Appendices to Final Report of the Small
Business Advocacy Review Panel on Toxic
Substances Control Act (TSCA) Section 6(a)
Rulemaking for N-Methylpyrrolidone
(NMP)

Appendix Al: Materials Shared with Sir	;presentatives for the Pre-Panel

Outreach Meeting, March 28, 2023

Appendi J • I luteirials Shared with Sin i Hill I ni if I epresentatives for the Panel
Outreach Meeting, May

Appenc	i Comments Submitted by Small Entity Representatives

following tin I ii« II -I,'1 ii'll in si Outreach Meeting


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Final Report of the Small Business Advocacy Review Panel on Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)

Section 6(a) Rulemaking for N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP)

Appendix Al: Materials Shared with Sin !! If 11 r i r > If ,, |jreseiitatlv'j> t> a* the
If11 -" II \	-I 			 i ' cli Meeting, Mar. 11 " ' 11"

Table of Contents

Agenda	Al-2

Panel Process Presentation	Al-7

Pre-Panel Rulemaking Presentation	Al-17

Industry Sectors with Small Entities Potentially Affected by the Rule	Al-105

Related Regulations (EPA, Federal, State, and International)	Al-114

SER Questions for Discussion	Al-123

Personal Protective Equipment Respirator System Per Worker Unit Cost Breakdown	Al-132

Potential Regulatory Options and Estimated Costs	Al-138

Information on Weight Fractions of NMP Evaluated in the 2020 Risk Evaluation	Al-145

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Agenda

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EPA's SBAR Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on the
Proposed Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

March 28, 2023, l:00pm-4:00pm, Eastern time zone

Agenda

1:00 Welcome and Opening Remarks

•	Bill Nickerson (EPA Small Business Advocacy Chair / Office of Policy)

•	Brian Symmes (Acting Director, Existing Chemicals Risk Management Division, EPA
Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention)

•	Tayyaba Zeb (Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy)

•	Austin Mudd (Office of Management and Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs)

1:15 SER Introductions

1:25 Presentation on Panel process (Bill Nickerson, EPA SB AC)

1:35 Presentation on proposed rulemaking for NMP under TSCA section 6(a) (Office of
Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention)

•	Consultations with Small Entity Representatives (SERs)

•	Overview of the unreasonable risk determinations in the risk evaluation and the risk
management requirements under TSCA

•	Overview of conditions of use in the rulemaking and basis for unreasonable risk
determination

•	Section 6 risk management overview: EPA's authority to regulate occupational and
consumer risks, key "tools in the toolbox" for managing unreasonable risks

•	Potential regulatory options

2:05 Discussion on conditions of use (COU) with unreasonable risk determinations. (See list at
endfor all conditions of use by group).

•	Detailed description of NMP use

•	Your experience with exposure control and risk reduction

•	Possible risk management actions

•	Cost associated with implementations

•	Available alternatives

•	Other implementation considerations

NMP COU Group 1: Manufacturers, Repackaging/Recycling, and Disposal
NMP COU Group 2: Commercial Processing and Formulation Uses

NMP - March 28, 2023	1

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2:50 Break

3:00 Discussion (continued)

NMP COU Group 3: Industrial and Commercial Paint, Coating, and Solvent Uses
NMP COU Group 4: Industrial and Commercial Uses in Manufacturing of Electronic
Parts, Semiconductors, and Lithium Ion Batteries
NMP COU Group 5: Consumer Uses

3:45 Closing session

•	Closing remarks from EPA, SBA, and OMB

•	Wrap up and next steps (what to expect next)

4:00 Adjourn

NMP - March 28, 2023

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2


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Condition of Use Discussion Groups

Group 1: Manufacturing, Repackaging/Recycling, and Disposal

-	Includes the following conditions of use:

•	Manufacturing (domestic manufacture)

•	Manufacturing (import)

•	Processing: repackaging in wholesale and retail trade

•	Processing: recycling

•	Disposal

Group 2: Commercial Processing and Formulation Uses

-	Includes the following conditions of use:

•	Processing - as a reactant or intermediate in plastic material and resin manufacturing and
other non-incorporative processing

•	Processing - Incorporation into a formulation, mixture or reaction product in multiple
industrial sectors

•	Processing - Incorporation into articles in lubricants and lubricant additives in machinery
manufacturing

•	Processing - Incorporation into articles as a solvent (which becomes part of a product
formulation or mixture) including in textiles, apparel and leather manufacturing

•	Processing - Incorporation into articles in paint additives and coating additives not
described by other codes in transportation equipment manufacturing

•	Processing - Incorporation into articles in other sectors, including in plastic product
manufacturing

Group 3: Industrial and Commercial Paint, Coating, and Solvent Uses

-	Includes the following conditions of use:

•	Industrial and commercial use in paints, coatings and adhesive removers

•	Industrial and commercial use in paints and coatings in lacquers, stains, varnishes,
primers and floor finishes and powder coatings in surface preparation

•	Industrial and commercial use in in paint additives and coating additives not described by
other codes in multiple manufacturing sectors

•	Industrial and commercial use in ink, toner and colorant products in printer ink and inks
in writing equipment

•	Industrial and commercial use in processing aids, specific to petroleum production in
petrochemical manufacturing, in other uses in oil and gas drilling, extraction and support
activities, and in functional fluids (closed systems)

•	Industrial and commercial use in adhesives and sealants including binding agents, single
component glues and adhesives, including lubricant adhesives, and two-component glues
and adhesives including some resins

•	Industrial and commercial use in other uses in soldering materials

NMP - March 28, 2023

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3


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•	Industrial and commercial use in other uses in anti-freeze and de-icing products,
automotive care products, and lubricants and greases

•	Industrial and commercial use in other uses in metal products not covered elsewhere, and
lubricant and lubricant additives including hydrophilic coatings

•	Industrial and commercial use in other uses in laboratory chemicals

•	Industrial and commercial use in other uses in cleaning and furniture care products,
including wood cleaners and gasket removers

•	Industrial and commercial use in other uses in fertilizer and other agricultural chemical
manufacturing, processing aids and solvents

Group 4: Industrial and Commercial Uses in Manufacturing of Electronic Parts,

Semiconductors, and Lithium Ion Batteries

-	Includes the following condition of use:

•	Industrial and commercial use in paint additives and coating additives not described by
other codes in computer and electronic product manufacturing for use in semiconductor
manufacturing

•	Industrial and commercial use in paint additives and coating additives not described by
other codes in computer and electronic product manufacturing in electronic parts
manufacturing

•	Industrial and commercial use as a solvent (for cleaning or degreasing) in electrical
equipment, appliance and component manufacturing

•	Industrial and commercial use as a solvent (for cleaning or degreasing) in electrical
equipment, appliance and component manufacturing for use in semiconductor
manufacturing

•	Industrial and commercial uses in other uses in lithium ion battery manufacturing

Group 5: Consumer Use

-	Includes the following condition of use:

•	Consumer use in adhesives and sealants in glues and adhesives, including lubricant
adhesives and sealants

NMP - March 28, 2023

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4


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Panel Process Presentation

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An Overview of the Small Business Advocacy
Review (SBAR) Panel Process

March 2023

Bill Nickerson, EPA's Small Business Advocacy Chair
Office of Regulatory Policy and Management

Office of Policy


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Why does EPA convene an SBAR Panel?

The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) as amended
by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act (SBREFA), requires agencies to:

"assure that small entities have been given an opportunity to
participate in the rulemaking process" for any rule "which will
have a significant economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities."

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What is an SBAR Panel?

An EPA Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel is
made up of four managers from three federal agencies:

EPA's Small Business Advocacy Chair (EPA's SBAC is from OP)
A manager from the EPA program responsible for writing the rule

^ [5 A U.S. Small Business
#\ Administration

¦ 1

K&ys

The Small Business Administration's Chief Counsel for Advocacy

The Administrator of the Office of Management and Budget's
(OMB's) Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA)

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What does an SBAR Panel do?

The RFA tasks the Panel with reviewing the material the Agency
has available concerning the rulemaking, and collecting advice
and recommendations from small entity representatives (SERs)
on issues related to the following four elements:

•	Who are the small entities to which the proposed rule will apply?

•	What are the anticipated compliance requirements of the upcoming proposed
rule?

•	Are there any existing federal rules that may overlap or conflict with the
regulation?

•	Are there any significant regulatory alternatives that could minimize the impact
on small entities?


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SERs Participation in the Pre-panel and Panel process

SERs are invited to 2 meetings: Pre-panel Outreach meeting and
Panel Outreach meeting

•	At each meeting, SERs participate in the discussion about how the rule
might impact them and provide suggestions about how to minimize that
impact.

•	Panel Outreach meeting will focus on further refining SER advice and
recommendations from the Pre-panel Outreach

SERs are invited to supplement the verbal meeting discussions with
written comments (due 2 weeks after each meeting)

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SER FAQ webpage https://www.epa.gov/reg-flex/frequent-questions-small-entities.


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Where does the Panel process fit within the rulemaking process?

EPA's Pre-
Panel Outreach
Meeting with
SERs

Panel Outreach
Meeting with
SERs

Panel Report

to EPA's
Administrator

Notice of
Proposed
Rulemaking

Public
Comment
Period

Final Rule

It is EPA's goal to host SBAR Panels well before a proposed rule
is written so there is adequate time to incorporate Panel
recommendations into senior management decision-making about
the proposed rule

SER participation in the Pre-panel and Panel Outreach meetings
does not preclude or take the place of participation in the normal
public comment period at the time the rule is proposed

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What does the Panel do with the information,
advice, and recommendations from SERs?

The Panel prepares a Panel Report

•	SER comments are summarized, and written comments are
included as an appendix

•	SER information, advice, and recommendations are synthesized
into a set of Panel recommendations

•	Submitted to the EPA Administrator

•	Considered during senior-management decision-making prior to
the issuance of the proposed rule

•	Placed in the rule's docket when the proposed rule is published


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Thank You

We realize that small entities make significant
sacrifices to participate in this process

Thank you for taking time and effort away from
your business or organization to assist the Panel in
this important work

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Contact Information for SBAC Staff

Lanelle Wiggins, RFA/SBREFA Team Leader

EPA Office of Policy

202-566-2372

wiaQins.lanelle@epa.Qov

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Pre-Panel Rulemaking Presentation

AM 7


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N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP)

Small Entity Consultation
Proposed Rulemaking under TSCA Section 6

Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives

March 28, 2023

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Overview

•	SERs and the regulatory process

•	Findings from the risk evaluation for NMP

•	Overview of conditions of use (COU) in the rulemaking

•	Basis for unreasonable risk determination

•	Risk management requirements under TSCA

•	EPA's authority and "tools in the toolbox"

•	Potential regulatory options

•	Additional discussion with Small Entity Representatives

•	Closing remarks

U.S. Environmen^l^rotectiori Agency


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Consultation with Small Entity Representatives

•	EPA is interested in not only information, but also advice and
recommendations from the small entity representatives (SERs)

•	EPA will use this information to inform the agency's decision on potential
regulatory options and to develop a regulatory flexibility analysis, which
becomes part of the record for the potential regulation

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency

3


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Consultation with Small Entity Representatives

• Key elements in this regulatory flexibility analysis:

-	Number of small entities to which the potential rule would apply

-	Projected compliance requirements of the potential rule

-	Identification of all relevant Federal rules which may duplicate, overlap or conflict
with the potential rule

-	Any significant alternatives to the potential rule which accomplish the stated
objectives, and which minimize significant economic impact of the potential rule on
small entities


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Potentially Affected Entities

•	The potentially affected industries/sectors for this proposed rule are identified by NAICS code, SBA
thresholds and U.S. Census Bureau Statistics of U.S. Business datasets, published annually

•	244 industries/sectors and their associated NAICS code have been identified although not all of the
small firms indicated in the attachment are necessarily expected to be impacted by the proposed rule

•	SBA size standards vary greatly by NAICS code and range from $8 - $47 million and 100-1,500
employees

•	The attachment "Industry Sectors with Small Entities Potentially Affected by the Rulemaking" provides
small firm statistics (size standard or number of smalls) for each industry/sector or use category

•	EPA estimates 95% of firms are small entities that may be impacted by the proposed rule

•	As more specific information about each entity is identified, it is possible that some entities could be
dropped from the list

U.S. EnvironmenJ^IJgrotection Agency

5


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SERs and the Regulatory Process

• We are seeking information on how the options presented might impact
your business or organization

-	Provide specific examples of impacts

-	Provide cost data, if available

-	Please see detailed questions in a separate handout

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency

6


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SERs and the Regulatory Process

•	We are also seeking alternative methods of regulating unreasonable risks

identified for NMP

-	Suggest other relevant options, including data costs and information on how to ensure
compliance

-	Suggest ways that small businesses could benefit from flexibilities, such as different
compliance timetables, simplified reporting requirements, and exemptions

•	We would like to minimize duplication

-	Provide information on any duplicative or contradictory federal, state, county, or city
regulations you are aware of

-	For a list of existing regulations, please see summary of related regulations

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency

7


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Overview of the Risk Evaluation for NMP

• Risk evaluation published December 30, 2020:

-	37 conditions of use were evaluated

-	Risk evaluation follows a series of opportunities for public input into EPA's NMP risk
evaluation activities

-	NMP draft risk evaluation: December 2019; NMP problem formulation: June 2018;
NMP scope document: June 2017

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency

8


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Overview of the Risk Evaluation for NMP

•	Public comments arid external scientific peer review informed the final risk
evaluation

-	35 public comments received on the draft risk evaluation (comment period closed
January 21, 2020)

-	Peer review: EPA's Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) met to review
the draft evaluation (December 2019)

•	The risk evaluation and supplemental materials are in docket

, with additional materials supporting the risk evaluation process in
docket EPA-HQ-QPPT-2016-0743. on www.reaulations.gov

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency

9


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Determination of Unreasonable Risk

•	In the December 2020 risk evaluation, EPA determined that NMP presented unreasonable
risk to health and the environment. In that risk evaluation, EPA determined that 26 of the 37
conditions of use (COU) of NMP presented unreasonable risk

•	With EPA's policy change to a whole chemical approach, EPA has issued a revised whole
chemical unreasonable risk determination without presuming use of PPE. The changes from
that revised determination are included in this presentation and available at

https://www.epa.qov/assessinq-and-manaqinq-chemicals-under-tsca/final-risk-evaluation-n-
methvlpyrrolidone-nmp

•	There may be some conditions of use that EPA has determined do not drive the
unreasonable risk but may still be subject to regulation due to uses elsewhere in the supply
chain that drive the unreasonable risk

U.S. Environmen^l^rotectiori Agency

10


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Recent Changes to the Risk Determination

EPA released for public comment a draft revision to the unreasonable risk determination for NMP on
July 1, 2022

EPA published the final revised risk determination on December 19, 2022
Incorporates policy changes announced in June 2021
Specifically, EPA has determined that:

-	Making an unreasonable risk determination for NMP as a whole chemical substance, rather than unreasonable
risk determinations separately on each individual condition of use in the risk evaluation, is the most appropriate
approach to NMP under the statute and implementing regulations

-	The risk determination does not rely on assumptions regarding the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
in making the unreasonable risk determination under TSCA section 6, even though some facilities might be
using PPE as one means to reduce workers' exposures; rather, the use of PPE would be considered during risk
management as appropriate

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

A1-28


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Recent Changes to the Risk Determination

Removing the assumption that workers always and appropriately wear PRE in making the whole
chemical risk determination for NMP result in:

- Three additional conditions of use that drive the unreasonable risk determination for NMP:

•	Industrial and commercial use in ink, toner, and colorant products;

•	Industrial and commercial use in other uses soldering materials;

•	Industrial and commercial use in other uses in fertilizer and other agricultural chemical
manufacturing—processing aids and solvents

U.S. Environmen^lj^rotectiori Agency


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Recent Changes to the Risk Determination Cont.

• Additionally, removing the assumption that workers always and appropriately wear PPE in
making the whole chemical risk determination for NMP result in risks for acute non-cancer
effects from inhalation and dermal exposures also driving the unreasonable risk in five
conditions of use (where previously those conditions of use were identified as presenting
unreasonable risk from chronic non-cancer effects):

-	Processing for incorporation into articles in paint additives and coating additives not described by other codes in
transportation equipment manufacturing;

-	Industrial and commercial use in paints, coatings, and adhesive removers;

-	Industrial and commercial use in paints and coatings in lacquers, stains, varnishes, primers, and floor finishes,
powder coatings (surface preparation);

-	Industrial and commercial use paint additives and coating additives in multiple manufacturing sectors; and

-	Industrial and commercial use in adhesives and sealants including binding agents, single component glues and
adhesives, including lubricant additives, two-component glues, and adhesives including some resins.

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency

13


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Recent Changes to the Risk Determination Cont.

•	Overall, 29 conditions of use out of 37 EPA evaluated drive the NMP whole chemical
unreasonable risk determination

•	EPA has not conducted new scientific analysis on NMP; the risk evaluation continues to
characterize risks associated with individual conditions of use

•	The final risk determination is in docket E 3A-HQ-OPP -2016-0743 at regulations.gov

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency

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Recent Changes to the Risk Determination

Separately, EPA is conducting a screening approach to assess potential risks from the air and water
pathways for several of the first 10 chemicals, including NMP

- This screening analysis was presented to the SACC in March and EPA is currently incorporating comments from
the SACC and public commenters on revisions to the analysis

Exposure pathways that were or could be regulated under another EPA-administered statute were
excluded from the 2020 NMP risk evaluation, resulting in certain air and water pathways not being fully

assessed

EPA's screening approach will identify if there are risks that were unaccounted for in the risk evaluation
for NMP

If the results suggest there is additional risk, EPA will determine if the risk management approach being
contemplated for NMP will protect against these risks or if the risk evaluation will need to be formally
supplemented or revised

U.S. Environmen^y|rotection Agency

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NMP Manufacturing and Processing Uses that Drive the
Unreasonable Risk

Manufacturing (domestic manufacturing)

Manufacturing (import)

Processing: As a reactant/intermediate in plastic material and resin manufacturing and other non-
incorporative processing

Processing: Incorporation into formulation, mixture or reaction product in multiple industrial sectors

Processing: Incorporation into articles in lubricants and lubricant additives in machinery manufacturing

Processing: Incorporation into articles in paint additives and coating additives not described by other codes in
transportation equipment manufacturing

Processing: Incorporation into articles as a solvent (which becomes part of a product formulation or mixture)
including in textiles, apparel and leather manufacturing

Processing: Incorporation into articles in other sectors, including in plastic product manufacturing
Processing: Repackaging in wholesale and retail trade
Processing: Recycling

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency	16


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NMP Industrial and Commercial Uses that Drive the Unreasonable
Risk

Industrial and commercial use in paints, coatings and adhesive removers

Industrial and commercial use in paints and coatings in lacquers, stains, varnishes, primers and floor finishes and
powder coatings in surface preparation

Industrial and commercial use in paint additives and coating additives not described by other codes in computer and
electronic product manufacturing in electronic parts manufacturing

Industrial and commercial use in paint additives and coating additives not described by other codes in computer and
electronic product manufacturing for use in semiconductor manufacturing

Industrial and commercial use in in paint additives and coating additives not described by other codes in multiple
manufacturing sectors

Industrial and commercial use as a solvent (for cleaning or degreasing) in electrical equipment, appliance and
component manufacturing

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

17


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NMP Industrial and Commercial Uses that Drive the Unreasonable Risk

Industrial and commercial use as a solvent (for cleaning or degreasing) in electrical equipment, appliance and
component manufacturing for use in semiconductor manufacturing

Industrial and commercial use in ink, toner and colorant products in printer ink and inks in writing equipment

Industrial and commercial use in processing aids, specific to petroleum production in petrochemical
manufacturing, in other uses in oil and gas drilling, extraction and support activities, and in functional fluids
(closed systems)

Industrial and commercial use in adhesives and sealants including binding agents, single component glues
and adhesives, including lubricant adhesives, and two-component glues and adhesives including some resins

Industrial and commercial use in other uses in soldering materials

U.S. Environment^ Protection Agency

18


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NMP Industrial and Commercial Uses and Disposal that Drive the
Unreasonable Risk

Industrial and commercial use in other uses in anti-freeze and de-icing products, automotive care products, and
lubricants and greases

Industrial and commercial use in other uses in metal products not covered elsewhere, and lubricant and lubricant
additives including hydrophilic coatings

Industrial and commercial use in other uses in laboratory chemicals
Industrial and commercial uses in other uses in battery manufacturing

Industrial and commercial use in other uses in cleaning lithium-ion and furniture care products, including wood
cleaners and gasket removers

Industrial and commercial use in other uses in fertilizer and other agricultural chemical manufacturing, processing
aids and solvents

Disposal

U.S. Environment^ Protection Agency

19


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NMP Consumer Uses that Drive the Unreasonable Risk

Consumer use in adhesives and sealants in glues and adhesives, including lubricant adhesives and sealants

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency

20


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Basis for Unreasonable Risk Determination: Workers

•	The unreasonable risk determination for workers is based on the following health hazards
during occupational exposures to NMP:

-	Developmental effects from acute inhalation and dermal exposures

-	Reproductive effects from chronic inhalation and dermal exposures

•	Consideration of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

-	EPA does not assume that workers are always provided or appropriately wear PPE, for the purposes of unreasonable
risk determination

-	EPA does not assume that it is a standard industry practice that workers in some small commercial facilities (e.g., those
performing cleaning or degreasing, using automotive care products, soldering materials, or commercial printing and
copying) have a respiratory protection program or regularly employ dermal protection; therefore, the use of respirators
and gloves is assumed to be unlikely for workers in these facilities

-	When no PPE is assumed to be in place, 29 of the 37 COUs drive the unreasonable risk

-	As previously noted, this assumption results in three additional COUs driving the unreasonable risk determination, and
five conditions of use with acute effects in addition to chronic affects driving the unreasonable risk determination

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency

21


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Basis for Unreasonable Risk Determination: Consumers

•	The unreasonable risk determinations for consumers is based on the following health
hazards during consumer exposures to NMP:

- Developmental toxicity from acute inhalation and dermal exposure

•	The unreasonable risk determinations were based on the high intensity risk estimates for
consumers

•	EPA did not evaluate chronic exposures to NMP for consumer users because EPA
considered the frequency of consumer product use to be too low to create chronic risk
concerns

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency


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Related Regulations and TSCA Section 6 Authority

•	NMP is subject to several federal laws and regulations in the United States and is also subject
to regulatory actions by states

- See separate document "Related Regulations (EPA, other Federal, State, and International)" for more information
on the regulatory history of NMP

•	EPA determined that NMP presents an unreasonable risk to workers and consumers in the
TSCA risk evaluation

•	Therefore, EPA is required to develop risk management actions under TSCA to address the
unreasonable risk

•	TSCA Section 9 allows EPA to use statutory authorities to a sufficient extent by action taken
under a Federal law not administrated by the Administrator to reduce or eliminate identified risk
to health or the environment

U.S. Environm^!^ Protection Agency

23


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Risk Management Requirements

•	Under TSCA, EPA is required to take action, to the extent necessary, to address chemicals
that pose unreasonable risks to human health or the environment

•	EPA must issue a TSCA section 6(a) rule following risk evaluation to address all identified
unreasonable risks within two years:

-	Proposed rule one year after risk evaluation

-	Final rule two years after risk evaluation

•	Specific requirements on consideration of alternatives, selecting among options and
statement of effects apply to risk management rules

•	Input from stakeholders is critical to the process and EPA is seeking stakeholder input now
during the SBAR process and during the public comment period following the proposed rule

U.S. Environmen^lJ^rotection Agency

24


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TSCA 6a Rule Requirements (15 U.S.C 2605(c)(2)):

(A)	Statement of effects

-	In proposing and promulgating a rule under subsection (a) with respect to a chemical substance or mixture, the Administrator shall consider and
publish a statement based on reasonably available information with respect to—

-	(i) the effects of the chemical substance or mixture on health and the magnitude of the exposure of human beings to the chemical substance or
mixture;

-	(ii) the effects of the chemical substance or mixture on the environment and the magnitude of the exposure of the environment to such substance
or mixture;

-	(iii) the benefits of the chemical substance or mixture for various uses; and

-	(iv) the reasonably ascertainable economic consequences of the rule, including consideration of—

•	(I) the likely effect of the rule on the national economy, small business, technological innovation, the environment, and public health;

•	(II) the costs and benefits of the proposed and final regulatory action and of the 1 or more primary alternative regulatory actions considered
by the Administrator; and

•	(III) the cost effectiveness of the proposed regulatory action and of the 1 or more primary alternative regulatory actions considered by the
Administrator.

(B)	Selecting requirements

-	In selecting among prohibitions and other restrictions, the Administrator shall factor in, to the extent practicable, the considerations under
subparagraph (A) in accordance with subsection (a).

