBs. Owners of these heaters might be exposed to PCBs
only if the oil actually leaks out during use. Because of their low
concentration of PCBs, EPA does not expect continued use of
these heaters to pose a significant risk.
2
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EPA Assesses $4.3 Million Fine Against BASF
In December 1986, EPA issued an administrative civil complaint
assessing a $4.3 million penalty against BASF Corp. and one of
its divisions, Inmont. The penalty is the largest non-PCB assess-
ment ever sought under TSCA.
EPA charged Inmont violated multiple provisions of TSCA's sec-
tion 5 premanufacturing notice (PMN) procedures, which man-
dates that a company notify EPA at least 90 days before import-
ing or manufacturing a chemical substance that is not on the
TSCA Inventory. EPA uses the 90 days to assess the chemical
prior to commercialization.
In January 1986, Inmont voluntarily disclosed violations for 11
substances. Inmont had imported seven chemicals into the
United States without submitting a PMN. Inmont processed three
of the seven substances into commercial products, which is pro-
hibited by section 15(2) of TSCA. Inmont subsidiaries also failed
to submit a notice of commencement for four additional sub-
stances after commercial distribution had begun. Proper TSCA
certifications for each of the 11 substances imported into the
United States was also requested.
This complaint is the sixth TSCA penalty EPA has filed against
BASF Corp. and its affiliates. EPA cannot disclose the identity of
the chemicals, their intended uses or the production amounts in-
volved in the civil complaint because section 14 of TSCA grants a
person the right to claim certain material as confidential business
information.
ITC Adds 4 Chemicals To Priority List
In its 19th report to the EPA Administrator, the Interagency Test-
ing Committee (ITC) added four chemicals to the list of chemicals
to be given priority consideration by EPA. The chemicals are iso-
propanol, C.I. Dispense Blue 79, methyl fert-butyl ether and
methyl ethyl ketoxime. The report was submitted to the Admin-
istrator on October 31,1986 (see 51 FR 41417, November 14,
1986). The ITC must report to the Administrator at least every six
months.
The ITC may designate chemicals for response within 12 months,
but decided not to use that right in regard to the four chemicals
named in the 19th report. It was not necessary because in 1985
EPA published rules requiring automatic reporting of information
for nondesignated ITC recommendations. The automatic report-
ing covers production, use, exposure, and unpublished health
and safety studies that may not be publicly available (see 50 FR
34805 and 50 FR 34809; August 28,1985): With the automatic
reporting requirements both ITC and EPA can quickly learn the
extent of the problem.
However, tributyl phosphate, assigned by the ITC to the "recom-
mended with intent-to-designate" category in its 18th report (May
1986) was designated by the Committee in the 19th report. In
part, the designation was made as a result of information gained
through the TSCA 1985 automatic reporting rules. Within 12
months EPA must either initiate test rulemaking to determine tri-
butyl phosphate potential hazard to human health and the en-
vironment or publish its reasons for not doing so in the Federal
Register.
The ITC reported that the annual volume of isopropanol in the
United States is estimated to be over one billion pounds in 1985
and imports of the chemical were about 136 million pounds. T e
chemical has a large number of uses and an estimated 50 per-
cent of commercial isopropanol is ultimately released to the en-
vironment.
An estimated 2 to 3 million pounds of C.I. Disperse Blue 79 are
produced yearly in the United States. It is the major blue dye for
textile use and is a major component of green, brown and black
dyes. About 40 percent of the substance is sold in a paste or liq-
uid formulation and about 60 percent as a solid, mainly as low
dusting granules. An estimated 4 to 40 pounds of the chemical
are released per site per day at 400 to 600 textile dyeing opera-
tions in the United States.
Production of methyl tert-butyl ether has Increased dramatically
since EPA in 1979 approved use of the substance as a blending
component of unleaded gas. An estimated two billion pounds of
the chemical are now produced in the United States. By 1989 an-
nual production may reach three billion pounds.
Production of methyl ethyl ketoxime in the United States is over
two million pounds each year. The chemical is used almost ex-
clusively as a major antiskinning agent in alkyd paints and coat-
ings. Antiskinning agents are added to solvent-thinned paint for-
mulations to prevent the oxidation of the paint while in the can
and the agents volatilize while the coating is drying.
TSCA Interagency Testing Committee
Statutory Member Agencies and Their Representatives
Council on Environmental Quality, Carrol! Curtis
Department of Commerce, Patrick D. Cosslett
Environmental Protection Agency, John D. Walker, Vice Chair;
Laurence S. Rosenstein, Alternate
National Cancer Institute, Richard Adamson; Elizabeth K. ,
Weisbuiger, Alternate
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, James K.
Selkirk, Chair
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Rodger
L. Tatken
National Science foundation, Rodger W. Baler; Jarvis Moyera,
Alternate
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Joseph
Jarvis;
Liaison Agency Representatives
Consumer Product Safety Commission, Lakshmi Mishra
Department of Agriculture, Richard M. Parry, Jr.; Elise A.B.