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25


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TSCA Section 6(a)

•	TSCA provides EPA with authority to address unreasonable risks, and to regulate entities

including:

-	Manufacturers (including importers and importers of articles) afl4

-	Processors (e.g., formulators)

-	Distributors

-	Commercial users (workplaces and workers)

-	Entities disposing of chemicals for commercial purposes

•	Cannot directly regulate consumer users

-	Under TSCA, EPA has authority to regulate at the manufacturing, processing and distribution
levels in the supply chain to eliminate or restrict the availability of chemicals and chemical-
containing products for consumer use

-	These authorities allow EPA to regulate at key points in the supply chain to effectively address
unreasonable risks to consumers

U.S. Environmen^^Protection Agency	26


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TSCA Section 6(a) Regulatory Options

•	Prohibit, limit or otherwise restrict manufacture, processing or distribution in commerce

•	Prohibit, limit or otherwise restrict manufacture, processing or distribution in commerce for
particular use or for use above a set concentration

•	Require minimum warnings and instructions with respect to use, distribution, and/or disposal

•	Require recordkeeping, monitoring or testing

•	Prohibit or regulate manner or method of commercial use

•	Prohibit or regulate manner or method of disposal by certain persons

•	Direct manufacturers/processors to give notice of the unreasonable risk determination to
distributors, users, and the public and replace or repurchase

U.S. Environmen^^Protection Agency	27


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Availability of Alternatives: TSCA Section 6(c)(2)(C)

• TSCA section 6(c)(2)(C) requires EPA.. in deciding whether to prohibit or
restrict in a manner that substantially prevents a specific condition of use of a
chemical substance or mixture, and in setting an appropriate transition period
for such action...to the extent practicable, whether technically and economically
feasible alternatives that benefit health or the environment, compared to the
use so proposed to be prohibited or restricted, will be reasonably available as a
substitute when the proposed prohibition or other restriction takes effect"

-	Substitute products and methods vary by condition of use

-	For example, alternatives to NMP in paint and coating removal include solvent-based alternatives like
n-ethylpyrrolidone (NEP), benzyl alcohol, and other methyl acetate-based stripping formulations, or
process-based alternatives like heat and sanding (

content/uploads/sites/31/2019/09/Final-NMP-Paint-Stripper-Graffiti-Remover Profile.pdf)

U.S. Environm^it^ Protection Agency	28


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Effective Dates: TSCA Section 6(d)

•	TSCA section 6(d) describes effective dates and compliance dates for TSCA section 6(a) rules

•	In these rules, EPA must specify an effective date, which must be as soon as practicable

•	Except for uses exempted under TSCA section 6(g), EPA must:

- Specify mandatory compliance dates for all rule requirements, no later than five years after
promulgation of the rule, or, in the case of a ban or phase-out:

•	Specify mandatory compliance dates for the start of a ban or phase-out requirements, which shall be as
soon as practicable and no later than five years after promulgation of the rule, and

•	Specify mandatory compliance dates for full implementation of a ban or phase-out requirements, which
shall be as soon as practicable

•	EPA must also provide for a reasonable transition period

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Critical or Essential Uses: TSCA Section 6(g)

TSCA Section 6(g) allows EPA to grant, by rule, a time-limited exemption from a section 6(a) rule for a specific condition of use
• EPA can provide an exemption under three conditions:

—	The specific condition of use is a critical or essential use for which no technically and economically feasible safer alternative is available;

—	Compliance with the rule would significantly disrupt the national economy, national security, or critical infrastructure; or

—	The specific condition of use, as compared to alternatives, provides a substantial benefit to health, the environment, or public safety

In granting an exemption, EPA must:

—	Provide a time limit for the exemption

—	Analyze the need for the exemption and make the analysis public

—	Include conditions, such as recordkeeping, monitoring, and reporting requirements, to the extent EPA determines they are necessary to protect health and the
environment while achieving the purposes of the exemption

EPA appreciates any information to inform whether it would be appropriate to propose an exemption under section 6(g), such as:

—	How the exemption request for a COU would meet one or more of the criteria under section 6(g) and information on specific impacts if the chemical were not available

—	Whether the chemical is used to meet requirements or specifications from other regulations, describe the process, timeline, and challenges for obtaining
industry/government approval for use of an alternative substance or method

—	Description of how long a potential section 6(g) exemption would be needed and why

U.S. Environ^jejiJal Protection Agency

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Hierarchy of Controls

EPA is considering the NIOSH/OSHA
hierarchy of controls when developing risk
management actions

-	As described by NIOSH

(https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/hierarchv/default.html),
the hierarchy of controls can be used to implement
feasible and effective controls to protect workers

-	It typically includes elimination, substitution, engineering
controls, administrative controls, and PRE on a scale of
most to least protective

Any regulatory requirement can be used alone or
in combination to the extent necessary so that
NMP no longer presents an unreasonable risk
under its conditions of use

Most
effective

Hierarchy of Controls



¦

Least
effective

Elimination

Substitution

Engineering
Controls

Administrative
Controls

PPE f—

f

¥

Physically remove
the hazard

Replace
the hazard

Isolate people
from the hazard

Change the way
people work

Protect the worker with
Personal Protective Equipment

image by NIOSH

b ttps-J/www. cdc gov/niosh/topics/h ierarchy/defa u It. h tm I

U.S. Environm^t|^ Protection Agency

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Potential Regulatory Options

•	EPA has considered several regulatory options under TSCA section 6(a), and a wide range of risk
reduction practices and options

•	Through Agency review and stakeholder input, the following potential options have been identified
as reducing exposures, so NMP no longer presents an unreasonable risk of injury to health

•	These options are currently being considered and evaluated by EPA, and are not final at this time.
EPA has not made a decision at this point about what regulatory options to propose

•	Regulatory requirements could be used alone or in combination to the extent necessary so that
NMP no longer presents an unreasonable risk under its conditions of use

- Additionally, under TSCA section 6(g), EPA may propose a time-limited exemption for a specific condition
of use under three circumstances, as discussed previously on slide 30

U.S. Environm^it|^ Protection Agency

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Potential Regulatory Options

Prohibit use above a set concentration (concentration limits)

Prescriptive PPE controls

Prescriptive administrative controls

Prescriptive engineering controls

Combination of controls (non-prescriptive)

Prohibit or restrict manufacturing, processing, and distribution

Prohibit or restrict manufacturing, processing, and distribution for a particular

Regulatory options applied broadly with other restrictions

-	Recordkeeping and downstream notification

-	Monitoring and labeling

-	Training, certification, and limited access program

U.S. Environmen^y^rotection Agency


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Potential Regulatory Options, cont.

•	EPA has not decided on the primary regulatory options to propose in the rule.

•	Nonetheless, EPA's primary performance metric for eliminating the unreasonable risk
of injury to human health is to eliminate or reduce significantly direct dermal contact
with NMP. EPA is considering the following regulatory options and seeking feedback
on the impacts of applying one or more of the following regulatory options to address
the unreasonable risk from NMP.

•	Unlike some of the other chemicals currently undergoing risk management under
TSCA section 6, EPA is not considering an airborne concentration limit for NMP and is
focusing on dermal protection measures. The 2020 risk evaluation for NMP and
revised unreasonable risk determination found that the unreasonable risk of injury to
human health is driven by direct dermal contact with liquid NMP.

U.S. Environmen^l^rotectiori Agency

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Potential Regulatory Options, cont.

• For processing, industrial, and commercial uses (occupational exposures) EPA is considering the following
regulatory options to address the unreasonable risk:

- Concentration Limit

•	A risk management option that would restrict the concentration or weight fraction within the formulation.

•	For example, if scientific analysis supported it, EPA could limit the percentage amount of the chemical in the
formulation if that percentage addressed the unreasonable risk and the formulation was still efficacious.

•	In the 2020 Risk Evaluation for NMP, EPA identified the expected weight fraction of NMP in liquid products based
on publicly available information, public comments, and available products on the market. If ranges of NMP in
formulations were identified, EPA generally assessed the lower bound of the range as the central tendency and the
upper bound of the range as the high end.

-	Example: EPA identified and assessed the commercial use of NMP in paints, coatings, adhesives and sealants based on
products with 2-53% NMP. At the high-end concentration, in the expected occupational exposure scenarios, these conditions
of use drive the unreasonable risk.

-	Example: EPA identified and assessed the commercial use of NMP in metal finishing products with 60-90% NMP. At these
concentrations, in the expected occupational exposure scenarios, this condition of use drives the unreasonable risk.

•	There is uncertainty if lowering the concentration limit may impact efficacy of the products. For a concentration or
weight fraction limit to address the unreasonable risk, it would need to be lower than those that drove the
unreasonable risk in the risk evaluation.

U.S. Environmen^l^rotectiori Agency

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Potential Regulatory Options, cont.

•	Prescriptive Engineering Controls

-	Would reduce worker exposure by requiring specific physical changes to the workplace to
eliminate or reduce direct dermal contact

-	Examples: installing additional or different equipment, such as enclosed transfer liquid lines,
closed loop container systems or a laboratory type fume hood, to reduce the exposure to the
chemical

•	Prescriptive Administrative Controls

-	Would reduce worker exposure by requiring processes or procedures in the workplace to eliminate
or reduce direct dermal contact

-	Examples: Limit access to work areas (restricted areas) or confining operations (enclosed areas)

-	EPA's confidence that the unreasonable risk from NMP can be addressed is highest for highly
standardized and industrialized settings, such as where NMP is used in a closed-loop system

U.S. Environmen^y^rotectiori Agency

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Potential Regulatory Options, cont

• Prescriptive PPE Controls

-	A risk management option that would require the use of specific PPE to minimize exposure. This may limit flexibility for the regulated entity

Some examples of potential PPE that could contribute to reducing the unreasonable risk are listed separately in Appendix F of the 2020 final risk evaluation, as well
as the Potential Costs of Regulatory Options table later in this presentation

-	Requiring the use of dermal and inhalation PPE that provides an impervious barrier in combination with a set concentration limit of NMP
would allow more flexibility for regulated entities to mitigate unreasonable risk

-	EPA anticipates that PPE would need to be combined with training and other controls in order to address the unreasonable risk from NMP

Combination of Controls (non-prescriptive)

-	A combination of risk management approaches for conditions of use where strict industrial practices may already exist. Enables users to
determine how to most effectively separate, distance, physically remove, or isolate workers from direct handling of NMP or from contact
with equipment/materials for which NMP may exist based on what works best for their workplace and the ability to combine prescriptive
controls

-	Would eliminate direct dermal contact in accordance with the Pollution Prevention Act and NIOSH hierarchy of controls

-	Could include engineering or administrative controls to reduce or eliminate exposure

-	If direct dermal contact could not be eliminated using elimination, substitution, engineering controls, or administrative controls, could
require personal protective equipment that provides an impervious barrier

-	Examples: Automation, barriers, or design of tools

U.S. Environmen^y^rotectiori Agency

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Potential Regulatory Options, cont.

• Prohibition

-	EPA could include prohibition on manufacturing, processing, distribution, use, or disposal for
specific conditions of use or the chemical as a whole

-	EPA requests data and feedback about availability and viability of NMP alternatives, testing and
analysis that SERs have completed of potential alternatives, the cost impacts of SERs
switching to alternatives, and the overall impacts to SERs' businesses if NMP is prohibited.

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency

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Potential Regulatory Options, cont.

• For consumer uses, EPA is considering the following regulatory options to address the
unreasonable risk:

-	Regulation at key points in the supply chain (manufacturing, processing, and/or distribution) to address
unreasonable risks to consumers

•	Example: March 2019 rule to address unreasonable risks to consumers from methylene chloride in
paint and coating removal prohibited manufacture (including import), processing, and distribution in
commerce of methylene chloride for this use (including distribution to and by retailers)

-	Potential regulatory options:

•	Prohibition

•	Concentration Limits

•	Container size

U.S. Environmen^y^rotection Agency


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Potential Regulatory Options, cont

Regulatory options applied broadly with other restrictions

-	Recordkeeping - example: ordinary business records to demonstrate compliance
(for example not selling products to consumers)

-	Downstream notification - example: modify the SDS to indicate that the product
should not be used in consumer products or indicate other regulatory requirements

-	Monitoring - example: monitor for compliance or concentration limits

-	Labeling - example: labeling products to indicate that they should not be used by
consumers or to describe other regulatory requirements

-	Container size - example: a minimum or maximum container size (e.g., 32 ounce
container, 55 gallon drum) to reduce likelihood of purchase by certain types of users
(consumers or commercial users)

-	Limited access program - example: access only to users with certain equipment or
types of faci I ities	u 3	^


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Cost of Regulatory Options

Option/Type of Cost

Estimated Compliance
Cost

Notes

Prohibition of manufacturing,

processing, and distribution

Prohibition of Use

Varies with condition of use
Varies with condition of use

Cost will vary by condition of use. Potential activities could
include changes in process and equipment, costs of alternatives,
reformulation (see below), and more. Requires input from
potentially regulated entities.

Cost will vary by condition of use. Potential activities could
include changes in process and equipment, costs of alternatives,
reformulation (see below), and more. Requires input from
potentially regulated entities.

Reformulation of product to
reduce NMP concentration

$17,000 per product

Costs reflect dilution reformulation approach.

Reformulation of product to
eliminate NMP concentration

Costs will vary by condition of use and will be dependent on
$60,000-$102,000 per product reformulation approach. Requires input from potentially regulated

entities.

U.S. Environmen^l^rotectiori Agency 41


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Cost of Regulatory Options, cont.

Option/Type of Cost

Engineering/

Administrative Controls

Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) - (e.g., respirators)

Estimated Compliance Cost

Varies by control type and needs of
user

APF10: $1,800
APF25: $1,300
APF50: $1,700
APF 1000: $1,100
APF 10000: $2,000

Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) (dermal)

Reusable gloves: $6-$55
Disposable gloves: $0.50
Reusable apron:$25-$34
Disposable apron: $4

A1-59

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Notes

Requires input from potentially regulated entities

Annualized costs are per person and include
purchase of equipment (including filters), training, fit-
testing, and medical clearance. The unit costs include
a written respiratory program and equipment
cleaning. Does not include existing PPE use nor PPE
replacement due to employee turn-over. Includes
both purified and supplied air respirators.

Reusable glove costs are per pair of butyl, laminated
polyethylene, neoprene, and natural rubber/latex
gloves. Disposable glove costs are per pair of nitrile
gloves. Disposable nitrile gloves are not used alone,
but in combination with the reusable gloves.

Reusable apron costs are per nitrile and neoprene
apron. Disposable apron costs are per polyethylene
apron.


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Cost of Regulatory Options, cont.

Option/Type of Cost

Combination of controls (non-
prescriptive)

Estimated Compliance Cost

Annualized costs of Exposure control
plan:

$560-$630 per facility costs
$35 per worker costs

One-time costs of Exposure control plan:

-	40 hours one time cost to develop plan:
$3,730 per facility

-	4 hours annual cost for regular
inspections: $370 per facility per year

-	0.43 hours annual recordkeeping: $40
per facility per year

Notes

Non-prescriptive approach would likely include
development of an exposure control plan. Costs include
costs for conducting regular inspections, PRE program
plan documentation, records of plan implementation,
and records of dermal exposure. Includes both per-
facility and per-worker costs. Costs will depend on
baseline PRE and dermal exposure control plan
activities.

Costs of engineering controls,
monitoring, or PPE varies by control type
and needs of user

See PPE costs for glove and apron costs

A1-60

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency


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Cost of Regulatory Options, cont.

Option/Type of Cost

Estimated Compliance Cost

Notes

Product Label or Warnings

$830- $8,900 per product, one time cost

Costs will vary by condition of use. Potential
activities may nclude graphic design changes,
plate changes, discarded inventory, and labor.

Container Sizes

$9,500-$47,500 per product, one time cost

A change in container size would lead to costs at
the lower end while a packaging material change
would likely result in costs at the higher end.

Substitute Products (average per
ounce)

Varies with condition of use

Would vary by price of NMP per ounce vs.
substitutes, as well as the differences in efficacy of
the substitute products.

Substitute Methods

Varies by job labor rate

This will primarily be labor cost and cost of
alternative equipment.



U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency

44


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Cost of Regulatory Options, cont.

Option/Type of Cost

Estimated Compliance Cost

Notes

Recordkeeping

$218-$340 per firm

Ongoing annual labor and material costs
associated with documentation of ordinary
business records.

Downstream Notification

$121 -$138 per product, one time cost

Costs are per product and include labor and
material costs to update a product's safety data
sheet (SDS).

Limited Access Program

Varies with condition of use and type of
distributor

Would vary by type of requirements for
certification and any distribution processes or
restrictions already in place.

U.S. Environmen^y|rotectiori Agency

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In-Depth Discussion on Conditions of Use for NMP

1.	Manufacturing, repackaging/recycling, and disposal

2.	Commercial processing and formulation uses

3.	Industrial and commercial paint, coating, and solvent uses

4.	Industrial and commercial uses in manufacturing of
electronic parts, semiconductors, and lithium-ion batteries

5.	Consumer uses

U.S. Environmen^y^rotectiori Agency

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NMP Group 1: Manufacturers, Repackaging/Recycling,
and Disposal

Relevant conditions of use:

-	Manufacturing (domestic manufacture)

-	Manufacturing (import)

-	Processing: repackaging in wholesale and retail trade

-	Processing: recycling

-	Disposal

What is NMP used for? How is it applied?

-	NMP is domestically manufactured, imported, and repackaged from bulk containers to smaller containers; NMP is
loaded and unloaded into different containers

-	NMP waste streams are collected and transported to third-party sites for disposal, treatment, or recycling

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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Potential Regulatory Options for NMP Group 1:
Manufacturing, Repackaging/Recycling, and Disposal

As noted previously EPA is considering the following regulatory options and is seeking your
feedback. Any regulatory requirement could be used alone or in combination to the extent
necessary so that NMP no longer presents an unreasonable risk under its conditions of use:

•	Prescriptive Controls (Engineering, Administrative, PPE)

•	Combination of Controls (Non-Prescriptive)

•	Prohibition

•	Regulatory options applied broadly with other restrictions

-	Recordkeeping and downstream notification

-	Monitoring and labeling

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

48


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Discussion with Small Entity Representatives

Please provide your comments or questions regarding:

•	Number and types of small entities affected

•	Potential reporting, recordkeeping and compliance
requirements

•	Related Federal rules

•	Regulatory flexibility alternatives

U.S. Environmen^y^rotection Agency


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Discussion - Your Business and NMP

•	How does your organization use NMP?

•	Can you describe the specific use, as well as the workplace and workplace
setting where it is used?

•	What is the trend of NMP use in your organization?

•	How important to your business is the function that NMP provides?

•	Are there potential critical or essential uses?

•	Are there uses for which there are no available technically or economically
feasible alternatives?

U.S. Environmen^y^rotection Agency	50


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Discussion - Workplace Exposure

•	What is your experience with exposure control and risk reduction?

•	How many employees are exposed to NMP, and for how long (days/years and hours/day)?

•	What is the concentration of NMP in the product you use?

•	What routine worker activities result in worker exposure to NMP and what type of exposure?

•	What engineering controls are used to minimize exposure to NMP? Are additional controls
feasible?

•	What administrative controls and training do you use to minimize exposure to NMP?

•	What respiratory and dermal PPE is regularly worn by workers to minimize exposure to NMP?

U.S. Environmen^y^rotection Agency

51


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Discussion - Regulatory Options

•	What regulatory approach should EPA take?

•	Are there concerns about the ability to comply with any of the
potential regulatory options?

•	What advice do you have for reducing impacts on small
businesses?

•	What timeframe would your business need to comply with
potential new regulations or restrictions?

U.S. Environmen^y^rotectiori Agency

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NMP Group 2: Processors

Relevant conditions of use

-	Processing - as a reactant or intermediate in plastic material and resin manufacturing and other non-incorporative
processing

-	Processing - Incorporation into a formulation, mixture or reaction product in multiple industrial sectors

-	Processing - Incorporation into articles in lubricants and lubricant additives in machinery manufacturing

-	Processing - Incorporation into articles as a solvent (which becomes part of a product formulation or mixture) including
in textiles, apparel and leather manufacturing

-	Processing - Incorporation into articles in paint additives and coating additives not described by other codes in
transportation equipment manufacturing

-	Processing - Incorporation into articles in other sectors, including in plastic product manufacturing

What is NMP used for? How is it applied?

-	NMP is commonly used as a feedstock in the production of other chemicals products and may be incorporated into
various products and formulations at varying concentrations for further distribution

-	These uses entail use of NMP as an intermediate, as a media for synthesis, processing, and purification

-	NMP may be used for maintenance, bottling, shipping, sampling and loading into or unloading from containers

U.S. Environmen^Lf^rotection Agency


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Potential Regulatory Options for NMP Group 2: Processors

As noted previously EPA is considering the following regulatory options and is seeking your
feedback. Any regulatory requirement could be used alone or in combination to the extent
necessary so that NMP no longer presents an unreasonable risk under its conditions of use:

•	Concentration Limit

•	Prescriptive Controls (Engineering, Administrative, PPE)

•	Combination of Controls (Non-Prescriptive)

•	Prohibition

•	Regulatory options applied broadly with other restrictions

-	Recordkeeping and downstream notification

-	Monitoring and labeling

U.S. Environmen^L^rotection Agency

54


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Discussion with Small Entity Representatives

Please provide your comments or questions regarding:

•	Number and types of small entities affected

•	Potential reporting, recordkeeping and compliance
requirements

•	Related Federal rules

•	Regulatory flexibility alternatives

U.S. Environmen^Lf^rotectiori Agency


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Discussion - Your Business and NMP

•	How does your organization use NMP?

•	Can you describe the specific use, as well as the workplace and workplace
setting where it is used?

•	What is the trend of NMP use in your organization?

•	How important to your business is the function that NMP provides?

•	Are there potential critical or essential uses?

•	Are there uses for which there are no available technically or economically
feasible alternatives?

U.S. Environmen^L^rotection Agency	56


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Discussion - Workplace Exposure

•	What is your experience with exposure control and risk reduction?

•	How many employees are exposed to NMP, and for how long (days/years and hours/day)?

•	What is the concentration of NMP in the product you use?

•	What routine worker activities result in worker exposure to NMP and what type of exposure?

•	What engineering controls are used to minimize exposure to NMP? Are additional controls
feasible?

•	What administrative controls and training do you use to minimize exposure to NMP?

•	What respiratory and dermal PPE is regularly worn by workers to minimize exposure to NMP?

U.S. Environmen^Lf^rotection Agency

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Discussion - Formulators of Products Containing NMP

•	Product reformulation

-	How often do you reformulate your products?

-	What is the typical cost of reformulating your products?

-	What might reformulation costs be if you needed to reformulate your products
without NMP? (For example, costs might include R&D, testing, capital costs of
production changes, packaging, labeling)

•	Product relabeling

-	How often do you relabel your products?

-	What is the typical cost of relabeling?

U.S. Environmen^Lf^rotection Agency


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Discussion - Formulators of Products Containing NMP (Cont.)

• Alternatives

-	Do you sell another product that does not contain NMP that is designed for
the same use or application as the NMP product?

•	If yes, what solvent replaces NMP in the alternative product? How does the alternative
product compare in terms of safety, efficacy, and cost?

•	If no, if you needed to reformulate this product with a lower concentration of NMP, what would
the implications be for the product in terms of cost and efficacy? What solvent would replace
NMP? How do you think the alternative would compare in terms of efficacy and cost?

-	Are there any restrictions or other limitations that prescribe the use of NMP
to perform your services (e.g., for aerospace or DOD customers)?

-	Is there a subset of uses for your product where using a product formulated
without NMP would be problematic?

U.S. Environmen^Lf^rotectiori Agency

59


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Discussion - Regulatory Options

•	What regulatory approach should EPA take?

•	Are there concerns about the ability to comply with any of the
potential regulatory options?

•	What advice do you have for reducing impacts on small
businesses?

•	What timeframe would your business need to comply with
potential new regulations or restrictions?

U.S. Environmen^Lf^rotectiori Agency

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NMP Group 3: Industrial and Commercial Paint and
Coating and Solvent Uses

• Relevant conditions of use:

-	Industrial and commercial use in paints, coatings, and adhesive removers

-	Industrial and commercial use in paints and coatings in lacquers, stains, primers and floor finishes and powder coatings in
surface preparation

-	Industrial and commercial use in paint additives and coating additives not described by other codes in multiple manufacturing
sectors

-	Industrial and commercial use in ink, toner and colorant products in printer ink and inks in writing equipment

-	Industrial and commercial use in processing aids, specific to petroleum production in petrochemical manufacturing, in other uses
in oil and gas drilling, extraction and support activities, and in functional fluids (closed systems)

-	Industrial and commercial use in adhesives and sealants including binding agents, single component glues and adhesives,
including lubricant adhesives, and two-component glues and adhesives including some resins

-	Industrial and commercial use in soldering materials

-	Industrial and commercial use in anti-freeze and de-icing, automotive care products, and lubricants and greases

-	Industrial and commercial use metal products, lubricant and lubricant additives including hydrophilic coatings

-	Industrial and commercial use in laboratory chemicals

-	Industrial and commercial use in cleaning and furniture care products, including wood cleaners and gasket removers

-	Industrial and commercial use in fertilizer and other agricultural chemical manufacturing, processing aids, and solvents

61

U.S. Environmental Prc&MSon Agency


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NMP Group 3: Industrial and Commercial Paint and
Coating and Solvent Uses

• What is NMP used for? How is it applied?

-	NMP is used in paints and coatings, in paint/coating additives and as a solvent for cleaning and
degreasing to remove a variety of contaminants and materials in a variety of businesses

-	NMP is used in processing aids in petroleum production in petrochemical manufacturing, in other
uses in oil and gas drilling, extraction and support activities and in functional fluids in a closed
system

-	NMP is also used in adhesives and sealants and in various automotive care products including anti-
freeze, de-icing products and lubricants and greases

-	NMP is also used in metal products

-	Activities include loading/unloading, analytical and maintenance activities

U.S. Environmental Pro^ci^on Agency

62


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Potential Regulatory Options for NMP Group 3: Industrial
and Commercial Paint and Coating and Solvent Uses

As noted previously EPA is considering the following regulatory options and is seeking your feedback.
Any regulatory requirement could be used alone or in combination to the extent necessary so that NMP
no longer presents an unreasonable risk under its conditions of use:

•	Concentration Limit

•	Prescriptive Controls (Engineering, Administrative, PPE)

•	Combination of Controls (Non-Prescriptive)

•	Prohibition

•	Regulatory options applied broadly with other restrictions

-	Recordkeeping and downstream notification

-	Monitoring and labeling

-	Container size

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency

63


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Discussion with Small Entity Representatives

Please provide your comments or questions regarding:

•	Number and types of small entities affected

•	Potential reporting, recordkeeping and compliance
requirements

•	Related Federal rules

•	Regulatory flexibility alternatives

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency


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Discussion - Your Business and NMP

•	How does your organization use NMP?

•	Can you describe the specific use, as well as the workplace and workplace
setting where it is used?

•	What is the trend of NMP use in your organization?

•	How important to your business is the function that NMP provides?

•	Are there potential critical or essential uses?

•	Are there uses for which there are no available technically or economically
feasible alternatives?


-------
Discussion - Workplace Exposure

•	What is your experience with exposure control and risk reduction?

•	How many employees are exposed to NMP, and for how long (days/years and hours/day)?

•	What is the concentration of NMP in the product you use?

•	What routine worker activities result in worker exposure to NMP and what type of exposure?

•	What engineering controls are used to minimize exposure to NMP? Are additional controls
feasible?

•	What administrative controls and training do you use to minimize exposure to NMP?

•	What respiratory and dermal PPE is regularly worn by workers to minimize exposure to NMP?

U.S. Environmen^y^rotection Agency	66


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Discussion - Users of Products Containing NMP

•	What chemicals or processes have you considered as an alternative to using
NMP or a product containing NMP?

•	Do you currently use any alternatives to NMP or products containing NMP?

•	Did you try to switch to another chemical, process, or product, only to switch
back? If so, what did you switch to, why did you switch back, and what made you
switch in the first place?

•	Are there any restrictions or other limitations that prescribe the use of NMP to
perform your services (e.g., for aerospace or DOD customers)?

•	What are the relative advantages and disadvantages of different substitutes
and/or processes that you have considered, including in terms of exposure, cost,
and hazard?

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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Discussion - Regulatory Options

•	What regulatory approach should EPA take?

•	Are there concerns about the ability to comply with any of the
potential regulatory options?

•	What advice do you have for reducing impacts on small
businesses?

•	What timeframe would your business need to comply with
potential new regulations or restrictions?

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency

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NMP Group 4: Industrial and Commercial Uses in
Manufacturing of Electronic Parts, Semiconductors, and
Lithium-Ion Batteries

•	Relevant conditions of use:

•	Industrial and commercial use in paint additives and coating additives not described by other codes in computer
and electronic product manufacturing in electronic parts manufacturing

•	Industrial and commercial use in paint additives and coating additives not described by other codes in computer
and electronic product manufacturing for use in semiconductor manufacturing

•	Industrial and commercial use as a solvent (for cleaning or degreasing) in electrical equipment, appliance
and component manufacturing

•	Industrial and commercial use as a solvent (for cleaning or degreasing) in electrical equipment, appliance
and component manufacturing for use in semiconductor manufacturing

•	Industrial and commercial uses in other uses in lithium-ion battery manufacturing

•	What is NMP used for? How is it applied?

-	NMP is used as a paint additive and coating additive and as a solvent in cleaning and degreasing in manufacturing of
electronic parts and semiconductors

-	NMP is used in lithium-ion battery manufacturing in cathode coating, cathode mixing, and other activities

U.S. Environmen^y^rotection Agency	69


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Potential Regulatory Options for NMP Group 4: Industrial
and Commercial Uses in Manufacturing of Electronic Parts,
Semiconductors, and Lithium-Ion Batteries

As noted previously EPA is considering the following regulatory options and is seeking your
feedback. Any regulatory requirement could be used alone or in combination to the extent
necessary so that NMP no longer presents an unreasonable risk under its conditions of use:

•	Prescriptive Controls (Engineering, Administrative, PPE)

•	Combination of Controls (Non-Prescriptive)

•	Prohibition

•	Regulatory options applied broadly with other restrictions

-	Recordkeeping and downstream notification

-	Monitoring and labeling

U.S. Environmen^y^rotection Agency

70


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Discussion with Small Entity Representatives

Please provide your comments or questions regarding:

•	Number and types of small entities affected

•	Potential reporting, recordkeeping and compliance
requirements

•	Related Federal rules

•	Regulatory flexibility alternatives

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency


-------
Discussion - Your Business and NMP

•	How does your organization use NMP?

•	Can you describe the specific use, as well as the workplace and workplace
setting where it is used?

•	What is the trend of NMP use in your organization?

•	How important to your business is the function that NMP provides?

•	Are there potential critical or essential uses?

•	Are there uses for which there are no available technically or economically
feasible alternatives?

U.S. Environmen^y^rotection Agency	72


-------
Discussion - Workplace Exposure

•	What is your experience with exposure control and risk reduction?

•	How many employees are exposed to NMP, and for how long (days/years and hours/day)?

•	What is the concentration of NMP in the product you use?

•	What routine worker activities result in worker exposure to NMP and what type of exposure?

•	What engineering controls are used to minimize exposure to NMP? Are additional controls
feasible?

•	What administrative controls and training do you use to minimize exposure to NMP?

•	What respiratory and dermal PPE is regularly worn by workers to minimize exposure to NMP?

U.S. Environmen^y^rotection Agency

73


-------
Discussion - Users of Products Containing NMP

•	What chemicals or processes have you considered as an alternative to using
NMP or a product containing NMP?

•	Do you currently use any alternatives to NMP or products containing NMP?

•	Did you try to switch to another chemical, process, or product, only to switch
back? If so, what did you switch to, why did you switch back, and what made you
switch in the first place?

•	Are there any restrictions or other limitations that prescribe the use of NMP to
perform your services (e.g., for aerospace or DOD customers)?

•	What are the relative advantages and disadvantages of different substitutes
and/or processes that you have considered, including in terms of exposure, cost,
and hazard?

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

74


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Discussion - Regulatory Options

•	What regulatory approach should EPA take?

•	Are there concerns about the ability to comply with any of the
potential regulatory options?

•	What advice do you have for reducing impacts on small
businesses?

•	What timeframe would your business need to comply with
potential new regulations or restrictions?

U.S. Environmen^lJ|rotectiori Agency

75


-------
NMP Group 5: Consumer Uses

• Relevant condition of use:

- Consumer use in adhesives and sealants in glues and adhesives, including
lubricant adhesives and sealants

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency


-------
Potential Regulatory Options for NMP Group 5: Consumer

Uses

As noted previously EPA is considering the following regulatory options and is seeking your
feedback. Any regulatory requirement could be used alone or in combination to the extent
necessary so that NMP no longer presents an unreasonable risk under its conditions of use :

•	Prohibition of manufacturing, processing or distribution of products for consumer use

•	Concentration limit

•	Regulatory options applied broadly with other restrictions

-	Recordkeeping and downstream notification

-	Monitoring and labeling

-	Container size

U.S. Environmen^y^rotection Agency

77


-------
Discussion with Small Entity Representatives

Please provide your comments or questions regarding:

•	Number and types of small entities affected

•	Potential reporting, recordkeeping and compliance
requirements

•	Related Federal rules

•	Regulatory flexibility alternatives

U.S. Environmen^lJ^rotectiori Agency


-------
Discussion - Your Business and NMP

•	How does your organization use NMP?

•	Can you describe the specific use, as well as the workplace and workplace
setting where it is used?

•	What is the trend of NMP use in your organization?

•	How important to your business is the function that NMP provides?

•	Are there potential critical or essential uses?

•	Are there uses for which there are no available technically or economically
feasible alternatives?


-------
Discussion - Distributors and Retailers

•	What is your experience with exposure control and risk reduction?

•	If you could no longer sell products containing NMP, how would this impact your
business?

•	Are there particular challenges to small business doing distribution of products
containing NMP that are different from large distributors?

•	What is your preferred method of downstream notification?

•	If you were required to limit sales of NMP containing products to only persons
who were certified to purchase it, what activities and costs would be involved?
What guidance would be helpful from the Agency?

U.S. Environmen^y^rotection Agency	80


-------
Discussion - Regulatory Options

•	What regulatory approach should EPA take?

•	Are there concerns about the ability to comply with any of the
potential regulatory options?

•	What advice do you have for reducing impacts on small
businesses?

•	What timeframe would your business need to comply with
potential new regulations or restrictions?

U.S. Environmen^lJ^rotectiori Agency

81


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Closing Session

•	Closing remarks from EPA, SBA, and OMB

•	Next steps

-	Written comments by April 11, 2023

-	The risk evaluation and supplemental materials are in docket EPA-
HQ-OPPT-2019-0236, with additional materials supporting the risk
evaluation process and the revised unreasonable risk determination
in docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2016-0743, on www.requlations.gov

U.S. Environmen^y^rotectiori Agency


-------
Additional Information

•	General TSCA: https://www.epa.aov/assessina-and-manaaina-chemicals-under-tsca/frank-r-
lautenbera-chemical-safetv-21st-centurv-act

•	Current Chemical Risk Management Activities: https://www.epa.gov/assessina-and-manaaing-

¦	-J.		•:.; 	=.-5c	-;: 	 	 	 	 	^ y„	-\

chemicals-under-tsca/current-chemical-risk-management-activities

•	NMP Risk Management: https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-
tsca/risk-management-n-methvlpvrrolidone-nmp

•	June 2021 Policy Changes: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-path-forward-
tsca-chemical-risk-evaluations

•	NMP: Clara Hull (Hull.Clara@epa.gov. 202-564-3954)

U.S. Environment^protection Agency

83


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Contact Information

•	EPA SBAR contact: Lanelle Wiggins (Wiqqins.Lanelle@epa.gov)

•	EPA NMP: Clara Hull (Hull.0 ara@epa.gov)

•	SBA Advocacy: Tabby Zeb ( "avvaba.Zeb@sba.gov)

•	OMB OIRA: Austin Mudd (Austin.B.Mudd@omb.eop.gov)

U.S. Environment^protection Agency


-------
Appendix

•	Pre-Panel Outreach SER Questions for Discussion (separate document)

•	Related Regulations (EPA, other Federal, state, and international)
(separate document)

•	Industry Sectors with Small Entities Potentially Affected by the
Rulemaking (separate document)

•	Personal Protective Equipment Respirator System Per Worker Unit Cost
Breakdown (separate document)

•	Example: OSHA Respiratory Protection Table (Slide 86)

•	Dermal Personal Protective Equipment Unit Cost (Slide 87)

U.S. Environment^protection Agency

85


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Example: OSHA Respiratory Protection Table

Minimum Requirements for Respiratory Protection for Airborne Methylene Chloride

Methylene Chloride Airborne
Concentration (ppm) or Condition of Use

Minimum Respirator Required

Continuous flow suppiied-air respirator, hood, or helmet

(1)	Full facepiece supplied-air respirator operated in negative-pressure
(demand) mode

(2)	Fuil facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) operated in
negative-pressure (demand) mode

(1)	Continuous flow supplied-air respirator, full facepiece

(2)	Pressure demand supplied-air respirator, full facepiece

(3)	Positive-pressure full facepiece SCBA

(1)	Positive-pressure full facepiece SCBA

(2)	Full facepiece pressure (demand) supplied-air respirator with an
auxiliary self-contained air supply

Up to 625 ppm (25 X PEL)

Up to 1,250 ppm (50 X PEL)

Up to 5,000 ppm (200 X PEL)

Unknown concentration, or above 5,000
ppm (Greater than 200 X PEL)

Firefighting

Positive-pressure full facepiece SCBA

Emergency Escape

(1)	Any continuous flow or pressure-demand SCBA

(2)	Gas mask with organic vapor canister

https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publicatiQris/osha3144.pdf


-------
Dermal Personal Protective Equipment Unit Cost

Glove Material
Butyl

Natural Rubber/Latex
Neoprene

Laminated Polyethylene
Nitrile

Apron Material

Polyethylene

Neoprene

Nitrile

Type

Reusable
Reusable
Reusable
Reusable
Disposable

Average Price Per Useful Life (pairs

Pair (2021$)

$54.53
$6.16
$11.25
$7.48
$0.56

per year)

4
4
4
4

260

Type

Disposable

Reusable

Reusable

Average Price per Useful Life (per
Apron (2021$)	year)

$3.64	260

$33.87	4

$25.13	4

U.S. Environment^ gptection Agency

87


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Industry Sectors with Small Entities Potentially Affected by the Rule

AM 05


-------
EPA's SBAR Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed
Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

Industry Sectors with Small Entities Potentially Affected by the Rulemaking

Entities potentially regulated by this rulemaking to address the unreasonable risks from NMP include
those entities relevant to the conditions of use of NMP that EPA evaluated, including domestic
manufacturing, import, processing uses of NMP, repackaging and recycling, industrial and commercial
uses of NMP (such as solvents for cleaning or degreasing, adhesives and sealants, lubricants and greases,
paints and coatings, and in a variety of cleaning products), consumer uses (including adhesives and
sealants), and disposal. Entities may include manufacturers (including importers), processors,
formulators, industrial and commercial users, or distributors (such as retailers) of NMP or products
containing NMP within the scope of this rulemaking.

Potentially affected entities will include both employer and non-employer firms and establishments
identified within these sectors by the U.S. Census for each applicable North American Industry
Classification System (NAICS) code. Since the Small Business Administration (SBA) size standard varies by
NAICS code, they are also included in the table below. NAICS codes of potentially affected entities may
include but are not limited to those in Table 1 below. Table 2 shows the estimated number of small firms
by condition of use (COU).

Table 1: Potentially Affected Entities

NAICS

NAICS Description

SBA Size Standard

236115

New Single-family Housing Construction (Except For-Sale Builders)

$45.0 million

236116

New Multifamily Housing Construction (except For-Sale Builders)

$45.0 million

236117

New Housing For-Sale Builders

$45.0 million

236118

Residential Remodelers

$45.0 million

236210

Industrial Building Construction

$45.0 million

236220

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

$45.0 million

237110

Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction

$45.0 million

237120

Oil and Gas Pipeline and Related Structures Construction

$45.0 million

237130

Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction

$45.0 million

237310

Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction

$45.0 million

237990

Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction

$45.0 million

238110

Poured Concrete Foundation and Structure Contractors

$19.0 million

238120

Structural Steel and Precast Concrete Contractors

$19.0 million

238130

Framing Contractors

$19.0 million

238190

Other Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors

$19.0 million

238210

Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors

$19.0 million

238220

Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors

$19.0 million

238290

Other Building Equipment Contractors

$22.0 million

238310

Drywall and Insulation Contractors

$19.0 million

238320

Painting and Wall Covering Contractors

$19.0 million

238330

Flooring Contractors

$19.0 million

238910

Site Preparation Contractors

$19.0 million

238990

All Other Specialty Trade Contractors

$19.0 million

313210

Broadwoven Fabric Mills

1,000 employees

AM 08


-------
EPA's SBAR Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed
Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

NAICS

NAICS Description

SBASize Standard

313320

Fabric Coating Mills

1,000 employees

316110

Leather and Hide Tanning and Finishing

500 employees

316210

Footwear Manufacturing

1,000 employees

321912

Cut Stock, Resawing Lumber, and Planing

500 employees

322220

Paper Bag and Coated and Treated Paper Manufacturing

750 employees

323111

Commercial Printing (except Screen and Books)

500 employees

323113

Commercial Screen Printing

500 employees

323117

Books Printing

1,250 employees

323120

Support Activities for Printing

500 employees

324110

Petroleum Refineries

1,500 employees

324191

Petroleum Lubricating Oil and Grease Manufacturing

750 employees

325110

Petrochemical Manufacturing

1,000 employees

325120

Industrial Gas Manufacturing

1,000 employees

325180

Other Basic Inorganic Chemical Manufacturing

1,000 employees

325199

All Other Basic Organic Chemical Manufacturing

1,250 employees

325199

All Other Basic Organic Chemical Manufacturing

1,250 employees

325211

Plastics Material And Resin Manufacturing

1,250 employees

325220

Artificial and Synthetic Fibers and Filaments Manufacturing

1,000 employees

325320

Pesticide and Other Agricultural Chemical Manufacturing

1,000 employees

325412

Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing

1,250 employees

325510

Paint And Coating Manufacturing

1,000 employees

325520

Adhesive Manufacturing

500 employees

325611

Soap And Other Detergent Manufacturing

1,000 employees

325612

Polish and Other Sanitation Good Manufacturing

750 employees

325612

Polish and Other Sanitation Good Manufacturing

750 employees



All Other Miscellaneous Chemical Product And Preparation



325998

Manufacturing

500 employees

326150

Urethane and Other Foam Product (except Polystyrene) Manufacturing

750 employees

326199

All Other Plastics Product Manufacturing

750 employees

327390

Other Concrete Product Manufacturing

500 employees

327910

Abrasive Product Manufacturing

750 employees

331110

Iron and Steel Mills and Ferroalloy Manufacturing

1,500 employees

331210

Iron and Steel Pipe and Tube Manufacturing from Purchased Steel

1,000 employees

331221

Rolled Steel Shape Manufacturing

1,000 employees

331222

Steel Wire Drawing

1,000 employees

331313

Alumina Refining and Primary Aluminum Production

1,000 employees

331314

Secondary Smelting and Alloying of Aluminum

750 employees

331315

Aluminum Sheet, Plate, and Foil Manufacturing

1,250 employees

331318

Other Aluminum Rolling, Drawing, and Extruding

750 employees

331410

Nonferrous Metal (except Aluminum) Smelting and Refining

1,000 employees

331420

Copper Rolling, Drawing, Extruding, and Alloying

1,000 employees



Nonferrous Metal (except Copper and Aluminum) Rolling, Drawing, and



331491

Extruding

750 employees

AM 07


-------
EPA's SBAR Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed
Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

NAICS

NAICS Description

SBASize Standard



Secondary Smelting, Refining, and Alloying of Nonferrous Metal



331492

(except Copper and Aluminum)

750 employees

331511

Iron Foundries

1,000 employees

331512

Steel Investment Foundries

1,000 employees

331513

Steel Foundries (except Investment)

500 employees

331523

Nonferrous Metal Die-Casting Foundries

500 employees

331524

Aluminum Foundries (except Die-Casting)

500 employees

331529

Other Nonferrous Metal Foundries (except Die-Casting)

500 employees

332111

Iron and Steel Forging

750 employees

332112

Nonferrous Forging

750 employees

332114

Custom Roll Forming

500 employees

332117

Powder Metallurgy Part Manufacturing

500 employees

332119

Metal Crown, Closure, and Other Metal Stamping (except Automotive)

500 employees



Metal Kitchen Cookware, Utensil, Cutlery, and Flatware (except



332215

Precious) Manufacturing

750 employees

332216

Saw Blade and Handtool Manufacturing

750 employees

332311

Prefabricated Metal Building and Component Manufacturing

750 employees

332312

Fabricated Structural Metal Manufacturing

500 employees

332313

Plate Work Manufacturing

750 employees

332321

Metal Window and Door Manufacturing

750 employees

332322

Sheet Metal Work Manufacturing

500 employees

332323

Ornamental and Architectural Metal Work Manufacturing

500 employees

332410

Power Boiler and Heat Exchanger Manufacturing

750 employees

332420

Metal Tank (Heavy Gauge) Manufacturing

750 employees

332431

Metal Can Manufacturing

1,500 employees

332439

Other Metal Container Manufacturing

500 employees

332510

Hardware Manufacturing

750 employees

332613

Spring Manufacturing

500 employees

332618

Other Fabricated Wire Product Manufacturing

500 employees

332710

Machine Shops

500 employees

332721

Precision Turned Product Manufacturing

500 employees

332722

Bolt, Nut, Screw, Rivet, and Washer Manufacturing

500 employees

332811

Metal Heat Treating

750 employees



Metal Coating, Engraving (except Jewelry and Silverware), and Allied



332812

Services to Manufacturers

500 employees

332813

Electroplating, Plating, Polishing, Anodizing, and Coloring

500 employees

332911

Industrial Valve Manufacturing

750 employees

332912

Fluid Power Valve and Hose Fitting Manufacturing

1,000 employees

332913

Plumbing Fixture Fitting and Trim Manufacturing

1,000 employees

332919

Other Metal Valve and Pipe Fitting Manufacturing

750 employees

332991

Ball and Roller Bearing Manufacturing

1,250 employees

332992

Small Arms Ammunition Manufacturing

1,250 employees

332993

Ammunition (except Small Arms) Manufacturing

1,500 employees

A1 -108


-------
EPA's SBAR Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed
Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

NAICS

NAICS Description

SBASize Standard

332994

Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing

1,000 employees

332996

Fabricated Pipe and Pipe Fitting Manufacturing

500 employees

332999

All Other Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing

750 employees

333111

Farm Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing

1,250 employees



Lawn and Garden Tractor and Home Lawn and Garden Equipment



333112

Manufacturing

1,500 employees

333120

Construction Machinery Manufacturing

1,250 employees

333131

Mining Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing

500 employees

333132

Oil and Gas Field Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing

1,250 employees

333241

Food Product Machinery Manufacturing

500 employees

333242

Semiconductor Machinery Manufacturing

1,500 employees

333243

Sawmill, Woodworking, and Paper Machinery Manufacturing

500 employees



Industrial and Commercial Fan and Blower and Air Purification



333413

Equipment Manufacturing

500 employees

333414

Heating Equipment (except Warm Air Furnaces) Manufacturing

500 employees



Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and Commercial



333415

and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing

1,250 employees

333511

Industrial Mold Manufacturing

500 employees

333514

Special Die and Tool, Die Set, Jig, and Fixture Manufacturing

500 employees

333515

Cutting Tool and Machine Tool Accessory Manufacturing

500 employees

333517

Machine Tool Manufacturing

500 employees

333519

Rolling Mill and Other Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing

500 employees

333611

Turbine and Turbine Generator Set Units Manufacturing

1,500 employees

333612

Speed Changer, Industrial High-Speed Drive, and Gear Manufacturing

750 employees

333613

Mechanical Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing

750 employees

333618

Other Engine Equipment Manufacturing

1,500 employees

333912

Air and Gas Compressor Manufacturing

1,000 employees

333914

Measuring, Dispensing, and Other Pumping Equipment Manufacturing

750 employees

333921

Elevator and Moving Stairway Manufacturing

1,000 employees

333922

Conveyor and Conveying Equipment Manufacturing

500 employees

333923

Overhead Traveling Crane, Hoist, and Monorail System Manufacturing

1,250 employees

333924

Industrial Truck, Tractor, Trailer, and Stacker Machinery Manufacturing

750 employees

333991

Power-Driven Handtool Manufacturing

500 employees

333992

Welding and Soldering Equipment Manufacturing

1,250 employees

333993

Packaging Machinery Manufacturing

500 employees

333994

Industrial Process Furnace and Oven Manufacturing

500 employees

333995

Fluid Power Cylinder and Actuator Manufacturing

750 employees

333996

Fluid Power Pump and Motor Manufacturing

1,250 employees

334111

Electronic Computer Manufacturing

1,250 employees

334112

Computer Storage Device Manufacturing

1,250 employees



Computer Terminal and Other Computer Peripheral Equipment



334118

Manufacturing

1,000 employees

334210

Telephone Apparatus Manufacturing

1,250 employees

A1-109


-------
EPA's SBAR Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed
Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