Brown, Alternate
Department of Defense, Edmund Cummings; Rick Wolf, Alter-
nate
Department of the Interior, Ronald Eisler
Food and Drug Administration, Arnold Borsetti
National Library of Medicine, Vera Hudson
National Toxicology Program, Dorothy Canter
Committee Staff
Robert H. Brink, Executive Secretary
Norma Williams, ITC Coordinator
Support Staff
Alan Carpien—Office of the General Counsel, EPA
-------
Chemical/Group
ITC Recommended Studies
Tributyl phosphate'
(CAS No. 126-73-8)
Isopropanol2
(CAS No. 67-63-0)
Methyl (art-butyl
ether3
(CAS No. 1634-04-4)
C.I. Disperse Blue 7SH
(CAS No. 3956-55-6)
Methyl ethyl ketoxime6
(CAS No. 96-29-7)
Health Effects: Chronic Toxicity includ-
ing oncogenic, neurotoxic, renal, re-
productive and developmental effects.
Chemical Fate: Persistence in anaerobic
soils and sediments.
Ecological Effects: Chronic effects on
aquatic and terrestrial plants; chronic
effects on daphnids and/or other
aquatic invertebrates; acute and
chronic effects on benthic organisms
and soil invertebrates, if found per-
sistent under anaerobic conditions.
Health Effects; Qenotoxicity, including
tests for mutagenicity in mammalian
systems and clastogenicity; chronic
toxicity including oncogenicity.
Health Effects: Chronic inhalation toxicity
including neurotoxic, hematologic and
oncogenic effects.
Chemical Fate: Monitoring at represent-
ative gasoline terminals and service
stations.
Health Effects: Subchronic toxicity; ad-
soprtion and chemical disposition.
Chemical Fate: Solubility in water; bio-
degradation under aerobic and ana-
erobic conditions and the identification
of any relatively persistent bio-
degradation intermediates.
Ecological Effects: Acute toxicity to fish,
aquatic invertebrates, algae and
benthic organisms (including filter
feeders); bioconcentration in fish;
chronic effects on aquatic and benthic
biota, if the acute studies show toxicity
at low mg/L concentration or if the dye
does bioconcentrate.
Health Effects: Chronic toxicity with spe-
cial emphasis on hematopoietic and
oncogenic effects.
CA index Names (9CI):
1. Phosphoric acid, tributyl ester (tributyl phosphate) was recom-
mended with intent-kHtesignate by the ITC in its 18th report (51 FR
18368)
2.2-Propanol
3. Propane, 2-methoxy-2-meth^
4. Acetamkle, N-[5-[bis{2-(acetyloxy)ethyl] amino-2-2f(2-bromo-4,6-
c»nitrophenyl)azoH-ethoxyphenyll-
5.2-Butanone axime
The TSCA Section 4(e) Priority List
February 1987
Chemical/Group of Chemical
Do-Ditto
Designation for response within 12 months
1 Cyclohexane
2 2,6-Di-tert-butytphenol
3 Tributyl phosphate
Month of ITC
Designation
5/86
Do
11/86
Flecommended with intent-to-designate
1 Isopropanol
2 Methyl tert-butyl ether
Recommended but not designated for
response within 12 months
1 3,4-Dichlorobenzotrifluoride
2 Diisodecyl phenyl phosphite
3 C.I. Disperse Blue 79
4 Methyl ethyl ketoxime
11/86
Do
5/84
11/85
11/86
11/86
For additional Information about the ITC and section 4 of TSCA
see page 11 of this Bulletin.
4
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Cumulative Removals from the TSCA
Section 4(e) Priority List
February 1987*
EPA responses to ITC recommendation
and latest EPA actions
Chemical/Group Do = Ditto
Federal Register Notice
Latest EPA Action
1. Acetonitrite
2. Aoylamide (health effects)
(environmental effects)
3. Alkyl epoxides
(see 1,2-butylene oxide)
(see ethylene oxide)
(see propylene oxide
4. Alkyl phthalates
5. Aikyttin compounds'
6. Aniline and chloro, bromo- and
or nitroanilines
7. Anthraquinone
8. Antimony metal
9- Antimony sulfide
10. Antimony trioxide
11. Aryl phosphates
12. Benzidine-based dyes
13. Benzyl butyl phthalate
14. Biphenyl
15. BisphenolA
16. Bis (2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate
17. 20-(2-Butoxyethoxy)ethyl
acetate
18.1,2-Butylene oxide (see alkyl
epoxides)
19. Butyl glycolyl butyl phthalate
20. Calcium naphthenate
21. Carbofuran intermediates
22. Chlorendicacid
23. Chlorinated benzenes (mono,
ditri tetra and penta)
(health effects)
(environmental effects and
chemical fate for mono, di,
and penta)
(environmental effects for
tetrachlorinated benzenes)
24. Chlorinated naphthalenes
25. Chlorinated paraffins
26.4-Chlorobenzotrtfluoride
27. 2-LChloro-1,3-butadiene
(chloroprene)
28- Chloromethane
29. 2-Chkxotoluene
30. Cobalt naphthenate
31. Cresols
32. Cumene (isopropyl benzene)
33- Cyclohexanone
34. o-Dianisidlne-based dyes
35.1,2-Dlbromo-4-(1,2-dlbfD-
moethyl) cyclohexane
36. Dibutyttin bis(isooctyl maleate)2
37. Dibutyttn Mstfsooctyf
mercaptoaoetate)2
38. Dibutyttin bts(lauryl
mercaptlde)2
39. Dibutyttin dilaurate2
40. Dlchloromeftane
41.1.2-Dichloropropane
42. Diethytenetriamlne
43. DimeihyltJn bteflsooctyl
mercaptoacetate)2
44.1.3-Dtoxolane
45. Ethylene bis(oxyethylene)
diacatate
49 FR 44142
11/02/84
50 FR 5421
2/08/85
50 FR 36476
9/06/85
51 FR6168
2/24/86
46 FR 5456
2/05/85
49 FR 108
1/03/84
50 FR 46090
11/06/85
48FR716
1/06/83
Do
Do
51 FR6168
2*24/86
Do
Do
46 FR 55004
11/05/81
50 FR 36446
9/06/85
51 FR 25577
7/15/86
50 FR 46699
11/12/85
51 FR6168
2/24/86
51 FR 27880
8/04/86
49 FR 18779
5/02/84
46 FR 54487
11/02/81
49 FR 30114
7/26/84
50 FR 29761
7/22/85
47 FR 44878
10/12^82
49 FR 18779
5/02/84
51 FR 11728
4/07/86
51 FR 26595
7/24/86
49 FR 32113
8/24/84
49 FR 44142
11/02/84
50 FR 42216
10/18/85
50 FR 34546
8/26/85
50 FR 19213
5/07/85
51 FR6168
2/24/86
49 FR 21411
5/21/84
51 FR 15803
4/28/86
50 FR 48104
11/06/85
48 FR 44142
11/02/84
46 FR 56004
11/05/81
50 FR 19460
5/06/85
48 FR 51361
11/08/83
Do
Do
Do
Do
DO
Do
48 FR 25009
6/18(84
49 FR899
1/06/84
51 FR 12344
4/10/86
48 FR 5136
11/08/83
51 FR 6m
mm
48 FR 45661
11/19/84
46. Ethylene oxide
49FR200
1/03/84
(see alkyl epoxides)
47. 2-Ethylhexanoic acid
51 FR 40318
11/06/86
48. Ethyltoluene
51 FR 10577
3/27/86
49. Fluoroalkenes
50 FR 46133
11/06/85
50. Formamide
51 FR6829
2/27/86
51. Glycidol and its derivatives
48 FR 57562
12/30/83
52. Halogenated alkyl epoxides (see
48 FR 57695
Do
hexafluoropropylene oxide)
53. Hexachkxo-1,3-butadiene
47 FR 58029
12/29/82
54. Hexachlorocyclopentacfiene
47 FR 58023
Do
55. Hexachloroethane
47 FR 18175
4/28/82
56. 1,2,3,4,7,7-Hexachtoro-
48 FR 45654
11/19/B4
nortxxnadiene
57. Hexafluoropropylene oxide (see
48 FR 57686
12/30/B3
halogenated alkyl epoxides)
58. Hydroquinone
51 FR 6168
2/24/86
59. Isophorone
50 FR 5421
2/08/85
60. Isopropyl bipheny/diisopropyl
50 FR 18920
5/03/85
biphenyl
61. Lead naphthenate
48 FR 21411
5/21/84
62.2-Mercaptobenzothiazole
50 FR 46121
11/06/85
63. Mesityl oxide
51 FR 30216
8/25/86
64. Methytcyclopentane
51 FR17854
5/15/86
65.4,4-Methylenedianiline
49 FR 31806
7/11/83
66. Methyl ethyl ketone
50 FR 5421
2/08/85
67. Methyl isobutyl ketone
Do
Do
68. Methylolurea
49 FR 21371
5/21/84
69. Monobutyltin tris(isooctyl
48 FR 51361
11/08/83
mercaptoacetate)2
70. Monomethyltin trisflaooctyl
Do
Do
71. Nitrobenzene
49 FR 25013
6/19/84
72. Octamethylcyclotetrasikixane
50 FR 45123
10/30/85
73. Oleylamine
50 FR 31919
8/07/85
74. Pentabromoethylbenzene
50 FR 46785
11/13/85
75.2-Phenoxyethanol
50 FR 31919
6/19/84
76. Phenylenediamines
51 FR 25070
7/10/86
77. Polychlorinatedterphenyls
46 FR 54482
11/02/81
78. Propylene oxide (see alkyl
51 FR6168
2/24/86
OpOXKj08
79. Pyridine
47 FR 58031
12/29/82
80. Quinone
48FR456
1/04/84
81. Sodium N-methyl-N-
oleoyttaurlne
50 FR 46178
11/06/85
82. Tetrabromobtaphenol A
51 FR 17872
5/15/86
83. 4-(1,1,3,3-Tetramethybutyl)
50 FR 5421
2-06/85
phenol
84. o-ToNchie-based dyes
46 FR 55004
11/05/81
85. Toluene
47 FR 56381
12/16/82
86. Triethylene glycol ethers
51 FR 17883
5/15/86
87. Trimethyfcenzenes
51 FR 10577
3/27/86
88.1,1,1-Trichloroethane
50 FR 31885
8/07/85
89. Tri8(2-chloroethyl)pho6phtte
47 FR 48466
11/01/82
90. Tris(2-ethylhexyl)trimellltate
51 FR6168
2/24/86
91. Xylenes
47 FR 56382
2/16/82
This priority list Is updated to reflect very recent EPA actions, and
therefore differs with the list provided In the latest ITC (19th) report
submitted to EPA. Copies of the 19th ITC report, as reported in the
Federal Register, am available through the TAO.