NAICS

NAICS Description

SBASize Standard



Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications



334220

Equipment Manufacturing

1,250 employees

334290

Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing

750 employees

334310

Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing

750 employees

334413

Semiconductor And Related Device Manufacturing

1,250 employees

334510

Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing

1,250 employees



Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical



334511

System and Instrument Manufacturing

1,250 employees



Automatic Environmental Control Manufacturing for Residential,



334512

Commercial, and Appliance Use

500 employees



Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring,



334513

Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables

750 employees

334514

Totalizing Fluid Meter and Counting Device Manufacturing

750 employees



Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and



334515

Electrical Signals

750 employees

334516

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

1,000 employees

334517

Irradiation Apparatus Manufacturing

1,000 employees

334519

Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing

500 employees

335210

Small Electrical Appliance Manufacturing

1,500 employees

335220

Major Household Appliance Manufacturing

1,500 employees

335311

Power, Distribution, and Specialty Transformer Manufacturing

750 employees

335312

Motor and Generator Manufacturing

1,250 employees

335313

Switchgear and Switchboard Apparatus Manufacturing

1,250 employees

335314

Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing

750 employees

335921

Fiber Optic Cable Manufacturing

1,000 employees

335929

Other Communication and Energy Wire Manufacturing

1,000 employees

335931

Current-Carrying Wiring Device Manufacturing

500 employees

335932

Noncurrent-Carrying Wiring Device Manufacturing

1,000 employees

335991

Carbon and Graphite Product Manufacturing

750 employees



All Other Miscellaneous Electrical Equipment and Component



335999

Manufacturing

500 employees

336120

Heavy Duty Truck Manufacturing

1,500 employees

336211

Motor Vehicle Body Manufacturing

1,000 employees

336212

Truck Trailer Manufacturing

1,000 employees

336213

Motor Home Manufacturing

1,250 employees

336214

Travel Trailer and Camper Manufacturing

1,000 employees

336310

Motor Vehicle Gasoline Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing

1,000 employees

336320

Motor Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Equipment Manufacturing

1,000 employees



Motor Vehicle Steering and Suspension Components (except Spring)



336330

Manufacturing

1,000 employees

336340

Motor Vehicle Brake System Manufacturing

1,250 employees

336350

Motor Vehicle Transmission and Power Train Parts Manufacturing

1,500 employees

336360

Motor Vehicle Seating and Interior Trim Manufacturing

1,500 employees

A1-110


-------
EPA's SBAR Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed
Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

NAICS

NAICS Description

SBASize Standard

336370

Motor Vehicle Metal Stamping

1,000 employees

336390

Other Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing

1,000 employees

336411

Aircraft Manufacturing

1,500 employees

336412

Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing

1,500 employees

336413

Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing

1,250 employees

336413

Other Aircraft Part and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing7

1,250 employees

336414

Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing

1,250 employees



Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit



336415

Parts Manufacturing

1,250 employees



Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment



336419

Manufacturing

1,000 employees

336510

Railroad Rolling Stock Manufacturing

1,500 employees

337110

Wood Kitchen Cabinet and Counter Top Manufacturing

750 employees

337122

Nonupholstered Wood Household Furniture Manufacturing

750 employees

339112

Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing

1,000 employees

339113

Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing

750 employees

339114

Dental Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing

750 employees

339115

Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing

1,000 employees

339116

Dental Laboratories

500 employees

339950

Sign Manufacturing

500 employees

339999

All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing

500 employees

423120

Motor Vehicle Supplies and New Parts Merchange Wholesalers

200 employees

423220

Home Furnishing Merchant Wholesalers

100 employees

423330

Roofing, Siding, and Insulation Material Merchant Wholesalers

225 employees

423390

Other Construction Material Merchant Wholesalers

100 employees

423490

Other Professional Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers

150 employees



Electrical Apparatus and Equipment, Wiring Supplies, and Related



423610

Equipment Merchant Wholesalers

200 employees



Electrical And Electronic Appliance, Television, And Radio Set Merchant



423620

Wholesalers

225 employees

423840

Industrial Supplies Merchant Wholesalers

125 employees

423850

Service Establishment Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers

125 employees

424690

Other Chemical And Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers

175 employees

424710

Petroleum Bulk Stations and Terminals

225 employees



Petroleum and Petroleum Products Merchant Wholesalers (except Bulk



424720

Stations and Terminals)

200 employees

441110

Automobile Dealers

200 employees

441110

New Car Dealers

200 employees

441120

Used Car Dealers

$30.5 million

488410

Motor Vehicle Towing

$9.0 million

531190

Lessors of Other Real Estate Property9

$34.0 million

541330

Engineering Services

$25.5 million

541380

Testing Laboratories

$19.0 million

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NAICS

NAICS Description

SBASize Standard

561110

Office Administrative Services

$12.5 million

561210

Facilities Support Services

$47.0 million

561720

Janitorial Services

$22.0 million

561740

Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services

$8.5 million

562211

Hazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal

$47.0 million

562212

Solid Waste Landfill

$47.0 million

562213

Solid Waste Combustors and Incinerators

$47.0 million

562219

Other Nonhazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal

$47.0 million

562920

Materials Recovery Facilities

$25.0 million

711510

Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers

$9.0 million

712110

Museums

$34.0 million

811111

General Automotive Repair

$9.0 million

811121

Automotive Body, Paint, and Interior Repair and Maintenance

$9.0 million

811121

Automotive Body, Paint and Interior Repair and Maintenance

$9.0 million

811122

Automotive Glass Replacement Shops

$17.5 million

811191

Automotive Oil Change and Lubrication Shops

$11.0 million

811192

Car Washes

$9.0 million

811198

All Other Automotive Repair and Maintenance

$10.0 million

811412

Appliance Repair and Maintenance

$19.0 million

811420

Reupholstery and Furniture Repair

$9.0 million

811430

Footwear and Leather Goods Repair

$9.0 million

811490

Other Personal and Household Goods Repair and Maintenance

$9.0 million

812310

Coin-Operated Laundries and Drycleaners

$13.0 million

812320

Drycleaning and Laundry Services (except Coin-Operated)

$8.0 million

812331

Linen Supply

$40.0 million

812332

Industrial Launderers

$47.0 million

Source: U.S. Small Business Administration Table of Small Business Size Standards Available at:

https://www. sba.gov/document/suDDort-table-size-standards









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Table 2: Small Entities Potentially Affected

Use Category

Estimated
Number of
Firms Using
NMP

Percent of
Firms That
Are Small

Estimated
Number of
Small Firms
Using NMP

Manufacture/Import

49

24%

12

Repackaging

32

95%

30

Processing: incorporation into a formulation, mixture
or reaction product

66

62%

41

Lithium ion battery manufacturing

55

87%

48

Waste handling, disposal, treatment, and recycling

1,787

91%

1,624

Plastic and resin product manufacturing

983

94%

922

Textiles, leather, and apparel manufacturing

33

95%

31

Processing aids in petrochemical manufacturing, oil
and gas activities, and functional fluids (closed
systems)

479

89%

428

Laboratory use

56

93%

51

Paints and coatings

13,574

97%

13,202

Paint, coating, and adhesive removers

4,296

91%

3,903

Electronic product and semiconductor manufacturing

3,473

94%

3,279

Adhesives and sealants

7,012

97%

6,816

Cleaning and furniture care products

2,702

99%

2,667

Ink, toner, and colorant products

114

99%

113

Soldering

2,768

98%

2,715

Fertilizer and other agricultural chemical
manufacturing

9

90%

8

Lubricants and lubricant additives

-

-

-

Anti-freeze and de-icing

-

-

-

Total

37,488

96%

35,892

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Related Regulations (ERA, Federal, State, and International)

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Related Regulations (EPA, Federal, State, and International)

Table 1 - EPA Regulations

Si a 1 ii 1 es/Uegu la lions

Description of
Aiilhorily/Uegulalion

Description of Regulation

EPA Statutes/Regulations

Toxic Substances
Control Act (TSCA) -
Section 6(a)

Provides EPA with the authority to
prohibit or limit the manufacture
(including import), processing,
distribution in commerce, use or
disposal of a chemical if EPA
evaluates the risk and concludes
that the chemical presents an
unreasonable risk to human health
or the environment.

Proposed rule under section 6 of
TSCA to address the unreasonable
risk presented by NMP in paint and
coating removal (8!

January 19, 2017) The NMP portion
of the proposed rule was withdrawn
in 2021 (86 FR 3932. Januarv 15.
2021).

Toxic Substances
Control Act (TSCA) -
Section 6(b)

Directs EPA to promulgate
regulations to establish processes
for prioritizing chemical
substances and conducting risk
evaluations on priority chemical
substances. In the meantime, EPA
was required to identify and begin
risk evaluations on 10 chemical
substances drawn from the 2014
update of the TSCA Work Plan for
Chemical Assessments.

NMP is on the initial list of 10
chemical substances to be evaluated
for unreasonable risk of injury to
health or the environment (81 FR
91927, December 19, 2016)

Toxic Substances
Control Act (TSCA) -
Section8(a)

The TSCA Section 8(a) Chemical
Data Reporting (CDR) Rule
requires manufacturers (including
importers) to give EPA basic
exposure-related information on
the types, quantities and uses of
chemical substances produced
domestically and imported into the
US.

NMP manufacturing, importing,
processing and use information is
reported under the CDR rule (76 FR
50816, August 16, 2011).

Toxic Substances
Control Act (TSCA) -
Section8(b)

EPA must compile, keep current
and publish a list (the TSCA
Inventory) of each chemical
substance manufactured,
processed, or imported in the
United States.

NMP was on the initial TSCA
Inventory and therefore was not
subject to EPA's new chemicals
review process (60 FR 16309,
March 29, 1995).

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Si a 1 ii 1 es/Uegu la lions

Description of
Aiilhorily/Uegulalion

Description of Regulation

Toxic SubsUiiKvs
Control Act (TSCA) -
Section 8(e)

Maiuil'acUiivis (including
importers), processors and
distributors must immediately
notify EPA if they obtain
information that supports the
conclusion that a chemical
substance or mixture presents a
substantial risk of injury to health
or the environment.

Sc\cn nolilicalions of subslanlial
risk (Section 8(e)) received (2007 -
2010) (US EPA. ChemView.
Accessed April 13, 2017).

Toxic Substances
Control Act (TSCA) -
Section 4

Provides EPA with authority to
issue rules and orders requiring
manufacturers (including
importers) and processors to test
chemical substances and mixtures.

Six submissions from a test rule
(Section 4) received in the mid-
1990s. (US EPA. ChemView.
Accessed April 13, 2017).

Emergency Planning
and Community Right-
To-Know Act
(EPCRA)-Section 313

Requires annual reporting from
facilities in specific industry
sectors that employ 10 or more full
time equivalent employees and
that manufacture, process, or
otherwise use a TRI-listed
chemical in quantities above
threshold levels. A facility that
meets reporting requirements must
submit a reporting form for each
chemical for which it triggered
reporting, providing data across a
variety of categories, including
activities and uses of the chemical,
releases and other waste
management (e.g., quantities
recycled, treated, combusted) and
pollution prevention activities
(under Section 6607 of the
Pollution Prevention Act). This
data includes on-site and off-site
data as well as multimedia data
(i.e., air, land and water).

NMP is a listed substance subject to
reporting requirements under 40
CFR 372.65 effective as of January
1, 1995.

Federal Food, Drug and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA)
- Section 408

FFDCA governs the allowable
residues of pesticides in food.
Section 408 of the FFDCA
provides EPA with the authority to
set tolerances (rules that establish

NMP is currently approved for use
as a solvent and co-solvent inert
ingredient in pesticide formulations
for both food and non-food uses and
is exempt from the requirements of a

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Si a 1 ii 1 es/Uegu la lions

Description of
Aiilhorily/Uegulalion

Description of Regulation



maximum allowable residue
limits), or exemptions from the
requirement of a tolerance, for all
residues of a pesticide (including
both active and inert ingredients)
that are in or on food. Prior to
issuing a tolerance or exemption
from tolerance, EPA must
determine that the tolerance or
exemption is "safe." Sections
408(b) and (c) of the FFDCA
define "safe" to mean the Agency
has a reasonable certainty that no
harm will result from aggregate
exposures to the pesticide residue,
including all dietary exposure and
all other exposure (e.g., non-
occupational exposures) for which
there is reliable information.
Pesticide tolerances or exemptions
from tolerance that do not meet the
FFDCA safety standard are subject
to revocation. In the absence of a
tolerance or an exemption from
tolerance, a food containing a
pesticide residue is considered
adulterated and may not be
distributed in interstate commerce.

tolerance limit (40 CFR Part
180.920).

Clean Air Act (CAA) -
Section 111 (b)

Requires EPA to establish new
source performance standards
(NSPS) for any category of new or
modified stationary sources that
EPA determines causes, or
contributes significantly to, air
pollution which may reasonably be
anticipated to endanger public
health or welfare. The standards
are based on the degree of
emission limitation achievable
through the application of the best
system of emission reduction
which (considering the cost of
achieving reductions and non-air

NMP is subject to CAA Section 111
Standards of Performance for New
Stationary Sources of Air Pollutants
for volatile organic compound
(VOC) emissions from synthetic
organic chemical manufacturing
industry distillation operations (40
CFR Part 60, subpart NNN) and
reactor processes (40 CFR Part 60,
Subpart RRR). This rule applies
only to sources constructed after
1983 and includes the production of
NMP. EPA expects that facilities
included in the risk evaluation
already meet this standard.

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Si a 1 ii 1 es/Uegu la lions

Description of
Aiilhorily/Uegulalion

Description of Regulation



quality health and environmental
impacts and energy requirements)
EPA determines has been
adequately demonstrated.



Clean Air Act (CAA) -
Section 183(e)

Section 183(e) requires EPA to list
the categories of consumer and
commercial products that account
for at least 80 percent of all VOC
emissions in areas that violate the
National Ambient Air Quality
Standards for ozone and to issue
standards for these categories that
require "best available
controls." In lieu of regulations,
EPA may issue control techniques
guidelines if the guidelines are
determined to be substantially as
effective as regulations.

NMP is listed under the National
Volatile Organic Compound
Emission Standards for Aerosol
Coatings (40 CFR part 59, subpart
E). This is a content-based limit
confined to manufacturers of aerosol
coating products.

Clean Air Act (CAA) -
Section 612

Under Section 612 of the CAA,
EPA's Significant New
Alternatives Policy (SNAP)
program reviews substitutes for
ozone depleting substances within
a comparative risk framework.
EPA publishes lists of acceptable
and unacceptable alternatives. A
determination that an alternative is
unacceptable, or acceptable only
with conditions, is made through
rulemaking.

Under EPA's SNAP program, EPA
listed NMP as an acceptable
substitute for "straight organic
solvent cleaning (with terpenes,
C620 petroleum hydrocarbons,
oxygenated organic solvents such as
ketones, esters, alcohols, etc.)" for
metals, electronics and precision
cleaning and "Oxygenated organic
solvents (esters, ethers, alcohols,
ketones)" for aerosol solvents (59
FR, March 18, 1994).

Safe Drinking Water
Act (SDWA) - Section
1412 (b)

Every 5 years, EPA must publish a
list of contaminants (1) that are
currently unregulated, (2) that are
known or anticipated to occur in
public water systems, and (3)
which might require regulations
under SDWA. EPA must also
determine whether to regulate at
least five contaminants from the
list every 5 years.

NMP was identified on both the
Third (2009) and Fourth (2016)
Contaminant Candidate Lists (74 FR
51850, October 8, 2009) (81 FR
81099 November 17, 2016).

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Table 2 - Other Federal Regulations

Matiilcs/Ucgulalions

Description of Aiilhorily/Ucgiilalion

Description of Regulation

Other Federal Statutes/Regulations

Occupational Safety
and Health Act
(OSHA)

Requires employers to provide their
workers with a place of employment free
from recognized hazards to safety and
health, such as exposure to toxic
chemicals, excessive noise levels,
mechanical dangers, heat or cold stress,
or unsanitary conditions.

Under the Act, OSHA can issue
occupational safety and health standards
including such provisions as Permissible
Exposure Limits (PELs), exposure
monitoring, engineering and
administrative control measures and
respiratory protection.

OSHA has not established a
PEL for NMP.

Federal Food, Drug
and Cosmetic Act
(FFDCA)

Provides the U.S Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) with authority to
oversee the safety of food, drugs and
cosmetics.

Food and Drug
Administration identifies
NMP as an "Indirect Additive
Used in Food Contact
Substances" specifically as:

1)	an adjuvant substance in
the preparation of slimicides
(21 CFR 176.300),

2)	an adjuvant substance in
the production of polysulfone
resin authorized for use as
articles intended for use in
contact with food (21 CFR
177.1655) and

3)	a residual solvent in
polyetherone sulfone resins
authorized as articles for
repeated use in contact with
food (21 CFR 177.2440).
FDA also identifies NMP as a
Class 2 solvent, namely a
solvent that "should be limited
in pharmaceutical products
because of their inherent
toxicity."

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Description of Authority/Regulation

Description of Regulation





FDA established a
Permissible Daily Exposure
(PDE) for NMP of 5.3 mg/day
with a concentration limit of
530 ppm.

FDA's Center for Veterinary
Medicine developed a method
in 2011 for detection of the
residues of NMP in edible
tissues of cattle (21 CFR
500.1410)

Federal Hazardous
Material

Transportation Act

Section 5103 of the Act directs the
Secretary of Transportation to: Designate
material (including an explosive,
radioactive material, infectious
substance, flammable or combustible
liquid, solid or gas, toxic, oxidizing or
corrosive material and compressed gas)
as hazardous when the Secretary
determines that transporting the material
in commerce may pose an unreasonable
risk to health and safety or property.

Issue regulations for the safe
transportation, including security of
hazardous material in intrastate,
interstate and foreign commerce.

The Department of
Transportation (DOT) has
designated NMP as a
hazardous material, and there
are special requirements for
marking, labeling and
transporting it (49 CFR Part
171, 49 CFR 172, 40 CFR §
173.202 and 40 CFR §
173.242.

Table 3 - State Laws and Regulations

State Actions

Description of Action

State Air
Regulations

New Hampshire (Env-A 1400: Regulated Toxic Air Pollutants) lists NMP as
a regulated toxic air pollutant.

Vermont (Vermont Air Pollution Control Regulations, 5261) lists NMP as a
hazardous air contaminant.

Chemicals of
Concern to
Children

Several states have adopted reporting laws for chemicals in children's
products that include NMP including Oregon (OAR 333-016-2000), Vermont
(18 V.S.A. Sections 1771 to 1779) and Washington state (WAC 173-334-
130). Minnesota has listed NMP as a chemical of concern to children
(Minnesota Statutes 116.9401 to 116.9407).

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State Actions

Description of Action

State

Permissible

Exposure

Limits

California PEL is 1 ppm as an 8hr TWA, along with a skin notation (Cal
Code Regs, title 8, Section 5155).

State Right-to-
Know Acts

Massachusetts (454 CMR 21.00), New Jersey (42 N.J.R. 1709(a)) and
Pennsylvania (Chapter 323. Hazardous Substance List).

Other

In California, NMP is listed on Proposition 65 (Cal. Code Regs. Title 27,
Section 27001) due to reproductive toxicity. California OEHHA lists a
Maximum Allowable Dose Level (MADL) for inhalation exposure =
3,200 |ig/day MADL for dermal exposure = 17,000 |ig/day.

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) Safer
Consumer Products Program lists NMP as a Candidate Chemical for
development toxicity and reproductive toxicity. In addition, DTSC is moving
to address paint strippers containing NMP and specifically cautioned against
replacing methylene chloride with NMP. In August 2018 the California
DTSC Safer Consumer Products program proposed to list Paint and Varnish
Strippers and Graffiti Removers Containing NMP as a priority product citing
(1) potential for human and other organism exposure to NMP in paint and
varnish strippers and graffiti removers; and (2) the exposure has the potential
to contribute to or cause significant or widespread adverse impacts. DTSC
published a Product-Chemical Profile for Paint and Varnish Strippers and
Graffiti Removers Containing NMP to support the listina. California
Department of Public Health's Hazard Evaluation System and Information
Service (HESIS) issued a Health Hazard Advisory on NMP in 2006 and
updated the Advisory in June 2014. The Advisory is aimed at workers and
employers at sites where NMP is used.

Table 4 - International Laws and Regulations

Country/Organization

Requirements and Restrictions

European Union

In 2011, NMP was listed on the Candidate list as a Substance of
Very High Concern (SVHC) under regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 -
REACH.

In March 2017, NMP was included in the public consultation of
chemicals recommended for inclusion in Annex XIV of the ECHA
under Annex (Authorisation list) of regulation (EC) No 1907/2006
- REACH.

In 2013. the Netherlands submitted a proposal under REACH to
restrict manufacturing and all industrial and professional uses of
NMP where workers' exposure exceeds a level specified in the
restriction ECHA database. Accessed November 4, 2022).

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Country/Organi/ation

Requirements and Restrictions



On April 18. 2018. the European Union added NMP to REACH
Annex \ \ h. the restricted substances list. The action specifies
three conditions of restriction. The conditions are: 1) NMP shall not
be placed on the market as a substance on its own or in mixtures in
concentrations greater than 0.3% after May 9, 2020, unless
manufacturers, importers and downstream users have included
chemical safety reports and SDSs with Derived No-Effect Levels
(DNELs) relating to workers' exposures of 14,4 mg/m3 for exposure
by inhalation and 4,8 mg/kg/day for dermal exposure; 2) NMP shall
not be manufactured, or used, as a substance on its own or in
mixtures in a concentration equal to or greater than 0.3% after May
9, 2020 unless manufacturers and downstream users take the
appropriate risk management measures and provide the appropriate
operational conditions to ensure that exposure of workers is below
the DNELs specified above: and 3) the restrictions above shall
apply from May 9, 2024 to placing on the market for use, or use, as
a solvent or reactant in the process of coating wires.

Australia

NMP was assessed under Human Health Tier III of the Inventory
Multi-tiered Assessment and Prioritisation (IMAP) (National
Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme,
NICNAS, 2017, Human Health Tier III assessment for 2-
Pyrrolidinone, 1 methyl-. Accessed April, 18 2017).

Japan

NMP is regulated in Japan under the following legislation:

•	Act on the Evaluation of Chemical Substances and
Regulation of their Manufacture, etc. (Chemical Substances
Control Law)

•	Industrial Safety and Health Act

(National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) Chemical
Risk Information Platform (CHIRP). Accessed April 18, 2017).

European Union and
Australia, Austria,
Belgium, Canada
(Ontario), Denmark,
Finland, France,
Germany, Ireland, Italy,
Latvia, New Zealand,
Poland, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, The
Netherlands, Turkey and
the United Kingdom.

Occupational exposure limits (OELs) for NMP can be found by
searching for CAS No. 872-50-4, or N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidon, at
GESTIS International limit values for chemical agents (OELs)

database. Accessed April 18. 2017.

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SER Questions for Discussion

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Pre-Panel Outreach Small Entity Representative (SER) Questions for Discussion on NMP

For rules that may have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities,
the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) requires agencies to evaluate regulatory alternatives that
may minimize the burden on small entities expected to be regulated. The RFA notes that the
regulatory alternatives must be consistent with the stated objectives of applicable statutes (i.e.,
TSCA), and suggests significant alternatives such as:

the establishment of differing compliance or reporting requirements or timetables that

take into account the resources available to small entities;

the clarification, consolidation, or simplification of compliance and reporting

requirements under the rule for such small entities;

the use of performance rather than design standards; and

an exemption from coverage of the rule, or any part thereof, for such small entities.

To that end, these informal questions on your work practices and your experiences with n-
methylpyrrolidone (NMP) are aimed at guiding our discussion today, and your later written
feedback, towards ideas for minimizing the economic impact on your business while remaining
within the constraints of TSCA. We are not seeking a structured response on each question;
rather, we are interested in any feedback or details you can provide, and hope that these
questions let you know what type of information would be most useful as we consider advice
from the small entity representatives concerning TSCA regulation of NMP.

If you are interested in providing this or other information in writing, please see the contact
information below.

We ask that you refrain from providing Confidential Business information (CBI) during
the discussion or in email to EPA. If you choose to provide CBI, we will provide special
instructions.

Contact Information:

Lanelle Wiggins

Office of Regulatory Policy and Management
Office of Policy
Phone: (202) 566-2372
E-mail: wiggins.lanelle@epa.gov

1) Your business (All SERs)

a.	How does your organization use NMP? How much NMP does your organization use?

b.	Does your organization still use NMP? What is the trend of use? For example, has your
organization increased use of NMP? Has use remained constant? Is use decreasing? Is
your organization phasing out the use of NMP?

c.	Can you describe the specific use, as well as the workplace and workplace setting where
NMP is used?

d.	Why does your organization use NMP? What function does NMP provide?

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e.	Where is your organization in the supply chain? (e.g., are you a processor - formulating
another product with NMP, a distributor, or final user of NMP in an application?) Do you
provide finished product to another small entity or to a large entity?

f.	For what industries or applications do you provide products or services for? (e.g.,
aerospace, electronics, military, automotive, optics, museums/art restorations, academic,
commercial laboratory, consumers, other) Can you provide NAICs code(s) for the
products/services you provide?

g.	For what process are you using NMP? (can be more than one, such as cleaning, drying,
inspection, etc.)

h.	If NMP were not available, how would you adjust and what would the impacts be on
your business? What specific barriers would your business face in switching to an
alternative?

i.	What are the benefits to your business of NMP? Are there specific benefits for small
businesses using NMP as compared to benefits for larger businesses?

j. If the concentration of NMP in a product was limited, would this impact the efficacy of
the product and/or increase the duration of use or exposure? For which particular uses?