'Removed by the ITC for reconsideration. Seven individual alkyltln
compound group members were subsequently designated in the 11tti
ITC report for priority consideration; see chemical number 5 in this list.
*One of seven alkyttn compounds. See note 1 above. See chemicals
number 36-30,43,69 and 70 In this Hat
-------
New Law:
Requires Schools To Protect Against Asbestos Threat
On October 22, 1986, President Reagan signed into law a bill re-
quiring schools to protect students and school employees from
health hazards posed by asbestos in school buildings. The law
will be administered by EPA's Office of Toxic Substances.
An estimated 35,000 public and private elementary and second-
ary schools throughout the United States are affected by the new
law.
By April 20,1987 EPA must publish a model asbestos Accredita-
tion plan for persons who inspect, develop management plans
and conduct abatement work. By the same date EPA must pub-
lish proposed asbestos abatement rules covering inspections, re-
sponse actions, periodic surveillance, transportation and dis-
posal, and other managerial plans.
Each of the 50 States then has 180 days after the beginning of its
next legislative session to adopt an asbestos model plan for the
schools in its jurisdiction. The State plan must be at least as strin-
gent as EPA's model plan.
By October 17,1987, EPA must publish final asbestos abatement
rules. At the same time, the National Bureau of Standards (NBS)
must establish a laboratory accreditation program for bulk as-
bestos sampling.
By October 12,1988, NBS must establish a laboratory accredita-
tion program for air sampling of asbestos. Also within the 720
days each school must submit an abestos management plan to
its State government. Each State governor must review the plan
and accept or reject it within 60 days. If a plan is disapproved the
school must revise it and resubmit within 30 days. If a governor
fails to take action within 60 days, the plan is considered ap-
proved.
By July 9, 1989 each school must begin to implement its as-
bestos management plan.
EPA is asking the public to comment on the development
of regulations to reduce asbestos exposure in public and
private elementary and secondary schools. The Agency is
requesting comments on a variety of technical and policy
issues that must be addressed in order to develop the reg-
ulations. Comments had to be submitted in triplicate by
January 30,1987. The EPA request for comments was
published in the Federal Register on December 31,1986;
51 FR 47265. As an Advance Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking (ANPR). The TAO is distributing copies of the
ANPR upon request.
The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (H.R.
5073) also requires EPA to submit a study to Congress
within 360 days of the October 22, 1986 signing, that:
• assesses the extent to which asbestos-containing mate-
rial is present in public and commercial buildings;
• assesses the condition of that material and the asbestos
exposure of the occupants in public and commercial
buildings;
• reports on the need for requiring that public and com-
mercial buildings are subject to the same inspection and
response action requirements that apply to schools;
• assesses whether existing Federal regulations protect
public and asbestos abatement personnel from ex-
posure during renovation and demolition in public and
commercial buildings;
• includes a recommendation on the need for standards
and regulations for public buildings.
By April 1,1988, EPA also must submit to Congress an in-
terim report on the availability of asbestos liability insur-
ance for schools and contractors. An EPA final report on
this issue Is due to Congress on October 1,1990. The
study must examine:
• the availability of liability insurance for schools and con-
tractors;
• the extent to which coverage has become more expen-
sive and less complete;
• whether limitation in availability of insurance is the result
of factors other than liability standards in applicable law;
• the extent to which accreditation of contractors has af-
fected the availability or cost of insurance;
• whether limitation in insurance liability is inhibiting
inspections or development of management plans;
• other impediments to completion of inspections or man-
agement plan development.
TSCA Inventory Computer Tapes Available Through NTIS
In July 1986, computer tapes containing the updated public ver-
sion of the TSCA Chemical Substances Inventory became avail-
able through the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Tech-
nical Information Service (NTIS). The order numbers are PB86-
220878 CAS Preferred Name Tape, $275.00; PB-220860, Syn-
onym Tape, $370.00; PB86-220803 Production Information
Tape, $275.00; PB8&-220795, Plantsite Tape, $275.00).
OTS has received numerous inquiries from tape purchasers per-
taining to problems with the tapes and their documentation. We
learned from NTIS that the EPA tapes, originally in EPCDIC,
6250 BPI, have been copied by NTIS in 1600 BPI, and are avail-
able in both EPCDIC and ASCII formats. Depending on which for-
mat the purchaser chooses to buy, the documentation which was
provided to NTIS by OTS for original tape specification did not re-
flect the specifications of the tape purchased, i.e., it only was cor-
rect for EPCDIC, 6250 BPI. This problem has been corrected by
NTIS.
In addition, the ASCII format does not contain correct characters
for square brackets frequently occurring In chemical names. This
is a problem caused by straight conversion from EPCDIC to AS-
CII, and cannot be corrected. If tape buyers experience any prob-
lems in tape processing, they should contact Karin Tallis at NTIS,
(703) 487-4763.
6
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EPA Reports On Regulatory Investigation of Formaldehyde
In 1984, EPA began a regulatory investigation of formaldehyde
under TSCA. The investigation has since focused on assessing
the risk associated with exposure to the formaldehyde in man-
ufactured (mobile) and conventional homes. The Agency is eval-
uating the need for, and nature of, regulations affecting commer-
cial manufacture and use of urea-formaldehyda pressed wood
products. Wood products of this type include particleboard, hard-
wood plywood and medium density fiberboard. These pressed
woods are used as construction materials for building most man-
ufactured and some conventional homes, and for fabricating cab-
inets, shelving and furniture. They can and often do emit for-
maldehyde concentrations in homes. This is the Agency s fifth
semi-annual report on the progress of that investigation.
Since issuing its last report, EPA staff has (1) finished compiling
and evaluating all available health and exposure data concerned
with formaldehyde, including the results of three recent epi-
demiologic studies; 2) reviewed the public comments received by
EPA on risk evaluation issues; and 3) drafted a comprehensive
risk assessment document. The summary chapter of that assess-
ment—the risk characterization—contains the conclusion of the
assessment, describes the strengths and weaknesses ot the sup-
porting data, and identifies major scientific uncertainties accom-
panying the assessment. The risk assessment document, in-
tended to serve the health hazard evaluation needs of OTS and
other EPA program offices concerned with formaldehyde, is pres-
ently undergoing final Agency review.
The Agency's formaldehyde workgroup, comprised of represent-
atives from various offices within EPA, is presently reviewing all
available information on the formaldehyde-pressed wood issue
and exploring a range of regulatory options under TSCA. These
options will necessarily consider ongoing regulatory activities
within two other agencies that are also focused on the issue, the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The options which
emerge from the workgroup deliberations will be contained in a
regulatory options paper that is being prepared to serve as a focal
point for discussion at an upcoming EPA options selection meet-
ing. The options paper will present several alternative courses for
future Agency action.
Concern It dloxln and furan formation
EPA Now Wants Data On 30 Chemicals
On October 23,1986, EPA issued a proposed rule (51 FR 37612)
to require reporting on 18 chlorinated and brominated benzene
chemicals. This proposed rule amends a December 19, 1985
proposed rule (50 FR 51974) which required reporting on 12 such
compounds. The 1985 proposal also requires manufacturers of
commercial organic substances to test certain substances for the
presence of chlorinated and brominated dioxins and furans.
If the October 1986 amendment becomes final as it is now writ-
ten, manufacturers and importers of 30 chemicals would be re-
quired under section 8(a) of TSCA to submit data on production
volume, manufacturing process, reaction conditions, exposure,
use and disposal of end products resulting from the use of any of
the 30 chemicals. EPA needs these data on the precursor chemi-
cals because these substances can, during further processing
under certain reaction conditions, lead to formation of dioxins and
furans, even though the precursor chemicals are not themselves
contaminated.
That portion of the 1985 proposed rule that requires manufac-
turers and importers of 14 commercial organic chemicals to test
these substances, under section 4 of TSCA, for the presence of
chlorinated and brominated dioxins and furans remains un-
changed by the latest amendment. The December 19,1985 pro-
posal (50 FR 51974) also called for such testing and reporting of
20 other organic chemicals not now commercially manufactured
in the United States or currently being imported, if manufacture or
importation resumes.
The 1985 proposed rule was In response to an October 22,1984
citizens' petition filed under section 21 of TSCA. The petition re-
quested, among other things, that EPA initiate a number of spe-
cific regulatory and Information-gathering steps to control the
generation of specific 2,3,7,8-substituted chlorinated and brom-
inated Isomers of dioxin and furans. EPA responded to the sec-
tion 21 petition on January 30,1985 (50 FR 4426). See page 11
of this Bulletin for explanations of TSCA sections 4,8, and 21.