2) Workplace exposure (All SERs)

a.	How many employees, and what fraction of your employees, are exposed to NMP, and
for how long (days/year and hours/day)?

b.	If you use a product containing NMP, what product do you use and what is the
concentration of NMP in the product?

c.	What work activities result in worker exposure to NMP? And what type of exposure
(dermal, inhalation)?

d.	For each activity, in what physical state and concentration is NMP?

e.	Have you taken industrial hygiene monitoring data? If so, what was typical and high-end
exposure to NMP?

f.	How do you measure whether and how much dermal exposure workers experience?

i.	How are workers informed about potential dermal or inhalation exposure to NMP

ii.	If workers experience an accidental exposure what procedures are followed?

g.	What engineering controls are used to minimize exposure to NMP? How effective are
those controls?

i.	Would it be feasible to use additional engineering controls to minimize exposure to
NMP? If so, what might those engineering controls be?

ii.	What is your experience with equipment changes to reduce exposure or cross-
examination?

h.	What administrative controls and training do you use to minimize exposure to NMP? Do
you use training to minimize exposure to NMP?

i.	Is personal protective equipment (PPE) is regularly worn by workers to minimize
exposure to NMP?

i. If yes, could you provide more information regarding the type of PPE that is used?
And would it be feasible to use PPE that provided a level of protection beyond what

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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you are already using? Do you have experience with air supplied respirators? Do
you have experience with other respirators, or glove PPE?

ii. If no, would it be feasible to have workers wear PPE to minimize their exposure to
NMP? And what PPE would be feasible for workers to wear? Are there workers or
processes where the use of PPE would be impractical?

j. How many employees are located in the same room where the work activities related to
NMP are taking place but not necessarily handling NMP or NMP-containing products?

k. If applicable, what do you do to comply with Cal/OSHA standards for NMP?

1. If outside of California, what measures or specifications do you measure to for workplace
safety?

3)	Regulatory options (All SERs)

a.	Which of the regulatory options presented today would you recommend?

b.	Cost estimates: In your experience, are the cost estimates reasonably representative? Do
you have additional information to improve the cost estimates?

c.	What indirect costs to your organization do you estimate would occur as a result of this
regulation?

d.	Recognizing that the cost estimates are only partial unit costs, can you provide any
additional information on potential costs or cost considerations the Agency should
consider when evaluating the costs of complying with potential regulatory options?

e.	Can you think of ways to add flexibility to this rulemaking for your small businesses?

f.	Are there other alternative regulatory options that the agency should consider to manage
the unreasonable risk identified for NMP?

g.	How do you learn about EPA regulations and what you should do to comply?

h.	What kind of additional information or resources would help you understand the
regulations and steps necessary to comply?

i.	What is the best way to reach out to members of your industry?

j. Is there additional information on potential costs or cost considerations the Agency
should consider when evaluating the costs of complying with potential regulatory
options?

4)	Additional questions for formulators of products containing NMP: substitutes and

alternatives

a.	Product reformulation:

i.	How often do you reformulate your products?

ii.	What is the typical cost of reformulating your products?

iii.	What might reformulation costs be if you needed to reformulate your products
without NMP? (e.g., costs associated with research and development, testing,
capital costs of production changes, packaging, labeling)

b.	Product relabeling:

i.	How often do you relabel your products?

ii.	What is the typical cost of relabeling?

c.	Alternatives:

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i.	Do you sell another product that does not contain NMP that is designed for the
same use or application as the NMP product?

If yes:

•	What solvent replaces NMP in the alternative product?

•	How does the alternative product compare in terms of safety, efficacy, and
cost?

If no:

•	If you need to reformulate this product with a lower concentration of
NMP, what would be the implications for the product in terms of cost and
efficacy?

•	If you need to reformulate this product without NMP, what solvent would
replace NMP in the alternative product? How do you think the alternative
product would compare in terms of efficacy and cost?

ii.	Is there a subset of uses for your product where using a product formulated without
NMP would be problematic?

iii.	Are there differences between products intended for consumer or commercial use
(such as formulation, labeling, container size)?

5)	Additional questions for NMP in commercial and consumer formulations:

a.	What type of formulations do you use with NMP? In soldering, paints and coatings, inks,
paint and coating removers, or other formulations?

b.	Current work practices:

i.	Is this NMP formulation applied through a system (closed pipe or transfer
lines, heated recapture systems) or handheld applications (as an aerosol,
brush, or dip application)?

ii.	What type of items do you apply the NMP formulation too?

iii.	Is there a difference in commercial versus consumer grade product?

c.	Current work practices:

i.	How significant is this NMP formulation to your business overall? Does this
use seem representative of most small businesses?

ii.	When do you use NMP in the process flow in your facility, are you using
other processes as well? For example, do you do aqueous cleaning in addition
to cleaning with NMP? Does aqueous cleaning happen before or after NMP
formulations are used?

d.	How significant is this NMP formulation to your business overall? Does this use seem
representative of most small businesses?

6)	Additional questions for users of products containing NMP: substitutes and alternatives

a. What chemicals or processes have you considered as an alternative to using NMP or a
product containing NMP? Why? How do these chemicals or processes compare to
current uses containing NMP? More specifically:
i. Do you currently use any alternatives to NMP (or product)?

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ii.	Did you try to switch to another chemical, product, or process only to switch back?
What were the results? If so, what did you switch to, why did you switch back, and
what made you switch in the first place?

iii.	If you have tried or switched to alternative chemicals or methods, how did they do?
how long did that process take? Did it require equipment modifications or new
equipment purchases?

iv.	Is there any difference in terms of operation time for alternative products or
processes to you NMP formulation? For example, between a graffiti remover
containing NMP versus a cold cleaning process.

v.	What are the relative advantages and disadvantages of different substitutes and/or
processes that you have considered, including in terms of exposure, cost, and
hazard?

vi.	Provide specific information related to each substitute chemical, product, or process
related to the use of alternative chemicals/products and compare to NMP:

Identification of alternative chemical/product/process

How much of the alternative product/chemical would be needed to perform

same activity?

Capital costs including new equipment, retrofitting of old equipment, etc. of
using the alternative chemical/process, loss of use of existing equipment

-	Number of workers required, amount of worker time required

-	Number of workers exposed

Costs associated with transitioning to the alternative chemical (e.g.,
identifying and testing the alternative chemical/process, certifying or
otherwise ensuring customer or other required production standards are met,
production downtime during the transition, lost productivity while learning
how to use the alternative efficiently)

Process changes required (e.g., additional time to complete task, additional
steps, etc.)

Energy and other resource (e.g., water) usage

Other operation and maintenance costs (e.g., filters, tank cleanings, etc.)
Changes in production or output of operation
Releases of alternative chemicals/products

Waste and disposal costs associated with alternative chemical/process

Changes in your product/service quality

Training, medical surveillance, or other employee-related costs

Recordkeeping burden/costs

Monitoring and testing costs

Potential barriers/concerns with switching to alternatives

vii.	Have you considered similar solvents like l-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone (NEP), or other
non-halogenated solvents or aqueous processes?

viii.	Are you using NMP on some but not all products? If you use NMP or a substitute,
how did you decide which to use?

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If you have tried or switched to alternative chemicals or methods, how did
they do? how long did that process take? Did it require equipment
modifications or new equipment purchases?

Is there any difference in terms of operation time for alternative products or
processes to you NMP formulation? For example, between a graffiti remover
containing NMP versus a cold cleaning process.

ix.	If NMP formulations could no longer be used for your use, or required to be used

at a lower concentration:

At what concentration of NMP is your formulation no longer effective?
Would the mix of alternative chemicals/methods be different for you as a
small businesses compared to larger businesses? For example, are there
particular alternatives that are more suitable for small businesses?

x.	If you had to change your cleaning process to another somewhat similar solvent
like a NEP blend, can you give an estimate of costs?

Use equipment
Process development

Process verification and validation (including lab testing and/or third-party

verification), i.e., proving to yourself that the process works

Customer certification

Training

Insurance

Permitting

Facilities changes

Documentation

PPE requirements

xi.	What if you needed to move your use to a different process like aqueous or
another non-similar solvent (modified alcohols, hydrocarbons, alcohols, other
blends)? Can you give an estimate of costs?

Use equipment
Process development

Process verification and validation (including lab testing and/or third-party

verification) (i.e., proving to yourself that the process works))

Customer certification

Training

Insurance

Permitting

Facilities changes

Documentation

PPE requirements

xii.	If there is no technically and economically feasible alternative for NMP available

for your use, what are some consequences/impacts that your business may
experience?

xiii.	What would be the cost to your business if your use of NMP was prohibited?

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7) Additional questions for electronics manufacturing, including capacitor, resistor, coil,

transformer, and other inductor manufacturing; semiconductor manufacturing;

lithium-ion cell manufacturing:

a.	Facility information:

i.	How long have you owned or worked at the electronics manufacturing facility?

ii.	What is the status of your business (i.e., independently owned, family operation,
chain operation, or franchise)?

iii.	What's the facility size in square feet and height? Who are your nearest neighbors
(e.g., residence, business, school, hospital, other)? Is your facility co-residential or
co-commercial?

iv.	Do you have an industrial hygiene system in the electronics manufacturing
facility? If so, what type of exposure controls are implemented (e.g., restricted
access, pneumatic tools, enclosed machines, wall fan, powered exhaust ceiling
fan, non-powered exhaust ceiling fan, open door, open window, vapor barrier
room around the machine, or local ventilation system such as a fume hood or
shroud over machine)?

b.	Work practices related to electronics manufacturing operations:

i.	How many employees work at your electronics manufacturing operation full
time? Part time?

ii.	How many days a week/year are you open? What are your operating hours?

iii.	What is the location of your equipment (i.e., is it in a separate room, close to the
finishing equipment, etc.)?

b.	Machine information:

i.	Do you have a special model of machine? How many machines do you have?

ii.	How much NMP do you purchase per month in gallons?

iii.	How old is the equipment? When did you last update your system and what was
the nature of the update (e.g., new system/machinery, installation of emissions
devices, etc.)? What prompted this update?

iv.	How often do you inspect the machine? What type of leak detector test do you
use?

c.	Operating information:

i.	From whom do you purchase your solvent or product containing NMP? How
much does it cost?

ii.	How do you dispose of your waste (e.g., still bottoms, filter)?

d.	Alternatives:

i.	Why do you use NMP rather than other alternatives?

ii.	Do you also use alternatives in addition to NMP? If so, what alternative do you
use?

iii.	Are you using NMP on some but not all items? Are there items that you prefer to
use NMP on? If so, what items and why is NMP preferred?

iv.	How did you decide which solvent to use?

e.	If NMP could no longer be used for electronics manufacturing, would the mix of
alternative cleaning methods be different for you as a small business compared to larger

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businesses? For example, are there particular alternatives that are more suitable for small
businesses?

f. Questions regarding electronics manufacturing as an industry:

i.	How many electronic manufacturers in the U.S. use NMP? What percentage of
these manufacturers using NMP are small businesses?

ii.	How much NMP is used in the U.S. for electronic manufacturing every year?

8) Additional questions for distributors and retailers (for consumer uses)

a.	How much of your business is supplying products containing NMP to consumers? How
much of your business is supplying products containing NMP to commercial or industrial
users?

b.	If you could no longer sell products containing NMP, how would this impact your
business?

c.	Do you also sell products designed for the same application or use that do not contain
NMP?

i. If yes, what is the relative share of sales for the product(s) containing NMP
compared to the products that do not contain NMP?

d.	Are there particular challenges to small business doing distribution of products
containing NMP that are different from large distributors? Please describe.

e.	What is your preferred method of downstream notification?

f.	If you were required to limit sales of NMP-containing products to only persons who were
certified to purchase it, what activities and costs would be involved? What guidance
would be helpful from the Agency? Please identify any challenges you see with such a
limitation.

g.	If restrictions (e.g., prohibition or limit to concentration of NMP in products or articles)
were placed on NMP in products or articles, how long would you need to notify
downstream users? How long would it take to clear channels or trade?

h.	If restriction (e.g., restricted container size for NMP-containing products) were placed on
NMP in products, what activities and costs would be involved in repackaging activities?
How long would it take to implement and to clear channels or trade?

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Personal Protective Equipment Respirator System Per Worker Unit Cost
Breakdown

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EPA's SBAR Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed
Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

Personal Protective Equipment Respirator System Per Worker Unit Cost Breakdown

OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134)1 identifies several types of respirators and
their Assigned Protection Factors (APFs). The APF denotes the level of respiratory protection that a given
respirator is expected to provide employees. Table 1 presents example annualized unit costs estimates for
respirators, respirator system components, training, fit testing, and medical clearance. Written respirator
program and cleaning costs are not present in this table. Actual costs will vary for each rule depending on
the affected industry and the analytical timeframe. Useful lives define the schedule used to discount each
cost component before the estimates are annualized.

Respirators are organized by their corresponding APF. Unit cost estimates for individual respirator system
components and kits are based on price data collected from retailer websites. Price data are averaged for
component and kit unit cost estimates that incorporate the price of more than one product brand.

Table 1: Example Annualized PPE Unit Costs per Worker, by Respirator System in 2021$

Respirator System

Component

Unit Cost

Useful
Life

Annualized Unit
Costs1









3% 7%

APF Factor 10

APR, Half Mask

Half Mask, (APR)

$21.53

2

$11

$11

Cartridge Filters (APR)

$19.48

0.01

$1,825

$1,780

Training

$123.00

1

$115

$112

Qualitative Fit-Testing

$62.00

1

$58

$57

Medical Clearance

$104.00

21

$6

$8





Total

$2,016

$1,968

APF Factor 25











PAPR, Loose-Fitting
Facepiece

Loose-Fitting Facepiece (PAPR)

$56.60

3

$20

$20

Cartridge Filters (PAPR)

$12.37

0.02

$580

$565

PAPR System

$1,126.63

3

$398

$404

Breathing Tube

$57.93

3

$20

$21

Training

$245.00

1

$230

$224

Medical Clearance

$104.00

21

$6

$8





Total

$1,254

$1,242



Loose-Fitting Facepiece (PAPR)

$56.60

3

$20

$20

1 The Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134), promulgated by OSHA, contains requirements for
program administration, procedures for respirator selection, employee training, fit testing, medical evaluation,
respirator use, APFs and Maximum Use Concentrations (MUCs), as well as other provisions.

1

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EPA's SBAR Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed
Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

Respirator System

Component

Unit Cost

Useful
Life

Annualized Unit
Costs1

3% 7%

SAR, Continuous Flow
Mode, Loose-Fitting
Facepiece

Breathing Tube

$157.55

3

$56

$56

Pump

$976.52

7

$182

$195

Pump Installation

$53.45

7

$10

$11

Pump Inlet Filter

$8.33

0.48

$16

$16

Pump Outlet Filter

$14.07

0.19

$69

$68

Training

$245.00

1

$230

$224

Medical Clearance

$104.00

21

$6

$8





Total

$589

$598

APF Factor 50











APR, Full Facepiece

Full Facepiece (APR)

$236.14

2

$118

$117

Cartridge Filters (APR)

$19.48

0.01

$1,825

$1,780

Training

$123.00

1

$115

$112

Qualitative Fit-Testing

$62.00

1

$58

$57

Medical Clearance

$104.00

21

$6

$8





Total

$2,123

$2,075

PAPR, Half Mask

Half Mask

$21.53

3

$8

$8

Cartridge Filters (PAPR)

$12.37

0.02

$580

$565

PAPR System Components Kit

$1,126.63

3

$398

$404

Breathing Tube and Airline Hose

$57.93

3

$20

$21

Training

$245.00

1

$230

$224

Quantitative Fit-Testing

$144.00

1

$135

$132

Medical Clearance

$104.00

21

$6

$8





Total

$1,376

$1,361

SAR, Continuous Flow
Mode, Half Mask

Half Mask

$21.53

3

$8

$8

Breathing Tube

$157.55

3

$56

$56

Pump

$976.52

7

$182

$195

Pump Installation

$53.45

7

$10

$11

Pump Inlet Filter

$8.33

0.48

$16

$16

2

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EPA's SBAR Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed
Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

Respirator System	Component



Pump Outlet Filter

$14.07

0.19

$69

$68



Training

$245.00

1

$230

$224



Quantitative Fit-Testing

$144.00

1

$135

$132



Medical Clearance

$104.00

21

$6

$8







Total

$712

$717

APF Factor 1000













Full Facepiece

$194.14

3

$69

$70



PAPR System

$1,126.63

3

$398

$404



Breathing Tube

$57.93

3

$20

$21

PAPR, Full Facepiece

Cartridge Filters (PAPR)

$12.37

0.02

$580

$565

Training

$245.00

1

$230

$224



Quantitative Fit-Testing

$144.00

1

$135

$132



Medical Clearance

$104.00

21

$6

$8







Total

$1,437

$1,423



Hood

$96.02

3

$34

$34



PAPR System Components Kit

$1,126.63

3

$398

$404



Breathing Tube

$57.93

3

$20

$21

PAPR, Helmet/Flood

Cartridge Filters (PAPR)

$12.37

0.02

$580

$565

Training

$245.00

1

$230

$224



Quantitative Fit-Testing

$144.00

1

$135

$132



Medical Clearance

$104.00

21

$6

$8







Total

$1,403

$1,388



Full Facepiece

$194.14

3

$69

$70



Pump (1/4 HP)

$976.52

7

$182

$195

SAR, Continuous Flow
Mode, Full Facepiece

Breathing Tube and Airline Hose

$157.55

3

$56

$56

Pump Installation

$53.45

7

$10

$11



Pump Inlet Filter

$8.33

0.48

$16

$16



Pump Outlet Filter

$14.07

0.19

$69

$68

Useful
Life

Annualized Unit
Costs1

3


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EPA's SBAR Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed
Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

Respirator System	Component



Training

$245.00

1

$230

$224



Quantitative Fit-Testing

$144.00

1

$135

$132



Medical Clearance

$104.00

21

$6

$8







Total

$773

$779



Hood

$96.02

3

$34

$34



Pump (3/4 HP)

$1,055.77

7

$197

$211



Breathing Tube and Airline Hose

$157.55

3

$56

$56



Pump Installation

$53.45

7

$10

$11

SAR, Continuous Flow
Mode, Helmet/Hood

Pump Inlet Filter

$12.53

0.48

$24

$24

Pump Outlet Filter

$14.07

0.19

$69

$68



Training

$245.00

1

$230

$224



Quantitative Fit-Testing

$144.00

1

$135

$132



Medical Clearance

$104.00

21

$6

$8







Total

$761

$768

APF Factor 10000













Positive-pressure SCBA System
(includes full facepiece):

$2,431.38

3

$859

$871



Air Compressor

$5,776.86

16

$669

$766

SCBA, Positive-pressure
Mode, Full Facepiece

Training

$490.00



$459

$448

Quantitative Fit-Testing

$144.00



$135

$132



Medical Clearance

$104.00



$6

$8







Total

$2,128

$2,225



Positive-pressure SCBA system
(includes hood)

$2,660.77

3

$940

$953



Air Compressor

$5,776.86

16

$669

$766

SCBA, Positive-pressure
Mode, Helmet/Flood

Training

$490.00

1

$459

$448

Quantitative Fit-Testing

$144.00

1

$135

$132



Medical Clearance

$104.00

21

$6

$8







Total

$2,209

$2,308

Useful
Life

Annualized Unit
Costs1

4

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EPA's SBAR Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed
Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

Respirator System

Component

Unit Cost

Useful
Life

Annualized Unit
Costs1









3% 7%

1 Costs are annualized over a 20-year time period

Acronyms

•	APF: Assigned Protection Factors

•	APR: Air-Purifying Respirator

•	OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration

•	PARP: Powered Air-Purifying Respirator

•	PPE: Personal Protective Equipment

•	SAR: Supplied-Air Respirator (SAR) or Airline Respirator

•	SCBA: Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus

5

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Potential Regulatory Options and Estimated Costs

AM 38


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EPA's SBAR Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed
Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

Potential Regulatory Options and Estimated Costs

Any regulatory requirement could be used alone or in combination to the extent necessary so
that NMP no longer presents an unreasonable risk under its condition of use. Additionally, under
TSCA section 6(g), EPA may propose a time-limited exemption for specific conditions of use
provided certain criteria are met.1

When considering practicability and a reasonable transition period, EPA works to account for
various factors such as supply chains, availability of alternatives, and time neededfor
recertification, testing, and retrofitting. Any information on historical timelines from industry on
replacing chemicals in the past are especially helpful in determining a reasonable transition
period, along with the information mentioned in the previous sentence.

Unlike some of the other chemicals currently undergoing risk management under TSCA section
6, EPA is not considering an airborne concentration limit for NMP and is focusing on dermal
protection measures. The 2020 risk evaluation for NMP and revised unreasonable risk
determination found that the unreasonable risk of injury to human health is driven by direct
dermal contact with liquid NMP.

EPA has not made a decision at this point about what regulatory options to propose.

Nonetheless, EPA 's primary performance metric for eliminating the unreasonable risk of injury
to human health is to eliminate or reduce significantly direct dermal contact with NMP. EPA is
considering the following regulatory options and seeking feedback on the impacts of applying
one or more of the following regulatory options to address the unreasonable risk from NMP.

Concentration Limit

• A risk management option that would restrict the concentration or weight fraction within
the formulation.

o For example, if scientific analysis supported it, EPA could limit the percentage
amount of the chemical in the formulation if that percentage addressed the
unreasonable risk and the formulation was still efficacious,
o In the 2020 Risk Evaluation for NMP, EPA identified the expected weight
fraction of NMP in liquid products based on publicly available information,
public comments, and available products on the market. If ranges of NMP in
formulations were identified, EPA generally assessed the lower bound of the
range as the central tendency and the upper bound of the range as the high end.
¦ Example: EPA identified and assessed the commercial use of NMP in
paints, coatings, adhesives and sealants based on products with 2-53%

1 In order to propose an exemption under TSCA section 6(g), EPA must find that the specific condition of use is a
critical or essential use for which no technically and economically feasible safer alternative is available; compliance
with the rule would significantly disrupt the national economy, national security, or critical infrastructure; or the
specific condition of use, as compared to alternatives, provides a substantial benefit to health, the environment, or
public safety. In proposing the exemption, EPA must provide a time limit for the exemption; analyze the need for
the exemption and make the analysis public; and include interim conditions to protect health and the environment.

AM 39


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EPA's SBAR Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed
Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

NMP. At the high-end concentrations, in the expected occupational
exposure scenarios, this condition of use drives the unreasonable risk.
¦ Example: EPA identified and assessed the commercial use of NMP in
metal finishing products with 60-90% NMP. At these concentrations, in
the expected occupational exposure scenarios, this condition of use drives
the unreasonable risk.

•	There is uncertainty if lowering the concentration limit may impact efficacy of the
products. For a concentration or weight fraction limit to address the unreasonable risk, it
would need to be lower than those that drove the unreasonable risk in the risk evaluation.

Prescriptive Engineering Controls

•	A risk management option that would reduce worker exposure by requiring specific
physical changes to the workplace to eliminate or reduce direct dermal contact.

o Examples: installing additional or different equipment, such as enclosed
transfer liquid lines, closed loop container systems or a laboratory type fume
hood, to reduce the exposure to the chemical.

•	EPA's confidence that the unreasonable risk from NMP can be addressed is highest for
highly standardized and industrialized settings, such as where NMP is used in a closed-
loop system.

Prescriptive Administrative Controls

• A risk management option that would reduce worker exposure by requiring processes or
procedures in the workplace to eliminate or reduce direct dermal contact.

o Examples: Limit access to work areas (restricted areas) or confining
operations (enclosed areas)

Prescriptive PPE Controls

•	A risk management option that would require the use of specific PPE to minimize
exposure. This may limit flexibility for the regulated entity.

o Some examples of potential PPE that could contribute to reducing the

unreasonable risk are listed separately in in Appendix F of the 2020 final risk
evaluation, as well as the Potential Costs of Regulatory Options table later in this
document.

•	Requiring the use of dermal and inhalation PPE that provides an impervious barrier in
combination with a set concentration limit of NMP would allow more flexibility for
regulated entities to mitigate unreasonable risk.

•	EPA anticipates that PPE would need to be combined with training and other controls in
order to address the unreasonable risk from NMP.

2

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EPA's SBAR Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed
Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

Combination of Controls (non-prescriptive)

•	A combination of risk management approaches for conditions of use where strict
industrial practices may already exist. Enables users to determine how to most effectively
separate, distance, physically remove, or isolate workers from direct handling of NMP or
from contact with equipment/materials for which NMP may exist based on what works
best for their workplace and the ability to combine prescriptive controls

•	This approach would eliminate direct dermal contact in accordance with the Pollution
Prevention Act and NIOSH hierarchy of controls.

•	This approach could also include engineering and administrative controls to reduce
exposure.

•	If direct dermal contact could not be eliminated using elimination, substitution,
engineering controls, or administrative controls, EPA could require personal protective
equipment that provides an impervious barrier.

•	Examples: Automation, barriers, or design of tools

Prohibition

•	EPA could include prohibition on manufacturing, processing, distribution, use, or
disposal for specific conditions of use or the chemical as a whole.

o For example, alternatives to NMP in paint and coating removal include solvent-
based alternatives like n-ethylpyrrolidone (NEP), benzyl alcohol, and other
methyl acetate-based formulations, or process-based alternatives like heat and
sanding.