"Don't Blow Itl" We've Taped It
A new EPA videotape on controlling asbestos brake dust
is available for purchase. "Don't Blow Itl" covers the po-
tential health hazards from exposure to asbestos In brake
dust and how to effectively control brake dust. The 15-min-
ute tape Is designed for use by brake and fleet garage me-
chanics and vocational schools. Auto dealers and unions
also will find the program useful.
In V format the cost is $24.60; in Beta I or II, $18.35; in
VHS $17.50. Orders should be placed with Color Film
Corp., Video Div., 770 Connecticut Ave., Norwafk, CN
06854, or by calling either (800) 882-1120 or (203)
866-2711. Prices include postage and handling charges.
There Is a 48-hour service with certified check or money
order. Orders must be prepaid. Connecticut residents and
corporations must add 7.5% state sales tax. A few copies
of the videotape are available for very short loan periods.
Call the TAO (202) 554-1404 for details.
7
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Section 8(e)... Substantial Risk
Below, and in the next column, is a list of 19 initial section 8(e)
notices recently placed in EPA's public file. For an explanation of
section 8(e) and how copies of notices can be acquired see page
11 of this Bulletin.
Log No. 8EHQ-
Pages*
CAS No.
0886-0621 S
Alkylated aniline 3
Preliminary results of a battery of in vitro genotoxicity studies and
several acute in vivo toxicity studies
0886-0622 S
Unknown chemicals
Sensitization reaction in workers
1
in
0986-0623 S 9
Substituted diphenyl ether
Preliminary findings for an oral teratology study in rats
0986-0624/5 S 15
Substituted nitrobenzene
Substituted chlorobenzene
Summarized interim findings from an ongoing dietary study
rats
0986-0626S 26
Halogenated pyridine
Summarized results of an oral teratology study in rats
0986-0627 305
Tinuvin® 1130, the reaction product of the methyl ester of
beta-[3-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-hydroxy-5-tert-butylphenyl]
propionic acid and polyethylene glycol
Final report from a 28-day oral gavage study in rats
0886-0628
Nitrous oxide
51
10024 07—2
Results of an inhalation behavioral teratology study in rats
75-01-4
0986-0629 62
Vinyl chloride
Draft final report of an epidemiologic study
0986-0630 114
Pentaerythritol-tris-(8-(N-aziridinyl)propionate) 57116-45-7
Preliminary results of two in vitro genotoxicity studies
0986-0631 S 84
Perfluoroalkyl rrmthacrylate copolymers
rats
0986-0632 5
Siliceous muscovite mica dust
Physicians' reports on worker susceptibility to ear Infections
0986-0633 S 3
Haloatkyl substituted cyclic ether
Preliminary results from a 2-week Inhalation study In rata
0986-0634 11
1086-0634 Supplement
4-Chloro-2-methyl aniline 95-69-2
Epidemiological findings of bladder cancer among exposed
workers
1086-0635 3
UCON ® Lubricant 50-HB-5100 9038-95-3
(a butanol-initiated copolymer of 50% ethylene oxide and 50%
propylene oxide)
Preliminary results of a 14-week aerosol inhalation study in rats
1086-0636S 80
Chloride capped alcohol ethoxylates
Quaternary ammonium chloride
Summarized preliminary findings from acute eye irritation stud-
ies in rabbits
1086-0637 24
T rans-1 -chloro-3-oxyaminopropene 82244-86-8
hydrochloride
Preliminary results of a 28-day dermal toxicity study in rats
1086-0638 26
Coronate EH (a hexamethylene 28182-81-2
diisocyanate trimer)
Final results of several acute in vivo toxicity studies.
1086-0639S 3
Chlorinated acid
Preliminary results of several acute in vivo toxicity studies
1086-0640S 1
Diethylethoxymethyleneoxalacetate 52942-64-0
Interim results of an eye irritation study in rabbits
"S" at the end of a Log Number means a sanitized version is
available
•Page count as of publication date. New data are constantly
being added to section 8(e) files. The page total at the time a re-
quest is received may exceed the 125-page cutoff and a charge
must be made. For additional information on obtaining section
8(e) files see page 11 of this issue.
Latest FYI Submissions
In recent weeks EPA received 13 FYls (For Your Information)
submissions. For additional Information on FYls see page11
of this Bulletin.
Document Control No. FYI
Chemical Names
CAS NO.