¦ https://dtsc.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2019/09/Final-NMP-Paint-
Stripper-Graffiti-Remover_Profile.pdf

•	EPA requests data and feedback about availability and viability of NMP alternatives,
testing and analysis that SERs have completed of potential alternatives, the cost impacts
of SERs switching to alternatives, and the overall impacts to SERs' businesses if NMP is
prohibited.

Regulate the Manufacturing, Processing, and/or Distribution

•	A risk management option for industrial, commercial, and consumer conditions of use.
These authorities allow EPA to regulate at key points, including the manufacturing,
processing, and distribution in commerce of a chemical or product in the supply chain.

Regulatory options applied broadly with other restrictions

•	Recordkeeping and downstream notification

o For example, EPA could require manufacturers, processors, and distributors to
provide downstream notification to help ensure regulatory information {i.e.,
prohibition) reaches all users in the supply chain,
o Additionally, as an example, EPA could require manufacturers, processors, and
distributors to maintain ordinary business records and an exposure control plan.

3

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EPA's SBAR Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed
Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

•	Monitoring, labeling, and container sizes -

o For monitoring, EPA could require initial or periodic monitoring of occupational
exposure or for concentration limits.

o For labeling, EPA could require that a prominent label be securely attached to
each container with specific directions, limitation, and precautions, or that
describes the health endpoints. EPA could also require labeling products to
indicate that they should not be used by consumers or to describe other regulatory
requirements.

o For container sizes, EPA could require a minimum or maximum container size
(e.g., 32 ounce container, 55 gallon drum) to reduce likelihood of purchase by
certain types of users (consumers or commercial users)

•	Limited access program

o For example, restrict distribution of a chemical or product only to certain users,
under a limited access program that could require training and certification, or
restrict distribution only to users with certain equipment or type of facilities.

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EPA's SBAR Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed
Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

Potential Costs of Regulatory Options

Type of Cost

Estimated Compliance
Cost

Notes

Prohibition of manufacturing,
processing, and distribution

Varies with condition of
use

Cost will vary by condition of use. Potential
activities could include changes in process and
equipment, costs of alternatives2, reformulation (see
below), and more. Requires input from potentially
regulated entities.

Prohibition of Use

Varies with condition of
use

Cost will vary by condition of use. Potential
activities could include changes in process and
equipment, costs of alternatives, reformulation (see
below), and more. Requires input from potentially
regulated entities.

Reformulation of product to
reduce NMP concentration

$17,000 per product

Costs reflect dilution reformulation approach.

Reformulation of product to
eliminate NMP concentration

$60,000-$ 102,000 per
product

Costs will vary by condition of use and will be
dependent on reformulation approach. Requires
input from potentially regulated entities.

Engineering/Administrative
Controls

Varies by control type
and needs of user

Requires input from potentially regulated entities

Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) for NMP (respirators)

APF 10: $1,800
APF25: $1,300
APF 50: $1,700
APF 1000: $1,100
APF 10000: $2,000

Annualized costs are per person and include
purchase of equipment (including filters), training,
fit-testing, and medical clearance. The unit costs
include a written respiratory program and equipment
cleaning. Does not include existing PPE use nor PPE
replacement due to employee turn-over. Includes
both purified and supplied air respirators.

Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) for NMP (dermal)

Reusable gloves: $6-$55
Disposable gloves: $0.50
Reusable apron: $25-$34
Disposable apron: $4

Reusable glove costs are per pair of butyl, laminated
polyethylene, neoprene, and natural rubber/latex
gloves. Disposable glove costs are per pair of nitrile
gloves. Disposable nitrile gloves are not used alone,
but in combination with the reusable gloves.

Reusable apron costs are per nitrile and neoprene
apron. Disposable apron costs are per polyethylene
apron.

2 TSCA section 6(c)(2)(C) requires EPA "... in deciding whether to prohibit or restrict in a manner that substantially
prevents a specific condition of use of a chemical substance or mixture, and in setting an appropriate transition
period for such action.. .to the extent practicable, whether technically and economically feasible alternatives that
benefit health or the environment, compared to the use so proposed to be prohibited or restricted, will be reasonably
available as a substitute when the proposed prohibition or other restriction takes effect."

5

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EPA's SBAR Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed
Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

Type of Cost

Estimated Compliance
Cost

Notes

Combination of controls (non-

Annualized costs of

Non-prescriptive approach would likely include

prescriptive)

Exposure control plan:

development of an exposure control plan. Costs



$560-$630 per facility

include costs for conducting regular inspections, PPE



costs

program plan documentation, records of plan



$35 per worker costs

implementation, and records of dermal exposure.
Includes both per-facility and per-worker costs.



One-time costs of

Costs would depend on baseline PPE and dermal



Exposure control plan:

exposure control plan activities.



40 hours one time cost to





develop plan: $3,730 per
facility

4 hours annual cost for





regular inspections: $370
per facility per year
0.43 hours annual





recordkeeping: $40 per
facility per year





Costs of engineering





controls, monitoring, or





PPE varies by control





type and needs of user





See PPE costs for glove





and apron costs



Product Label or Warnings

$830- $8,900 per

Costs will vary by condition of use. Potential



product, one time cost

activities may include graphic design changes, plate
changes, discarded inventory, and labor.

Container Sizes

$9,500-$47,500 per

A change in container size would lead to costs at the



product, one time cost

lower end while a packaging material change would
likely result in costs at the higher end.

Substitute Products (average per

Varies with condition of

Would vary by price of NMP per ounce vs.

ounce)

use

substitutes, as well as the differences in efficacy of
the substitute products.

Substitute Methods

Varies by job labor rate

This will primarily be labor cost and cost of
alternative equipment.

Recordkeeping

$218-$340 per firm

Ongoing annual labor and material costs associated
with documentation of ordinary business records.

Downstream Notification

$121-$138per product.

Costs are per product and include labor and material



one time cost

costs to update a product's safety data sheet (SDS).

Limited Access Program

Varies with condition of

Would vary by type of requirements for certification



use and type of

and any distribution processes or restrictions already



distributor

in place.

6

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Information on Weight Fractions of NMP Evaluated in the 2020 Risk
Evaluation

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EPA's SBAR Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed Rulemaking for n-methylpyrrolidone

(NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

Information on Weight Fractions of NMP Evaluated in the 2020 Risk Evaluation

EPA's 2020 Risk Evaluation for NMP is available at https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/final-risk-
evaluation-n-methvlpvrrolidone-nmp. The table below provides a summary of weight fractions (concentrations) of NMP evaluated for each
condition of use (COU) and location of that information in the risk evaluation (the Occupational Exposure Scenario (OES) number is also the
relevant section of the Risk Evaluation).

To support the Risk Evaluation, EPA determined the weight fraction of NMP in various products through information provided in the reasonably
available literature, previous risk assessments, and the 2017 NMP Market Profile (ABT, 2017). This Market Profile was prepared in part by
searching Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) of products that contain NMP and compiling the associated name, use, vendor and NMP concentration
associated with each of these products. Where multiple data points for a given type of product (e.g., paints and coatings) were available, EPA
estimated exposures using the central tendency (50th percentile, or CT) and high-end (95th percentile, or HE) NMP concentrations.

Condition of I so (COl )-

Occnpiilioiiiil Kxposure
Scenario (OKS)

Weigh I l*Y:u'(ion
r.\;ilu;ilcd (CI ;md IIK)



Domestic manufacture

2.4.1.2.1

100%

Evaluated pure NMP. This COU drives the unreasonable
risk (acute and chronic worker exposure).

Manufacture: import

2.4.1.2.2

100%

Evaluated pure NMP. This COU drives the unreasonable
risk (acute and chronic worker exposure).

Processing: as a reactant or intermediate
in plastic material and resin
manufacturing and other non-
incorporative processing

2.4.1.2.3

100%

Evaluated pure NMP. This COU drives the unreasonable
risk (acute and chronic worker exposure).

Processing: incorporation into a
formulation, mixture or reaction product
in multiple industrial sectors

2.4.1.2.4

100%

Evaluated pure NMP. This COU drives the unreasonable
risk (acute and chronic worker exposure).

Processing: incorporation into articles in
lubricants and lubricant additives in
machinery manufacturing

2.4.1.2.5

60-90%

Evaluated a range of NMP weight fractions. This COU
drives the unreasonable risk (acute worker exposure at
the high end and chronic worker exposure at the central
tendency and high end).

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EPA's SBAR Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed Rulemaking for n-methylpyrrolidone

(NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

Condition of I so (COl )-

Occnpiilioiiiil Kxposure
Scenario (OKS)

Weigh I l*Y:u'(ion
r.\;ilu;ilcd (CI ;md IIK)



Processing: incorporation into articles in
paint additives and coating additives not
described by other codes in
transportation equipment manufacturing

2.4.1.2.6

2-53%

Evaluated a range of NMP weight fractions. This COU
drives the unreasonable risk (acute and chronic worker
exposure at the high end).EPA used data from public
comments, literature, and the Use and Market Profile for
n-Methylpyrrolidone to determine the NMP weight
fraction.

Processing: incorporation into articles as
a solvent (which becomes part of product
formulation or mixture), including in
textiles, apparel and leather
manufacturing

2.4.1.2.4

100%

Evaluated pure NMP. This COU drives the unreasonable
risk (acute and chronic worker exposure).

Processing: incorporation into articles in
other sectors, including in plastic product
manufacturing

2.4.1.2.3

100%

Evaluated pure NMP. This COU drives the unreasonable
risk (acute and chronic worker exposure).

Processing: repackaging in wholesale
and retail trade

2.4.1.2.2

100%

Evaluated pure NMP. This COU drives the unreasonable
risk (acute and chronic worker exposure).

Processing: recycling

2.4.1.2.7

92-100%

Evaluated a range of NMP weight fractions. This COU
drives the unreasonable risk (acute and chronic worker
exposure).

Industrial and commercial use in paints,
coatings, and, adhesive removers

2.4.1.2.8

31-70%

Evaluated a range of NMP weight fractions. This COU
drives the unreasonable risk (acute worker exposure at
the high end, and chronic worker exposure at the central
tendency and high end). EPA used data from public
comments, literature sources, and the Use and Market
Profile for n-Methylpyrrolidone to determine the NMP
weight fraction.

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EPA's SBAR Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed Rulemaking for n-methylpyrrolidone

(NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

Condition of I so (COl )-

Occnpiilioiiiil Kxposure
Scenario (OKS)

Weigh I l*Y:u'(ion
r.\;ilu;ilcd (CI ;md IIK)



Industrial and commercial use in paints
and coatings in lacquers, stains,
varnishes, primers and floor finishes, and
powder coatings, surface preparation

2.4.1.2.6

2-53%

Evaluated a range of NMP weight fractions. This COU
drives the unreasonable risk (acute worker exposure at
the high end, and chronic worker exposure at the central
tendency and high end). EPA used data from public
comments, literature, and the Use and Market Profile for
n-Methylpyrrolidone to determine the NMP weight
fraction.

Industrial and commercial use in paint
additives and coating additives not
described by other codes in computer
and electronic product manufacturing in
electronic parts manufacturing

2.4.1.2.9

60-100%

Evaluated a range of NMP weight fractions. This COU
drives the unreasonable risk (acute and chronic worker
exposure at the central tendency and high end). EPA used
data from public comments, literature, and the Use and

Market Profile for n-Methylpyrrolidone to determine the
NMP weight fraction.

Industrial and commercial use in paint
additives and coating additives not
described by other codes in computer
and electronic product manufacturing for
use in semiconductor manufacturing

2.4.1.2.10

Container handling, small
containers 60-75%

Container handling,
drums 50-75%

Fab worker 2.5-5%

Maintenance 50-100%

Waste truck loading 92%

Evaluated a range of NMP weight fractions. This COU
drives the unreasonable risk (acute worker exposure at
the high end in most tasks, and chronic worker exposure
at the central tendency and high end). EPA used data
from public comments, literature, and the Use and
Market Profile for n-Methylpyrrolidone to determine the
NMP weight fraction.

Industrial and commercial use in in paint
additives and coating additives not
described by other codes in several
manufacturing sectors

2.4.1.2.6

2-53%

Evaluated a range of NMP weight fractions. This COU
drives the unreasonable risk (acute and chronic worker
exposure at the high end). EPA used data from public
comments, literature, and the Use and Market Profile for
n-Methylpyrrolidone to determine the NMP weight
fraction.

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EPA's SBAR Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed Rulemaking for n-methylpyrrolidone

(NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

Condition of I so (COl )-

Occnpiilioiiiil Kxposure
Scenario (OKS)

Weigh I l*Y:u'(ion
r.\;ilu;ilcd (CI ;md IIK)



Industrial and commercial use as a
solvent (for cleaning or degreasing) use
in electrical equipment, appliance and
component manufacturing

2.4.1.2.9

60-100%

Evaluated a range of NMP weight fractions. This COU
drives the unreasonable risk (acute worker exposure at
the high end, and chronic worker exposure at the central
tendency and high end). EPA used data from public
comments, literature, and the Use and Market Profile for
n-Methylpyrrolidone to determine the NMP weight
fraction.

Industrial and commercial use as a
solvent (for cleaning or degreasing) in
electrical equipment, appliance and
component manufacturing for use in
semiconductor manufacturing

2.4.1.2.10

Container handling, small
containers 60-75%

Evaluated a range of NMP weight fractions. This COU
drives the unreasonable risk (acute worker exposure at
the high end in most tasks, and chronic worker exposure
at the central tendency and high end). EPA used data
from public comments, literature, and the Use and
Market Profile for n-Methylpyrrolidone to determine the
NMP weight fraction.

Container handling,
drums 50-75%

Fab worker 2.5-5%

Maintenance 50-100%

Virgin NMP truck
loading 100%

Waste truck loading 92%

Industrial and commercial use in ink,
toner, and colorant products in printer
ink and inks in writing equipment

2.4.1.2.11

Printing 5-7%

Evaluated a range of NMP weight fractions. This COU
drives the unreasonable risk (chronic worker exposure at
the high end). EPA used data from public comments and

the Use and Market Profile for n-Methylpyrrolidone to
determine the NMP weight fraction.

Writing 10-20%

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EPA's SBAR Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed Rulemaking for n-methylpyrrolidone

(NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

Condition of I so (COl )-

Occnpiilioiiiil Kxposure
Scenario (OF.S)

Weigh I l*Y:u'(ion
r.\;ilu;ilcd (CI ;md IIK)



Industrial and commercial use in
processing aids, specific to petroleum
production in petrochemical
manufacturing, in other uses in oil and
gas drilling, extraction and support
activities, and in functional fluids (closed
systems)

2.4.1.2.3

100%

Evaluated pure NMP. This COU drives the unreasonable
risk (acute and chronic worker exposure).

Industrial and commercial use in
adhesives and sealants including binding
agents, single component glues and
adhesives, including lubricant adhesives,
and two-component glues and adhesives
including some resins

2.4.1.2.6

2-53%

Evaluated a range of NMP weight fractions. This COU
drives the unreasonable risk (acute and chronic worker
exposure at the high end). EPA used data from public
comments, literature, and the Use and Market Profile for
n-Methylpyrrolidone to determine the NMP weight
fraction.

Industrial and commercial use in other
uses in soldering materials

2.4.1.2.12

1-2.5%

Evaluated a range of NMP weight fractions. This COU
drives the unreasonable risk (chronic worker exposure at
the high end). EPA used data from public comments,
literature, and the Use and Market Profile for n-
Methylpyrrolidone to determine the NMP weight
fraction.

Industrial and commercial use in other
uses in anti-freeze and de-icing products,
automotive care products, and lubricants
and greases

2.4.1.2.13

2.5-33%

Evaluated a range of NMP weight fractions. This COU
drives the unreasonable risk (acute and chronic worker
exposure at the high end). EPA used data from public
comments, literature, and the Use and Market Profile for
n-Methylpyrrolidone to determine the NMP weight
fraction.

Industrial and commercial use in other
uses in metal products not covered
elsewhere, and lubricant and lubricant
additives including hydrophilic coatings

2.4.1.2.5

60-90%

Evaluated a range of NMP weight fractions. This COU
drives the unreasonable risk (acute and chronic worker
exposure at the central tendency and high end).

AM 50


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EPA's SBAR Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed Rulemaking for n-methylpyrrolidone

(NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

Condition of Use (COU)*

Occupational Exposure
Scenario (OES)

Weight Fraction
Evaluated (CT and HE)

Notes

Industrial and commercial use in other
uses in laboratory chemicals

2.4.1.2.14

100%

Evaluated pure NMP. This COU drives the unreasonable
risk (acute and chronic worker exposure).

Industrial and commercial uses in other
uses in lithium ion battery manufacturing

2.4.1.2.15

Container handling, small
containers 99-100%

Evaluated a range of NMP weight fractions. This COU
drives the unreasonable risk (acute worker exposure at
the high end in most tasks, and chronic worker exposure
at the central tendency and high end). EPA used data
from public comments, literature, and the Use and
Market Profile for n-Methylpyrrolidone to determine the
NMP weight fraction.

Container handling,
drums 60-100%

Cathode coating 60%

Cathode mixing 60%

Research and
development 60-100%

Miscellaneous additional
activities 60-100%

Industrial and commercial use in other
uses in cleaning and furniture care
products, including wood cleaners and
gasket removers

2.4.1.2.16

Dip cleaning 85-100%

Evaluated a range of NMP weight fractions. This COU
drives the unreasonable risk (acute and chronic worker
exposure at the central tendency and high end). EPA used
data from public comments, literature sources, and the
Use and Market Profile for n-Methylpyrrolidone to
determine the NMP weight fraction.

Spray/wipe cleaning 31-

99%

Industrial and commercial use in other
uses in fertilizer and other agricultural
chemical manufacturing, processing aids
and solvents

2.4.1.2.17

0.1-7%

Evaluated a range of NMP weight fractions. This COU
drives the unreasonable risk (chronic worker exposure at
the high end). EPA used data from public comments,
literature sources, and the Use and Market Profile for n-
Methylpyrrolidone to determine the NMP weight
fraction.

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EPA's SBAR Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed Rulemaking for n-methylpyrrolidone

(NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

Condition of I se (C ()l )-

()cciip:ilion:il Kxposure
Scenario (OKS)

Weight l-Yiiction
K\2ilu;iled (C I :md UK)



Consumer use in adhesives and sealants
in glues and adhesives, including
lubricant adhesives and sealants

2.4.2.5 Adhesives and
Sealants

0.77-85%

Evaluated a range of NMP weight fractions. This COU
drives the unreasonable risk (consumer exposure (acute
only) at the high intensity).

Disposal

2.4.1.2.7

92-100%

Evaluated a range of NMP weight fractions. This COU
drives the unreasonable risk (acute and chronic worker
exposure).

* This table includes only conditions of use identified as driving the unreasonable risk for NMP. As a result, several consumer conditions of use and
distribution in commerce are not listed in this table, but risk estimates are provided in the Risk Evaluation.

Reference

(2017). Use and Market Profile for N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP). (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2016-0743-0060). Prepared for: Economic and
Policy Analysis Branch Chemistry, Economics, and Sustainable Strategies Division, Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution
Prevention, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, https://www.regiilations.gov/docuinent?D=EPA-HO-OPP 1"~201 o-O "43-0060.

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Final Report of the Small Business Advocacy Review Panel on Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Section
6(a) Rulemaking for N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP)

App nil Materials Shared with Sni III'n fir • F >, iiresentatlv^ t> a* the
If 			 			 i' ach Meeting, May 	

Table of Contents

Agenda	A2-2

Rulemaking Presentation (updated from Pre-Panel version)	A2-7

Industry Sectors with Small Entities Potentially Affected by the Rulemaking (updated from Pre-Panel
version)	A2-101

Related Regulations (EPA, Federal, State, and International)	A2-112

SER Questions for Discussion	A2-113

Personal Protective Equipment Respirator System Per Worker Unit Cost Breakdown	A2-114

Potential Regulatory Options and Estimated Costs (updated from Pre-Panel version)	A2-115

Information on Weight Fractions of NMP Evaluated in the 2020 Risk Evaluation	A2-123

Key Takeaways from Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting	A2-124

Pesticide Inert Ingredients Interpretation TSCA and FIFRA	A2-131

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Agenda

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EPA's SBAR Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on
Proposed Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

May 24, 2023, 12:30pm-3:00pm, Eastern time zone

Agenda

12:30 Welcome and Opening Remarks

•	Bill Nickerson (EPA Small Business Advocacy Chair / Office of Policy)

•	Eileen Murphy (Division Director, Existing Chemicals Risk Management Division, EPA
Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention)

•	Tayyaba Zeb (Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy)

•	Mike Ciccarone (Office of Management and Budget, Office of Information and
Regulatory Affairs)

12:45 SER Introductions

12:55 Presentation on Panel process (Bill Nickerson, EPA SB AC)

1:05 Presentation on proposed rulemaking for NMP under TSCA section 6(a) (Office of
Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention)

•	Consultations with Small Entity Representatives (SERs)

•	Key takeaways from the Pre-panel outreach meeting

•	Overview of the unreasonable risk determinations in the risk evaluation and the risk
management requirements under TSCA

•	Overview of conditions of use in the rulemaking and basis for unreasonable risk
determination

•	Section 6 risk management overview: EPA's authority to regulate occupational and
consumer risks, key "tools in the toolbox" for managing unreasonable risks

•	Potential regulatory options

1:25 Discussion on conditions of use (COU) with unreasonable risk determinations. (See list at
endfor all conditions of use by group).

•	Detailed description of NMP use

•	Your experience with exposure control and risk reduction

•	Possible risk management actions

•	Cost associated with implementations

•	Available alternatives

•	Other implementation considerations

NMP COU Group 1: Manufacturers, Repackaging/Recycling, and Disposal
NMP COU Group 2: Commercial Processing and Formulation Uses

NMP - May 24, 2023

A2-3

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2:10 Break

2:20 Discussion (continued)

NMP COU Group 3: Industrial and Commercial Paint, Coating, and Solvent Uses
NMP COU Group 4: Industrial and Commercial Uses in Manufacturing of Electronic
Parts, Semiconductors, and Lithium Ion Batteries
NMP COU Group 5: Consumer Uses

2:45 Closing session

•	Closing remarks from EPA, SBA, and OMB

•	Wrap up and next steps (what to expect next)

3:00 Adjourn

NMP - May 24, 2023

A2-4

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Condition of Use Discussion Groups

Group 1: Manufacturing, Repackaging/Recycling, and Disposal

-	Includes the following conditions of use:

•	Manufacturing (domestic manufacture)

•	Manufacturing (import)

•	Processing: repackaging in wholesale and retail trade

•	Processing: recycling

•	Disposal

Group 2: Commercial Processing and Formulation Uses

-	Includes the following conditions of use:

•	Processing - as a reactant or intermediate in plastic material and resin manufacturing and
other non-incorporative processing

•	Processing - Incorporation into a formulation, mixture or reaction product in multiple
industrial sectors

•	Processing - Incorporation into articles in lubricants and lubricant additives in machinery
manufacturing

•	Processing - Incorporation into articles as a solvent (which becomes part of a product
formulation or mixture) including in textiles, apparel and leather manufacturing

•	Processing - Incorporation into articles in paint additives and coating additives not
described by other codes in transportation equipment manufacturing

•	Processing - Incorporation into articles in other sectors, including in plastic product
manufacturing

Group 3: Industrial and Commercial Paint, Coating, and Solvent Uses

-	Includes the following conditions of use:

•	Industrial and commercial use in paints, coatings and adhesive removers

•	Industrial and commercial use in paints and coatings in lacquers, stains, varnishes,
primers and floor finishes and powder coatings in surface preparation

•	Industrial and commercial use in in paint additives and coating additives not described by
other codes in multiple manufacturing sectors

•	Industrial and commercial use in ink, toner and colorant products in printer ink and inks
in writing equipment

•	Industrial and commercial use in processing aids, specific to petroleum production in
petrochemical manufacturing, in other uses in oil and gas drilling, extraction and support
activities, and in functional fluids (closed systems)

•	Industrial and commercial use in adhesives and sealants including binding agents, single
component glues and adhesives, including lubricant adhesives, and two-component glues
and adhesives including some resins

•	Industrial and commercial use in other uses in soldering materials

NMP - May 24, 2023

A2-5

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•	Industrial and commercial use in other uses in anti-freeze and de-icing products,
automotive care products, and lubricants and greases

•	Industrial and commercial use in other uses in metal products not covered elsewhere, and
lubricant and lubricant additives including hydrophilic coatings

•	Industrial and commercial use in other uses in laboratory chemicals

•	Industrial and commercial use in other uses in cleaning and furniture care products,
including wood cleaners and gasket removers

•	Industrial and commercial use in other uses in fertilizer and other agricultural chemical
manufacturing, processing aids and solvents

Group 4: Industrial and Commercial Uses in Manufacturing of Electronic Parts,

Semiconductors, and Lithium Ion Batteries

-	Includes the following condition of use:

•	Industrial and commercial use in paint additives and coating additives not described by
other codes in computer and electronic product manufacturing for use in semiconductor
manufacturing

•	Industrial and commercial use in paint additives and coating additives not described by
other codes in computer and electronic product manufacturing in electronic parts
manufacturing

•	Industrial and commercial use as a solvent (for cleaning or degreasing) in electrical
equipment, appliance and component manufacturing

•	Industrial and commercial use as a solvent (for cleaning or degreasing) in electrical
equipment, appliance and component manufacturing for use in semiconductor
manufacturing

•	Industrial and commercial uses in other uses in lithium ion battery manufacturing

Group 5: Consumer Use

-	Includes the following condition of use:

•	Consumer use in adhesives and sealants in glues and adhesives, including lubricant
adhesives and sealants

NMP - May 24, 2023

A2-6

4


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Rulemaking Presentation (updated from Pre-Panel version)

A2-7


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N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP)

Small Entity Consultation
Proposed Rulemaking under TSCA Section 6

Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Small Business Representative Panel Outreach Meeting

May 24, 2023

A2-8


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Overview

•	SERs and the regulatory process

•	Key Takeaways from Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting

•	Findings from the risk evaluation for NMP

•	Overview of conditions of use (COU) in the rulemaking

•	Basis for unreasonable risk determination

•	Risk management requirements under TSCA

•	EPA's authority and "tools in the toolbox"

•	Potential regulatory options

•	Additional discussion with Small Entity Representatives

•	Closing remarks

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency


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Consultation with Small Entity Representatives

•	EPA is interested in not only information, but also advice and
recommendations from the small entity representatives (SERs)

•	EPA will use this information to inform the agency's decision on potential
regulatory options and to develop a regulatory flexibility analysis, which
becomes part of the record for the potential regulation

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency

3


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Consultation with Small Entity Representatives

• Key elements in this regulatory flexibility analysis:

-	Number of small entities to which the potential rule would apply

-	Projected compliance requirements of the potential rule

-	Identification of all relevant Federal rules which may duplicate, overlap or conflict
with the potential rule

-	Any significant alternatives to the potential rule which accomplish the stated
objectives, and which minimize significant economic impact of the potential rule on
small entities

U.S. Environmen^FjYotection Agency	4


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Potentially Affected Entities

•	The potential affected industries/sectors for this proposed rule are identified by its NAICS code, SBA
thresholds and U.S. Census Bureau Statistics of U.S. Business datasets, published annually

•	302 industries/sectors and their associated NAICS code have been identified although not all of the
small firms indicated in the attachment are necessarily expected to be impacted by the proposed rule

•	SBA size standards vary greatly by NAICS code and range from $8 - $47 million and 100-1,500
employees

•	The attachment "Industry Sectors with Small Entities Potentially Affected by the Rulemaking" provides
small firm statistics (number of and employee size) for each industry/sector

•	EPA estimates 97% of firms are small entities may be impacted by the proposed rule

•	As more specific information about each entity is identified, it is possible that some entities could be
dropped from the list

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency

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SERs and the Regulatory Process

• We are seeking information on how the options presented might impact
your business or organization

-	Provide specific examples of impacts

-	Provide cost data, if available

-	Please see detailed questions in a separate handout

U.S. Environmengl^rotection Agency

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SERs and the Regulatory Process

•	We are also seeking alternative methods of regulating unreasonable risks

identified for NMP

-	Suggest other relevant options, including data costs and information on how to ensure
compliance

-	Suggest ways that small businesses could benefit from flexibilities, such as different
compliance timetables, simplified reporting requirements, and exemptions

•	We would like to minimize duplication

-	Provide information on any duplicative or contradictory federal, state, county, or city
regulations you are aware of

-	For a list of existing regulations, please see summary of Federal regulations

U.S. Environmen^il^rotection Agency

7


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Key Takeaways from Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting

•	Participants: 9 SERs participated and one SER submitted written comments

•	SERs discussed: Number and types of small entities affected

-	Included how their products are used and identified uses of NMP

-	Specifically, SERs described processing incorporation into formulation (in lawn care and
agricultural fertilizer, in pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides, in industrial cleaners), and as an
extraction solvent in re-refining used motor oil. SERs included descriptions of the concentrations
of NMP in the final product in industrial cleaners (1.5% to 15%) and in some pesticide products
(10% by weight or less)

-	A processor SER explained that NMP is used as an extraction solvent in order to yield a higher
purity of re-refined oil, and their need NMP for its selectivity for polars and aromatics and low
flammability and volatility

-	In written comments, a processor SER described their business as a "cleantech" company
advancing stability, and they described their expected benefits from their technology to re-refine
used motor oil based on reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from used motor oil currently being
disposed of improperly or burned as fuel

U.S. Environm^t^ Protection Agency	8


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Key Takeaways from Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting

• SERs discussed: potential reporting, recordkeeping and compliance
requirements

- SERs discussed their experience with:

•	Engineering controls (Enclosed pipes and mixing vessels, vacuum suction pumps, ventilation
systems, carbon scrubbing systems, infrared product formulation verification, fume hoods)

•	Personal protective equipment (PRE): Chemically-resistant gloves (standard and elbow-
length), lab coats, glasses/goggles, face shields, boots

•	Other exposure controls (e.g., administrative controls and hazard communication): SDS
sheets, good laboratory practices, signs, specialized training

•	Substitute chemicals, and their challenges using those substitutes, such as increased
degredation, safety concerns with use (flammable/explosive), less effective than NMP, or
regulatory concerns (are currently subject a TSCA section 5 Significant New Use Rule)

U.S. Environm^t^ Protection Agency

9


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Key Takeaways from Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting

• SERs discussed: potential reporting, recordkeeping and compliance requirements
- SERs discussed their perspective on potential prohibitions:

•	In pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides, and industrial cleaners, SERs described how prohibition
on NMP could lead to significant costs for switching to alternatives, especially if pesticide
registrations were needed. SERs described increased costs (material degredation, internal
document revisions, and EPA FIFRA registration delays) associated with use of alternatives,
especially in the case of modified 1 -butyl-2-pyrrolidone or dimethyl sulfoxide

•	In solvent extraction operations, a SER described their perspective that alternatives are not as
efficacious as NMP and how identifying those alternatives would lead to significant time delays for
research and development

•	In the written comment the processor SER stated that as an extraction solvent NMP could
potentially be replaced by furfural or phenol (hydroxy benzene) but the SER describes these
chemicals as less effective than NMP at extracting polar and aromatic compounds, as well as how,
compared to those chemicals, NMP has a lower flammability, lower volatility, and greater thermal
stability

•	SERs also discussed the challenges of identifying feasible alternatives and concern that they had
transitioned back to NMP after using known alternatives

U.S. Environm^t^ Protection Agency

10


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Key Takeaways from Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting

• SERs discussed: Related Federal rules

-	Two SERs mentioned FIFRA registration requirements for NMP as an inert in pesticide
formulations. The SERs indicated that if NMP were prohibited there would be cost and
testing requirements associated with registration of a new formulation

-	In written comments, while the processor SER did not mention related Federal rules, the
SER indicated they expect health and safety practices to be enforced as part of typical
health and safety protocols at refineries

U.S. Environm^t^ Protection Agency

11


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Key Takeaways from Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting

• SERs discussed: Regulatory flexibility alternatives

-	A SER that formulates herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides preferred PPE
requirements; the SER described how PPE changes would be less burdensome for their
business, because engineering control requirements would incur capital costs

-	In contrast, a SER who plans to use NMP as an extraction solvent in re-refining used
motor oil stated that administrative or engineering controls would be possible and
preferable. This SER expressed a strong preference for exposure controls that would
prevent a need for prohibition or reductions in concentration.

• In written comments, a processor SER stated that an inability to use NMP would
severely impair their planned business, since NMP is central to unique patented
process they have been developing for 15 years at a cost of over $50 million dollars

U.S. Environm^t^ Protection Agency

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Key Takeaways from Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting

SERs described considerations for timeframes for implementation of regulatory
restrictions:

•	One SER that processes NMP into industrial cleaners stated that they expected
six to eight months to transition to a known substitute chemical due to
compliance with additional requirements for that chemical (it is subject to a
Significant New Use Rule under TSCA Section 5)

•	One SER that processes NMP into pesticides stated that additional testing could
require one to two years; a different SER that processes NMP estimated that at
least two to three years plus additional time for pesticide registration updates
would be needed

•	One SER who plans to use NMP as an extraction solvent in re-refining used
motor oil stated that in the event of a prohibition on NMP for this use, they
expected that 10 to 15 years of testing and investment would be needed to

identify an alternative	U.S. Environm^jt^ Protection Agency	13


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Overview of the Risk Evaluation for NMP

• Risk evaluation published December 30, 2020:

-	37 conditions of use were evaluated

-	Risk evaluation follows a series of opportunities for public input into EPA's NMP risk
evaluation activities

-	NMP draft risk evaluation: December 2019; NMP problem formulation: June 2018;
NMP scope document: June 2017

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency

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Overview of the Risk Evaluation for NMP

•	Public comments arid external scientific peer review informed the final risk
evaluation

-	35 public comments received on the draft risk evaluation (comment period closed
January 21, 2020)

-	Peer review: EPA's Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) met to review
the draft evaluation (December 2019)

•	The risk evaluation and supplemental materials are in docket

, with additional materials supporting the risk evaluation process in
docket EPA-HQ-QPPT-2016-0743. on www.reaulations.gov

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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Determination of Unreasonable Risk

•	In the December 2020 risk evaluation, EPA determined that NMP presented unreasonable
risk to health and the environment. In that risk evaluation, EPA determined that 26 of the 37
conditions of use (COU) of NMP presented unreasonable risk

•	With EPA's policy change to a whole chemical approach, EPA has issued a revised whole
chemical unreasonable risk determination without presuming use of PPE. The changes from
that revised determination are included in this presentation and available at

https://www.epa.qov/assessinq-and-manaqinq-chemicals-under-tsca/final-risk-evaluation-n-
methvlpyrrolidone-nmp

•	There may be some conditions of use that EPA has determined do not drive the
unreasonable risk but may still be subject to regulation due to uses elsewhere in the supply
chain that drive the unreasonable risk

U.S. Environmentel^rotection Agency

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Recent Changes to the Risk Determination

EPA released for public comment a draft revision to the unreasonable risk determination for NMP on
July 1, 2022

EPA published the final revised risk determination on December 19, 2022
Incorporates policy changes announced in June 2021
Specifically, EPA has determined that:

-	Making an unreasonable risk determination for NMP as a whole chemical substance, rather than unreasonable
risk determinations separately on each individual condition of use in the risk evaluation, is the most appropriate
approach to NMP under the statute and implementing regulations

-	The risk determination does not rely on assumptions regarding the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
in making the unreasonable risk determination under TSCA section 6, even though some facilities might be
using PPE as one means to reduce workers' exposures; rather, the use of PPE would be considered during risk
management as appropriate

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

A2-24


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Recent Changes to the Risk Determination

Removing the assumption that workers always and appropriately wear PRE in making the whole
chemical risk determination for NMP result in:

- Three additional conditions of use that drive the unreasonable risk determination for NMP:

•	Industrial and commercial use in ink, toner, and colorant products;

•	Industrial and commercial use in other uses soldering materials;

•	Industrial and commercial use in other uses in fertilizer and other agricultural chemical
manufacturing—processing aids and solvents

U.S. EnvironmentelJ?rotection Agency


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Recent Changes to the Risk Determination Cont

• Additionally, removing the assumption that workers always and appropriately wear PPE in
making the whole chemical risk determination for NMP result in risks for acute non-cancer
effects from inhalation and dermal exposures also driving the unreasonable risk in five
conditions of use (where previously those conditions of use were identified as presenting
unreasonable risk from chronic non-cancer effects):

-	Processing for incorporation into articles in paint additives and coating additives not described by other codes in
transportation equipment manufacturing;

-	Industrial and commercial use in paints, coatings, and adhesive removers;

-	Industrial and commercial use in paints and coatings in lacquers, stains, varnishes, primers, and floor finishes,
powder coatings (surface preparation);

-	Industrial and commercial use paint additives and coating additives in multiple manufacturing sectors; and

-	Industrial and commercial use in adhesives and sealants including binding agents, single component glues and
adhesives, including lubricant additives, two-component glues, and adhesives including some resins.

U.S. EnvironmentelJJrotection Agency

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Recent Changes to the Risk Determination Cont.

•	Overall, 29 conditions of use out of 37 EPA evaluated drive the NMP whole chemical
unreasonable risk determination

•	EPA has not conducted new scientific analysis on NMP; the risk evaluation continues to
characterize risks associated with individual conditions of use

•	The final risk determination is in docket	at regulations.gov

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency

20


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Recent Changes to the Risk Determination

Separately, EPA is conducting a screening approach to assess potential risks from the air and water
pathways for several of the first 10 chemicals, including NMP

- This screening analysis was presented to the SACC in March and EPA is currently incorporating comments from
the SACC and public commenters on revisions to the analysis

Exposure pathways that were or could be regulated under another EPA-administered statute were
excluded from the 2020 NMP risk evaluation, resulting in certain air and water pathways not being fully

assessed

EPA's screening approach will identify if there are risks that were unaccounted for in the risk evaluation
for NMP

If the results suggest there is additional risk, EPA will determine if the risk management approach being
contemplated for NMP will protect against these risks or if the risk evaluation will need to be formally
supplemented or revised

U.S. EnvironmentelJ^rotection Agency

21


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NMP Manufacturing and Processing Uses that Drive the
Unreasonable Risk

Manufacturing (domestic manufacturing)

Manufacturing (import)

Processing: As a reactant/intermediate in plastic material and resin manufacturing and other non-
incorporative processing

Processing: Incorporation into formulation, mixture or reaction product in multiple industrial sectors
Processing: Incorporation into articles in lubricants and lubricant additives in machinery manufacturing
Processing: Incorporation into articles in paint additives and coating additives not described by other codes in
transportation equipment manufacturing

Processing: Incorporation into articles as a solvent (which becomes part of a product formulation or mixture)
including in textiles, apparel and leather manufacturing

Processing: Incorporation into articles in other sectors, including in plastic product manufacturing
Processing: Repackaging in wholesale and retail trade
Processing: Recycling

U.S. Environm^t|^ Protection Agency

22


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NMP Industrial and Commercial Uses that Drive the Unreasonable
Risk

Industrial and commercial use in paints, coatings and adhesive removers

Industrial and commercial use in paints and coatings in lacquers, stains, varnishes, primers and floor finishes and
powder coatings in surface preparation

Industrial and commercial use in paint additives and coating additives not described by other codes in computer and
electronic product manufacturing in electronic parts manufacturing

Industrial and commercial use in paint additives and coating additives not described by other codes in computer and
electronic product manufacturing for use in semiconductor manufacturing

Industrial and commercial use in in paint additives and coating additives not described by other codes in multiple
manufacturing sectors

Industrial and commercial use as a solvent (for cleaning or degreasing) in electrical equipment, appliance and
component manufacturing

U.S. Environm^t^ Protection Agency

23


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NMP Industrial and Commercial Uses that Drive the Unreasonable Risk

Industrial and commercial use as a solvent (for cleaning or degreasing) in electrical equipment, appliance and
component manufacturing for use in semiconductor manufacturing

Industrial and commercial use in ink, toner and colorant products in printer ink and inks in writing equipment

Industrial and commercial use in processing aids, specific to petroleum production in petrochemical
manufacturing, in other uses in oil and gas drilling, extraction and support activities, and in functional fluids
(closed systems)

Industrial and commercial use in adhesives and sealants including binding agents, single component glues
and adhesives, including lubricant adhesives, and two-component glues and adhesives including some resins

Industrial and commercial use in other uses in soldering materials

U.S. Environm^t|j Protection Agency

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NMP Industrial and Commercial Uses and Disposal that Drive the
Unreasonable Risk

Industrial and commercial use in other uses in anti-freeze and de-icing products, automotive care products, and
lubricants and greases

Industrial and commercial use in other uses in metal products not covered elsewhere, and lubricant and lubricant
additives including hydrophilic coatings

Industrial and commercial use in other uses in laboratory chemicals
Industrial and commercial uses in other uses in lithium-ion battery manufacturing

Industrial and commercial use in other uses in cleaning and furniture care products, including wood cleaners and
gasket removers

Industrial and commercial use in other uses in fertilizer and other agricultural chemical manufacturing, processing
aids and solvents

Disposal

U.S. Environm^^ Protection Agency

25


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NMP Consumer Uses that Drive the Unreasonable Risk

Consumer use in adhesives and sealants in glues and adhesives, including lubricant adhesives and sealants

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency	26


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Basis for Unreasonable Risk Determination: Workers

•	The unreasonable risk determination for workers is based on the following health hazards
during occupational exposures to NMP:

-	Developmental effects from acute inhalation and dermal exposures

-	Reproductive effects from chronic inhalation and dermal exposures

•	Consideration of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

-	EPA does not assume that workers are always provided or appropriately wear PPE, for the purposes of unreasonable
risk determination

-	EPA does not assume that it is a standard industry practice that workers in some small commercial facilities (e.g., those
performing cleaning or degreasing, using automotive care products, soldering materials, or commercial printing and
copying) have a respiratory protection program or regularly employ dermal protection; therefore, the use of respirators
and gloves is assumed to be unlikely for workers in these facilities

-	When no PPE is assumed to be in place, 29 of the 37 COUs drive the unreasonable risk

-	As previously noted, this assumption results in three additional COUs driving the unreasonable risk determination, and
five conditions of use with acute effects in addition to chronic affects driving the unreasonable risk determination

U.S. Environmen^y^rotection Agency

27


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Basis for Unreasonable Risk Determination: Consumers

The unreasonable risk determinations for consumers is based on the following health
hazards during consumer exposures to NMP:

- Developmental toxicity from acute inhalation and dermal exposure

The unreasonable risk determinations were based on the high intensity risk estimates for
consumers

EPA did not evaluate chronic exposures to NMP for consumer users because EPA
considered the frequency of consumer product use to be too low to create chronic risk
concerns

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency


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Related Regulations and TSCA Section 6 Authority

•	NMP is subject to several federal laws and regulations in the United States and is also subject
to regulatory actions by states

- See separate document "Related Regulations (EPA, other Federal, State, and International)" for more information
on the regulatory history of NMP

•	EPA determined that NMP presents an unreasonable risk to workers and consumers in the
TSCA risk evaluation

•	Therefore, EPA is required to develop risk management actions under TSCA to address the
unreasonable risk

•	TSCA Section 9 allows EPA to use statutory authorities to a sufficient extent by action taken
under a Federal law not administrated by the Administrator to reduce or eliminate identified risk
to health or the environment

U.S. Environm^t^ Protection Agency

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Risk Management Requirements

•	Under TSCA, EPA is required to take action, to the extent necessary, to address chemicals
that pose unreasonable risks to human health or the environment

•	EPA must issue a TSCA section 6(a) rule following risk evaluation to address all identified
unreasonable risks within two years:

-	Proposed rule one year after risk evaluation

-	Final rule two years after risk evaluation

•	Specific requirements on consideration of alternatives, selecting among options and
statement of effects apply to risk management rules

•	Input from stakeholders is critical to the process and EPA is seeking stakeholder input now
during the SBAR process and during the public comment period following the proposed rule

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency

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TSCA 6a Rule Requirements (15 U.S.C 2605(c)(2)):

(A)	Statement of effects

-	In proposing and promulgating a rule under subsection (a) with respect to a chemical substance or mixture, the Administrator shall consider and
publish a statement based on reasonably available information with respect to—

-	(i) the effects of the chemical substance or mixture on health and the magnitude of the exposure of human beings to the chemical substance or
mixture;

-	(ii) the effects of the chemical substance or mixture on the environment and the magnitude of the exposure of the environment to such substance
or mixture;

-	(iii) the benefits of the chemical substance or mixture for various uses; and

-	(iv) the reasonably ascertainable economic consequences of the rule, including consideration of—

•	(I) the likely effect of the rule on the national economy, small business, technological innovation, the environment, and public health;

•	(II) the costs and benefits of the proposed and final regulatory action and of the 1 or more primary alternative regulatory actions considered
by the Administrator; and

•	(III) the cost effectiveness of the proposed regulatory action and of the 1 or more primary alternative regulatory actions considered by the
Administrator.

(B)	Selecting requirements

-	In selecting among prohibitions and other restrictions, the Administrator shall factor in, to the extent practicable, the considerations under
subparagraph (A) in accordance with subsection (a).

A2-38

31


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TSCA Section 6(a)

TSCA provides EPA with authority to address unreasonable risks, and to regulate entities
including:

-	Manufacturers (including importers and importers of articles)

-	Processors (e.g., formulators)

-	Distributors

-	Commercial users (workplaces and workers)

-	Entities disposing of chemicals for commercial purposes

Cannot directly regulate consumer users

-	Under TSCA, EPA has authority to regulate at the manufacturing, processing and distribution
levels in the supply chain to eliminate or restrict the availability of chemicals and chemical-
containing products for consumer use

-	These authorities allow EPA to regulate at key points in the supply chain to effectively address
unreasonable risks to consumers

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency	32


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TSCA Section 6(a) Regulatory Options

•	Prohibit, limit or otherwise restrict manufacture, processing or distribution in commerce

•	Prohibit, limit or otherwise restrict manufacture, processing or distribution in commerce for
particular use or for use above a set concentration

•	Require minimum warnings and instructions with respect to use, distribution, and/or disposal

•	Require recordkeeping, monitoring or testing

•	Prohibit or regulate manner or method of commercial use

•	Prohibit or regulate manner or method of disposal by certain persons

•	Direct manufacturers/processors to give notice of the unreasonable risk determination to
distributors, users, and the public and replace or repurchase

U.S. Environmen^lj^rotection Agency	33


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Availability of Alternatives: TSCA Section 6(c)(2)(C)

• TSCA section 6(c)(2)(C) requires EPA.. in deciding whether to prohibit or
restrict in a manner that substantially prevents a specific condition of use of a
chemical substance or mixture, and in setting an appropriate transition period
for such action...to the extent practicable, whether technically and economically
feasible alternatives that benefit health or the environment, compared to the
use so proposed to be prohibited or restricted, will be reasonably available as a
substitute when the proposed prohibition or other restriction takes effect"

-	Substitute products and methods vary by condition of use

-	For example, alternatives to NMP in paint and coating removal include solvent-based alternatives like
n-ethylpyrrolidone (NEP), benzyl alcohol, and other methyl acetate-based stripping formulations, or
process-based alternatives like heat and sanding (

content/uploads/sites/31/2019/09/Final-IMMP-Paint-Stripper-Graffiti-Remover Profile.pdf)

U.S. Environm^t|j Protection Agency	34


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Effective Dates: TSCA Section 6(d)

•	TSCA section 6(d) describes effective dates and compliance dates for TSCA section 6(a) rules

•	In these rules, EPA must specify an effective date, which must be as soon as practicable

•	Except for uses exempted under TSCA section 6(g), EPA must:

- Specify mandatory compliance dates for all rule requirements, no later than five years after
promulgation of the rule, or, in the case of a ban or phase-out:

•	Specify mandatory compliance dates for the start of a ban or phase-out requirements, which shall be as
soon as practicable and no later than five years after promulgation of the rule, and

•	Specify mandatory compliance dates for full implementation of a ban or phase-out requirements, which
shall be as soon as practicable

•	EPA must also provide for a reasonable transition period

U.S. Environmen^lj^rotection Agency

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Critical or Essential Uses: TSCA Section 6(g)

TSCA Section 6(g) allows EPA to grant, by rule, a time-limited exemption from a section 6(a) rule for a specific condition of use
• EPA can provide an exemption under three conditions:

—	The specific condition of use is a critical or essential use for which no technically and economically feasible safer alternative is available;

—	Compliance with the rule would significantly disrupt the national economy, national security, or critical infrastructure; or

—	The specific condition of use, as compared to alternatives, provides a substantial benefit to health, the environment, or public safety

In granting an exemption, EPA must:

—	Provide a time limit for the exemption

—	Analyze the need for the exemption and make the analysis public

—	Include conditions, such as recordkeeping, monitoring, and reporting requirements, to the extent EPA determines they are necessary to protect health and the
environment while achieving the purposes of the exemption

EPA appreciates any information to inform whether it would be appropriate to propose an exemption under section 6(g), such as:

—	How the exemption request for a COU would meet one or more of the criteria under section 6(g) and information on specific impacts if the chemical were not available

—	Whether the chemical is used to meet requirements or specifications from other regulations, describe the process, timeline, and challenges for obtaining
industry/government approval for use of an alternative substance or method

—	Description of how long a potential section 6(g) exemption would be needed and why

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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Hierarchy of Controls

EPA is considering the NIOSH/OSHA
hierarchy of controls when developing risk
management actions

-	As described by NIOSH

(https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/hierarchv/default.html),
the hierarchy of controls can be used to implement
feasible and effective controls to protect workers

-	It typically includes elimination, substitution, engineering
controls, administrative controls, and PRE on a scale of
most to least protective

Any regulatory requirement can be used alone or
in combination to the extent necessary so that
NMP no longer presents an unreasonable risk
under its conditions of use

Most
effective

Hierarchy of Controls



¦

Least
effective

Elimination

Substitution

Engineering
Controls

Administrative
Controls

PPE f—

f

¥

Physically remove
the hazard

Replace
the hazard

Isolate people
from the hazard

Change the way
people work

Protect the worker with
Personal Protective Equipment

image by NIOSH

b ttps-J/www. cdc gov/niosh/topics/h ierarchy/defa u It. h tm I

U.S. Environm^t||Protection Agency

37


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Potential Regulatory Options

EPA has considered several regulatory options under TSCA section 6(a), and a wide range of risk
reduction practices and options

Through Agency review and stakeholder input, the following potential options have been identified
as reducing exposures, so NMP no longer presents an unreasonable risk of injury to health

These options are currently being considered and evaluated by EPA, and are not final at this time.
EPA has not made a decision at this point about what regulatory options to propose

Regulatory requirements could be used alone or in combination to the extent necessary so that
NMP no longer presents an unreasonable risk under its conditions of use

- Additionally, under TSCA section 6(g), EPA may propose a time-limited exemption for a specific condition
of use under three circumstances, as discussed previously on slide 30

U.S. Environm^t^ Protection Agency

38


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Potential Regulatory Options

Prohibit use above a set concentration (concentration limits)

Prescriptive PPE controls

Prescriptive administrative controls

Prescriptive engineering controls

Combination of controls (non-prescriptive)

Prohibit or restrict manufacturing, processing, and distribution

Prohibit or restrict manufacturing, processing, and distribution for a particular

Regulatory options applied broadly with other restrictions

-	Recordkeeping and downstream notification

-	Monitoring and labeling

-	Training, certification, and limited access program

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency


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Potential Regulatory Options, cont.