OTS-0986-0507
Nalco 7873 (2-propenaic acid, sodium salt, 25085-02-3
polymer with 2-propenamide)
Response to a request for information on a product that includes
chemical identity, intended uses, and a material safety data
sheet
OTS-0986-0508
Para-tert-octylphenol 140-66-9
Summarized results from an early life stage aquatic toxicity as-
say
OTS-0986-0509
Vinyl chloride 76-01-*
Summarized preliminary results of an epidemiology study of
vinyl chrlorlde workers
OTS-O986-0510
Hexaf luoropropylene 116-15-4
Final results from an in vivo mouse mlcronucleus test
8
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OTS-0986-0511 S 6535-46-2
C.I. Pigment Red 112 (principale component)
Final results from three in vitro mutagenicity tests
OTS-0986-0512
Nitroaromatic heteromonocycle derivatives CBI
Summarized final results from a guinea pig sensitization test
OTS-0986-0513
Chromated copper arsenic none
Case history of an individual who developed neurologic symp-
toms following occupational exposure
AX-0986-0514
Industrial pollutents none
A methodologic review and critique of community environmental
epidemiologic studies
1892-29-1
OTS-0986-0515
Di-(2-hydroxyethyl) disulfide
Final results from two genotoxiclty tests
OTS-1086-0516
Nickel catalysts none
Final results from a guinea pig maximization test, rabbit alveolar
macrophage (RAM) test, and in vitro cell transformation test
OTS-1086-0517
2-Methylstyrene 98-83-9
Clinical report of continued allergic reaction following occupa-
tional exposure
OTS-1086-0518
Methyl tert-butyl ether 1634-04-4
Final results from a battery of acute toxicity studies in mice and
rats
AX-1086-0519 none
Final report entitled "The Effects of Airgun Energy Releases on
the Eggs, Larvae, and Adults of the Northern Anchovy (En-
graulis mordax)".
"S" at the end of a Log Number means a sanitized version is
available.
CBI = Confidential Business Information
CPA Amends:
TSCA Model Health And Safety Data Reporting Rule
EPA amended the TSCA section 8(d) model health and safety
data reporting rule on September 15,1986 (51 FR 32720). The
amendment lengthens the rule's sunset provision, adds a provi-
sion for biennial review, limits three reporting exemptions, adds
an express exemption, clarifies the rule's confidentiality provi-
sions and makes technical revisions.
The section 8(d) rule requires manufacturers, importers and proc-
essors of listed chemical substances and mixtures, to submit to
EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies on
the listed substances that they manufacture, import or process.
The studies will provide EPA with information that will aid the
Agency's decisionmaking on its TSCA section 4,5,6 and 8 re-
sponsiblities.
EPA belives the amendments will increase the number and
usefulness of the health and safety data reports it receives under
section 8(d). It expects to receive the reports during the same
time period that the Agency performs Its risk Identification, as-
sessment and management activities.
Available:
First Issues of "New Chemical Information Bulletin"
OTS is distributing the first two issues of a new publication de-
signed to inform the public of developments in the New Chemical
Program of OTS.
The New Chemical Information Bulletin will:
• keep readers abreast of new policies, legal interpretations, re-
view procedures and criteria for review;
• complement the regulatory efforts of OTS and the activities of
the TAO;
• publish the answers to questions of general interest that have
been raised by submitters of premanufacturing notices
(PMNs);
• address routine problems that occur when PMNs are submit-
ted;
• familiarize industry and others with developing policies that
only become clear in the review of specific PMNs;
• clarify PMN statutory and regulatory requirements.
For a free copy of either or both of the first two issues of the New
Chemical Information Bulletin call or write the TAO. The first Bul-
letin addresses the exemptions for research and development
and test marketing. The second Bulletin is "Submissions of Agri-
culture Screening Data in PMNs."
OTS Distributing New TSCA Section 4 Booklet
The Office of Toxic Substances is distributing "Section 4 of
TSCA: An Overview" a new 17-page booklet describing EPA's
procedures for implementing this section of the Act. The booklet
provides a general Introduction to the objectives and require-
ments of section 4, the statutory constraints affecting EPA's deci-
sionmaking process, the alternative processes by which EPA
may ensure necessary testing is done, and how the public can
become involved in the process. Copies of the booklet can be ob-
tained by writing or calling the TAO.
Section 4 was included In TSCA when it was enacted in 1977 be-
cause effects of chemical substances and mixtures on health and
the environment were often Inadequately documented and not
understood. Section 4 gives EPA the authority to require develop-
ment of adequate test data on the health and environmental
effects of potentially hazardous chemicals. The data help EPA,
other Federal agencies, State end local governments determine it
a chemical Is potentially dangerous and if so how to regulate or
controllt.
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EPA Warns Workers, Employers About 2-Nitropropane
Short-term exposures to high levels of 2-nitropropane in confined
spaces are dangerous, according to a just released EPA Chemi-
cal Advisory. The chemical (CAS No. 79-46-9) is also called di-
methylnitromethane, isonitropropane and nitroisopropane.
Several deaths have occurred when products containing the
chemical were used by workers in confined or enclosed spaces.
The deaths were from irreversible liver damage. The Chemical
Advisory, which is being distributed in Spanish and English by the
TAO, warns workers who used products containing 2-nitro-
propane, such as paints, coatings, sealants and adhesives, or
who use the chemical as a solvent to thin these products at a job
site, to limit their exposure to the chemical. Workers are warned
the products are dangerous if used in confined or enclosed
spaces that lack adequate ventilation and when properly fitted
respiratory protection is not used.
In addition, EPA is warning that 2-nitropropane has caused can-
cer in rats in laboratory tests. The Agency considers the chemical
to be a potential cancer-causing substance to humans.
EPA Warns Manufacturers Who Use Toluenediamines
EPA recently advised manufacturers of products who uae
toluenediamines (TDAs) to minimize worker exposure to the
chemicals. The chemicals In the category include 2,4-
toluenediamine (1-methyl-2,4-diaminobenzene) CAS No.
95-80-7 or its 2,3,- and 3,4-isomers (CAS Nos. 2687-25-4 and
496-72-0). Both inhalational and dermal exposures should be
minimized because TDAs are likely to be absorbed into the body
by either route. The warning came in a 6-page chemical advisory
that is available through the TAO.
The Agency said it considers 2,4-toluenediamine to be a proba-
ble human carcinogen. The chemical causes cancer in laboratory
rats and mice. The close structural relationship of 2,3-and 3,4-
isomers (also known as o-TDAs and ortho-TDAs) makes it likely
that they are also carcingenic, and should be handled to minimize
exposure, according to the advisory, which suggests ways of re-
ducing exposure to TDAs. The advisory makes many general,
engineering and work practice recommendations for avoiding ex-
posure to TDAs.
10
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Under section 8(e), persons who obtain new information that rea-
sonably supports the conclusion that a substance or mixture
which they manufacture, import, process or distribute presents
substantial risk ot injury to human health or the environment,
must notify EPA within 15 working days. These notices are then
reviewed by the Office of Toxic Substances (OTS) and an initial
evaluation (status report) is prepared containing, if appropriate,
followup questions to the submitter, referrals to other agencies,
and recommended OTS/EPA followup actions. The 8(e) notices
represent a company's first review of a situation and a judgment
in compliance with the statute to submit a notice within 15 work-
ing days of obtaining the information.
EPA publishes its status reports to make 8(e) information widely
available and understandable to a broad public. The submissions
and status reports are located in the OTS Public Reading Room,
ground floor, Northeast section, Waterside Mall, 401 M Street,
S.W., Washington, D.C.
Persons wishing to obtain a copy of a section 8(e) notice may
write: EPA, Freedom of Information, Ms. Jeralene Green (A-
101), Washington, D.C. 20460. There is no charge for duplicating
the first 124 pages, but at page 125 of a request for duplication
there is a $25.00 fee and a 20 cent charge for each additional
page (e.g., 126 pages will cost $25.20).
Single copies of the section 8(e) status reports (not the full sub-
missions) are available from the TAO.
For Your Information (FYI)
On this page are explanations of sections of TSCA that are
cited In this issue of the Bulletin. For additional Information
about TSCA's provisions, call (202) 554-1404, or write the
TAO.
Testing of Chemical Substances and Mixtures... Section 4
Section 4 of TSCA gives EPA authority to require manufacturers
or processors of chemicals to test the toxic effects of a desig-
nated substance. To require testing, EPA must find that the
chemical may present an unreasonable risk; that there are Insuf-
ficient data available with which to perform a reasoned risk as-
sessment; and that testing is necessary to generate such data. A
test rule may also be based on an EPA finding of substantial pro-
duction and exposure to humans or the environment, in addition
to findings of insufficient data and need for testing.
Under section 4(e) an Interagency Testing Committee (ITC) was
established to recommend chemicals to EPA for priority consid-
eration for the promulgation of section 4 test rules. The ITC can
designate up to 50 chemicals or categories of chemicals for test-
ing and must make revisions to this section 4 priority list as
needed. In turn, EPA must respond within one year after the ITC
adds a substance to the priority list by starting rulemaking under
section 4 or giving reason for not doing so.
The ITC is made up of appointed members from eight Federal
agencies, as specified in TSCA Representatives from six addi-
tional Federal agencies serve in a liaison capacity.
Substantial Risk... Section 8
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This news bulletin is intended to inform all persons concerned
with the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) about recent de-
velopments and near-term plans. For further information or to re-
quest copies of documents mentioned, write the TSCA Assist-
ance Office (TAO) TS-799, EPA, Washington, D.C. 20460, or
call (202) 554-1404.
TSCA Assistance Office (TS-799)
Office of Pesticides & Toxic Substances
U.S.E.P.A.
Washington, D.C. 20460.
Official VuilDMt
Penalty for Private U««
*300
first Ci«« Mali
Pottag* and Fm Paid
IH
Permit No. 0-3S
THE TSCA CHEMICAL8-IN-PROGRESS BULLETIN
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