•	EPA has not decided on the primary regulatory options to propose in the rule.

•	Nonetheless, EPA's primary performance metric for eliminating the unreasonable risk
of injury to human health is to eliminate or reduce significantly direct dermal contact
with NMP. EPA is considering the following regulatory options and seeking feedback
on the impacts of applying one or more of the following regulatory options to address
the unreasonable risk from NMP.

•	Unlike some of the other chemicals currently undergoing risk management under
TSCA section 6, EPA is not considering an airborne concentration limit for NMP and is
focusing on dermal protection measures. The 2020 risk evaluation for NMP and
revised unreasonable risk determination found that the unreasonable risk of injury to
human health is driven by direct dermal contact with liquid NMP.

U.S. Environmen^lJ^rotection Agency

40


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Potential Regulatory Options, cont.

For processing, industrial, and commercial uses (occupational exposures) EPA is considering the following regulatory
options to address the unreasonable risk:

- Concentration Limit

•	A risk management option that would restrict the concentration or weight fraction within the formulation.

•	For example, if scientific analysis based on the 2020 Risk Evaluation supported it, EPA could limit the percentage amount
of the chemical in the formulation if that percentage addressed the unreasonable risk and the formulation was still
efficacious.

•	In the 2020 Risk Evaluation for NMP, EPA identified the expected weight fraction of NMP in liquid products based on
publicly available information, public comments, and available products on the market (see separate handout: Information
on Weight Fractions of NMP Evaluated in the 2020 Risk Evaluation). If ranges of NMP in formulations were identified, EPA
generally assessed the lower bound of the range as the central tendency and the upper bound of the range as the high
end.

-	Example: EPA identified and assessed the commercial use of NMP in paints, coatings, adhesives and sealants based on
products with 2-53% NMP. At the high-end concentration, in the expected occupational exposure scenarios, these conditions
of use drive the unreasonable risk.

-	Example: EPA identified and assessed the commercial use of NMP in metal finishing products with 60-90% NMP. At these
concentrations, in the expected occupational exposure scenarios, this condition of use drives the unreasonable risk.

•	There is uncertainty if lowering the concentration limit may impact efficacy of the products. For a concentration or weight
fraction limit to address the unreasonable risk, it would need to be lower than those that drove the unreasonable risk in the
risk evaluation.

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency

41


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Potential Regulatory Options, cont.

•	Prescriptive Engineering Controls

-	Would reduce worker exposure by requiring specific physical changes to the workplace to
eliminate or reduce direct dermal contact

-	Examples: installing additional or different equipment, such as enclosed transfer liquid lines,
closed loop container systems or a laboratory type fume hood, to reduce the exposure to the
chemical

•	Prescriptive Administrative Controls

-	Would reduce worker exposure by requiring processes or procedures in the workplace to eliminate
or reduce direct dermal contact

-	Examples: Limit access to work areas (restricted areas) or confining operations (enclosed areas)

-	EPA's confidence that the unreasonable risk from NMP can be addressed is highest for highly
standardized and industrialized settings, such as where NMP is used in a closed-loop system

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency

42


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Potential Regulatory Options, cont.

Prescriptive PRE Controls

-	A risk management option that would require the use of specific PRE to minimize exposure. This may limit flexibility for
the regulated entity

Some examples of potential PPE that could contribute to reducing the unreasonable risk are listed separately in Appendix F of the 2020 final risk
evaluation, as well as the Potential Costs of Regulatory Options table later in this presentation

-	Requiring the use of dermal and inhalation PPE that provides an impervious barrier in combination with a set
concentration limit of NMP would allow more flexibility for regulated entities to mitigate unreasonable risk

-	EPA anticipates that PPE would need to be combined with training and other controls in order to address the
unreasonable risk from NMP

Combination of Controls (non-prescriptive)

-	A combination of risk management approaches for conditions of use where strict industrial practices may already exist.
Enables users to determine how to most effectively separate, distance, physically remove, or isolate workers from direct
handling of NMP or from contact with equipment/materials for which NMP may exist based on what works best for their
workplace and the ability to combine prescriptive controls

-	Would eliminate direct dermal contact in accordance with the Pollution Prevention Act and NIOSH hierarchy of controls

-	Could include engineering or administrative controls to reduce or eliminate exposure

-	If direct dermal contact could not be eliminated using elimination, substitution, engineering controls, or administrative
controls, could require personal protective equipment that provides an impervious barrier

-	Examples: Automation, barriers, or design of tools

U.S. Environmental Protedtion Agency

43


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Potential Regulatory Options, cont.

• Prohibition

-	EPA could include prohibition on manufacturing, processing, distribution, use, or disposal for
specific conditions of use or the chemical as a whole

-	EPA requests data and feedback about availability and viability of NMP alternatives, testing and
analysis that SERs have completed of potential alternatives, the cost impacts of SERs
switching to alternatives, and the overall impacts to SERs' businesses if NMP is prohibited.

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency

44


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Potential Regulatory Options, cont.

• For consumer uses, EPA is considering the following regulatory options to
address the unreasonable risk:

-	Regulation at key points in the supply chain (manufacturing, processing, and/or
distribution) to address unreasonable risks to consumers

•	Example: March 2019 rule to address unreasonable risks to consumers from
methylene chloride in paint and coating removal prohibited manufacture (including
import), processing, and distribution in commerce of methylene chloride for this use
(including distribution to and by retailers)

-	Potential regulatory options:

•	Prohibition

•	Concentration Limits

•	Container size

U.S. Environmental Protedtjon Agency


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Potential Regulatory Options, cont.

• Regulatory options applied broadly with other restrictions

-	Recordkeeping - example: ordinary business records to demonstrate compliance
(for example not selling products to consumers)

-	Downstream notification - example: modify the SDS to indicate that the product
should not be used in consumer products or indicate other regulatory requirements

-	Monitoring - example: monitor for compliance or concentration limits

-	Labeling - example: labeling products to indicate that they should not be used by
consumers or to describe other regulatory requirements

-	Container size - example: a minimum or maximum container size (e.g., 32 ounce
container, 55 gallon drum) to reduce likelihood of purchase by certain types of users
(consumers or commercial users)

-	Limited access program - example: access only to users with certain equipment or
types of facilities

U.S. EnvironmemaJ53rotection Agency


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Cost of Regulatory Options

Option/Type of Cost

Prohibition of manufacturing,
processing, and distribution

Prohibition of Use

Reformulation of product
to eliminate NMP

Substitute Products (price per
ounce)

Estimated Compliance Cost

Varies with condition of use

Varies with condition of use

$60,000-$102,000 per product

Varies with condition of use
DMSO:

$0.73/ounce (vol)

Furfural:

$0.70/ounce (vol)

Phenol (hydroxy benzene):
$1.30/ounce (wt)

Notes

Cost will vary by condition of use. Potential activities could
include changes in process and equipment, costs of alternatives,
reformulation (see below), and more. Requires input from
potentially regulated entities.

Cost will vary by condition of use. Potential activities could
include changes in process and equipment, costs of alternatives,
reformulation (see below), and more. Requires input from
potentially regulated entities.

Costs will vary by condition of use and will be dependent on
reformulation approach. Requires input from potentially regulated
entities.

Would vary by price of NMP per ounce vs. substitutes, as well as the
differences in efficacy of the substitute products. This is only a material
cost and excludes changes in equipment, technology, training, testing,
etc. Example prices are from a scientific retailer. Requires input from
potentially regulated entities.

Reformulation of product to $17,000 per product		t			47

reduce NMP concentration

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Costs reflect dilution reformulation approach. Requires input from
A2-s4Dotentially regulated entities.


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Cost of Regulatory Options, cont.

Option/Type of Cost

Engineering/

Administrative Controls

Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) - (e.g., respirators)

Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) (dermal)

Estimated Compliance Cost

Notes

user

APF 10:

$1,800

APF 25:

$1,300

APF 50:

$1,700

APF 1000:

$1,100

APF 10000:

$2,000

Varies by control type and needs of Requires input from potentially regulated entities

Annualized costs are per person and include purchase
of equipment (including filters), training, fit-testing, and
medical clearance. The unit costs include a written
respiratory program and equipment cleaning. Does not
include existing PPE use nor PPE replacement due to
employee turn-over. Includes both purified and supplied
air respirators.

Reusable glove costs are per pair of butyl, laminated
polyethylene, neoprene, and natural rubber/latex
gloves. Disposable glove costs are per pair of nitrile
gloves. Disposable nitrile gloves are not used alone, but
in combination with the reusable gloves. Reusable
apron costs are per nitrile and neoprene apron.
Disposable apron costs are per polyethylene apron.

A2-55

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Reusable gloves: $6-$55
Disposable gloves: $0.50
Reusable apron:$25-$34
Disposable apron: $4


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Cost of Regulatory Options, cont.

Option/Type of Cost

Combination of controls (non-
prescriptive)

Estimated Compliance Cost

Annualized costs of Exposure control
plan:

$560-$630 per facility costs
$35 per worker costs

One-time costs of Exposure control plan:

-	40 hours one time cost to develop plan:
$3,730 per facility

-	4 hours annual cost for regular
inspections: $370 per facility per year

-	0.43 hours annual recordkeeping: $40
per facility per year

Notes

Non-prescriptive approach would likely include
development of an exposure control plan. Costs include
costs for conducting regular inspections, PRE program
plan documentation, records of plan implementation,
and records of dermal exposure. Includes both per-
facility and per-worker costs. Costs will depend on
baseline PRE and dermal exposure control plan
activities.

Costs of engineering controls,
monitoring, or PPE varies by control type
and needs of user

See PPE costs for glove and apron costs

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency


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Cost of Regulatory Options, cont.

Option/Type of Cost

Estimated Compliance Cost

Notes

Product Label or Warnings

$830- $8,900 per product, one time cost

Costs will vary by condition of use. Potential
activities may nclude graphic design changes,
plate changes, discarded inventory, and labor.

Container Sizes

$9,500-$47,500 per product, one time cost

A change in container size would lead to costs at
the lower end while a packaging material change
would likely result in costs at the higher end.

Substitute Methods

Varies by job labor rate

This will primarily be labor cost and cost of
alternative equipment.



U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency

50


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Cost of Regulatory Options, cont.

Option/Type of Cost

Estimated Compliance Cost

Notes

Recordkeeping

$218-$340 per firm

Ongoing annual labor and material costs
associated with documentation of ordinary
business records.

Downstream Notification

$121 -$138 per product, one time cost

Costs are per product and include labor and
material costs to update a product's safety data
sheet (SDS).

Limited Access Program

Varies with condition of use and type of
distributor

Would vary by type of requirements for
certification and any distribution processes or
restrictions already in place.

U.S. EnvironmentelProte©tjon Agency

51


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In-Depth Discussion on Conditions of Use for NMP

1.	Manufacturing, repackaging/recycling, and disposal

2.	Commercial processing and formulation uses

3.	Industrial and commercial paint, coating, and solvent uses

4.	Industrial and commercial uses in manufacturing of
electronic parts, semiconductors, and lithium-ion batteries

5.	Consumer uses

U.S. EnvironmentelProte©tjon Agency

52


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NMP Group 1: Manufacturers, Repackaging/Recycling,
and Disposal

Relevant conditions of use:

-	Manufacturing (domestic manufacture)

-	Manufacturing (import)

-	Processing: repackaging in wholesale and retail trade

-	Processing: recycling

-	Disposal

What is NMP used for? How is it applied?

-	NMP is domestically manufactured, imported, and repackaged from bulk containers to smaller containers; NMP is
loaded and unloaded into different containers

-	NMP waste streams are collected and transported to third-party sites for disposal, treatment, or recycling

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

53


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Potential Regulatory Options for NMP Group 1:
Manufacturing, Repackaging/Recycling, and Disposal

As noted previously EPA is considering the following regulatory options and is seeking your
feedback. Any regulatory requirement could be used alone or in combination to the extent
necessary so that NMP no longer presents an unreasonable risk under its conditions of use:

•	Prescriptive Controls (Engineering, Administrative, PPE)

•	Combination of Controls (Non-Prescriptive)

•	Prohibition

•	Regulatory options applied broadly with other restrictions

-	Recordkeeping and downstream notification

-	Monitoring and labeling

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

54


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Discussion with Small Entity Representatives

Please provide your comments or questions regarding:

•	Number and types of small entities affected

•	Potential reporting, recordkeeping and compliance
requirements

•	Related Federal rules

•	Regulatory flexibility alternatives

U.S. Environmental Protedtjon Agency


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Discussion - Your Business and NMP

•	How does your organization use NMP?

•	Can you describe the specific use, as well as the workplace and workplace
setting where it is used?

•	What is the trend of NMP use in your organization?

•	How important to your business is the function that NMP provides?

•	Are there potential critical or essential uses?

•	Are there uses for which there are no available technically or economically
feasible alternatives?

U.S. Environmen^y^rotection Agency	56


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Discussion - Workplace Exposure

•	What is your experience with exposure control and risk reduction?

•	How many employees are exposed to NMP, and for how long (days/years and hours/day)?

•	What is the concentration of NMP in the product you use?

•	What routine worker activities result in worker exposure to NMP and what type of exposure?

•	What engineering controls are used to minimize exposure to NMP? Are additional controls
feasible?

•	What administrative controls and training do you use to minimize exposure to NMP?

•	What respiratory and dermal PPE is regularly worn by workers to minimize exposure to NMP?

U.S. Environmengl^rotection Agency

57


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Discussion - Regulatory Options

•	What regulatory approach should EPA take?

•	Are there concerns about the ability to comply with any of the
potential regulatory options?

•	What advice do you have for reducing impacts on small
businesses?

•	What timeframe would your business need to comply with
potential new regulations or restrictions?

U.S. Environmentel^rotection Agency

58


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NMP Group 2: Processors

Relevant conditions of use

-	Processing - as a reactant or intermediate in plastic material and resin manufacturing and other non-incorporative
processing

-	Processing - Incorporation into a formulation, mixture or reaction product in multiple industrial sectors

-	Processing - Incorporation into articles in lubricants and lubricant additives in machinery manufacturing

-	Processing - Incorporation into articles as a solvent (which becomes part of a product formulation or mixture) including
in textiles, apparel and leather manufacturing

-	Processing - Incorporation into articles in paint additives and coating additives not described by other codes in
transportation equipment manufacturing

-	Processing - Incorporation into articles in other sectors, including in plastic product manufacturing

What is NMP used for? How is it applied?

-	NMP is commonly used as a feedstock in the production of other chemicals products and may be incorporated into
various products and formulations at varying concentrations for further distribution

-	These uses entail use of NMP as an intermediate, as a media for synthesis, processing, and purification

-	NMP may be used for maintenance, bottling, shipping, sampling and loading into or unloading from containers

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

59


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Potential Regulatory Options for NMP Group 2: Processors

As noted previously EPA is considering the following regulatory options and is seeking your
feedback. Any regulatory requirement could be used alone or in combination to the extent
necessary so that NMP no longer presents an unreasonable risk under its conditions of use :

Concentration Limit

Prescriptive Controls (Engineering, Administrative, PPE)

Combination of Controls (Non-Prescriptive)

Prohibition

Regulatory options applied broadly with other restrictions

-	Recordkeeping and downstream notification

-	Monitoring and labeling

U.S. Environmen^y^rotection Agency	60


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Discussion with Small Entity Representatives

Please provide your comments or questions regarding:

•	Number and types of small entities affected

•	Potential reporting, recordkeeping and compliance
requirements

•	Related Federal rules

•	Regulatory flexibility alternatives

U.S. Environmental Protedtjon Agency


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Discussion - Your Business and NMP

•	How does your organization use NMP?

•	Can you describe the specific use, as well as the workplace and workplace
setting where it is used?

•	What is the trend of NMP use in your organization?

•	How important to your business is the function that NMP provides?

•	Are there potential critical or essential uses?

•	Are there uses for which there are no available technically or economically
feasible alternatives?

U.S. Environmen^y^rotection Agency	62


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Discussion - Workplace Exposure

•	What is your experience with exposure control and risk reduction?

•	How many employees are exposed to NMP, and for how long (days/years and hours/day)?

•	What is the concentration of NMP in the product you use?

•	What routine worker activities result in worker exposure to NMP and what type of exposure?

•	What engineering controls are used to minimize exposure to NMP? Are additional controls
feasible?

•	What administrative controls and training do you use to minimize exposure to NMP?

•	What respiratory and dermal PPE is regularly worn by workers to minimize exposure to NMP?

U.S. EnvironmengLf^rotection Agency

63


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Discussion - Formulators of Products Containing NMP

•	Product reformulation

-	How often do you reformulate your products?

-	What is the typical cost of reformulating your products?

-	What might reformulation costs be if you needed to reformulate your products
without NMP? (For example, costs might include R&D, testing, capital costs of
production changes, packaging, labeling)

•	Product relabeling

-	How often do you relabel your products?

-	What is the typical cost of relabeling?

U.S. Environmen^L^rotection Agency


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Discussion - Formulators of Products Containing NMP (Cont.)

• Alternatives

-	Do you sell another product that does not contain NMP that is designed for
the same use or application as the NMP product?

•	If yes, what solvent replaces NMP in the alternative product? How does the alternative
product compare in terms of safety, efficacy, and cost?

•	If no, if you needed to reformulate this product with a lower concentration of NMP, what would
the implications be for the product in terms of cost and efficacy? What solvent would replace
NMP? How do you think the alternative would compare in terms of efficacy and cost?

-	Are there any restrictions or other limitations that prescribe the use of NMP
to perform your services (e.g., for aerospace or DOD customers)?

-	Is there a subset of uses for your product where using a product formulated
without NMP would be problematic?

U.S. Environmen^|[l^rotection Agency

65


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Discussion - Regulatory Options

•	What regulatory approach should EPA take?

•	Are there concerns about the ability to comply with any of the
potential regulatory options?

•	What advice do you have for reducing impacts on small
businesses?

•	What timeframe would your business need to comply with
potential new regulations or restrictions?

U.S. Environmen^L^rotection Agency

66


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NMP Group 3: Industrial and Commercial Paint and
Coating and Solvent Uses

• Relevant conditions of use:

-	Industrial and commercial use in paints, coatings, and adhesive removers

-	Industrial and commercial use in paints and coatings in lacquers, stains, primers and floor finishes and powder coatings in surface
preparation

-	Industrial and commercial use in paint additives and coating additives not described by other codes in multiple manufacturing
sectors

-	Industrial and commercial use in ink, toner and colorant products in printer ink and inks in writing equipment

-	Industrial and commercial use in processing aids, specific to petroleum production in petrochemical manufacturing, in other uses in
oil and gas drilling, extraction and support activities, and in functional fluids (closed systems)

-	Industrial and commercial use in adhesives and sealants including binding agents, single component glues and adhesives, including
lubricant adhesives, and two-component glues and adhesives including some resins

-	Industrial and commercial use in soldering materials

-	Industrial and commercial use in anti-freeze and de-icing, automotive care products, and lubricants and greases

-	Industrial and commercial use metal products, lubricant and lubricant additives including hydrophilic coatings

-	Industrial and commercial use in laboratory chemicals

-	Industrial and commercial use in cleaning and furniture care products, including wood cleaners and gasket removers

-	Industrial and commercial use in fertilizer and other agricultural chemical manufacturing, processing aids, and solvents

67

U.S. Environmental Prot&taton Agency


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NMP Group 3: Industrial and Commercial Paint and
Coating and Solvent Uses

• What is NMP used for? How is it applied?

-	NMP is used in paints and coatings, in paint/coating additives and as a solvent for cleaning and
degreasing to remove a variety of contaminants and materials in a variety of businesses

-	NMP is used in processing aids in petroleum production in petrochemical manufacturing, in other
uses in oil and gas drilling, extraction and support activities and in functional fluids in a closed
system

-	NMP is also used in adhesives and sealants and in various automotive care products including anti-
freeze, de-icing products and lubricants and greases

-	NMP is also used in metal products

-	Activities include loading/unloading, analytical and maintenance activities

U.S. Environmental Pro||(^on Agency

68


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Potential Regulatory Options for NMP Group 3: Industrial
and Commercial Paint and Coating and Solvent Uses

As noted previously EPA is considering the following regulatory options and is seeking your feedback.
Any regulatory requirement could be used alone orTn combination to the extent necessary so that NMP
no longer presents an unreasonable risk under its conditions of use:

•	Concentration Limit

•	Prescriptive Controls (Engineering, Administrative, PPE)

•	Combination of Controls (Non-Prescriptive)

•	Prohibition

•	Regulatory options applied broadly with other restrictions

-	Recordkeeping and downstream notification

-	Monitoring and labeling

-	Container size

U.S. Environmen^L^rotection Agency

69


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Discussion with Small Entity Representatives

Please provide your comments or questions regarding:

•	Number and types of small entities affected

•	Potential reporting, recordkeeping and compliance
requirements

•	Related Federal rules

•	Regulatory flexibility alternatives

U.S. Environmen^Lf^rotection Agency


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Discussion - Your Business and NMP

•	How does your organization use NMP?

•	Can you describe the specific use, as well as the workplace and workplace
setting where it is used?

•	What is the trend of NMP use in your organization?

•	How important to your business is the function that NMP provides?

•	Are there potential critical or essential uses?

•	Are there uses for which there are no available technically or economically
feasible alternatives?

U.S. Environmen^LJ^rotection Agency	71


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Discussion - Workplace Exposure

•	What is your experience with exposure control and risk reduction?

•	How many employees are exposed to NMP, and for how long (days/years and hours/day)?

•	What is the concentration of NMP in the product you use?

•	What routine worker activities result in worker exposure to NMP and what type of exposure?

•	What engineering controls are used to minimize exposure to NMP? Are additional controls
feasible?

•	What administrative controls and training do you use to minimize exposure to NMP?

•	What respiratory and dermal PPE is regularly worn by workers to minimize exposure to NMP?

U.S. Environmen^Lf^rotection Agency	72


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Discussion - Users of Products Containing NMP

•	What chemicals or processes have you considered as an alternative to using
NMP or a product containing NMP?

•	Do you currently use any alternatives to NMP or products containing NMP?

•	Did you try to switch to another chemical, process, or product, only to switch
back? If so, what did you switch to, why did you switch back, and what made you
switch in the first place?

•	Are there any restrictions or other limitations that prescribe the use of NMP to
perform your services (e.g., for aerospace or DOD customers)?

•	What are the relative advantages and disadvantages of different substitutes
and/or processes that you have considered, including in terms of exposure, cost,
and hazard?

U.S. Envirormmi-e® Protection Agency

73


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Discussion - Regulatory Options

•	What regulatory approach should EPA take?

•	Are there concerns about the ability to comply with any of the
potential regulatory options?

•	What advice do you have for reducing impacts on small
businesses?

•	What timeframe would your business need to comply with
potential new regulations or restrictions?

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency

74


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NMP Group 4: Industrial and Commercial Uses in
Manufacturing of Electronic Parts, Semiconductors, and
Lithium-Ion Batteries

•	Relevant conditions of use:

•	Industrial and commercial use in paint additives and coating additives not described by other codes in computer
and electronic product manufacturing in electronic parts manufacturing

•	Industrial and commercial use in paint additives and coating additives not described by other codes in computer
and electronic product manufacturing for use in semiconductor manufacturing

•	Industrial and commercial use as a solvent (for cleaning or degreasing) in electrical equipment, appliance
and component manufacturing

•	Industrial and commercial use as a solvent (for cleaning or degreasing) in electrical equipment, appliance
and component manufacturing for use in semiconductor manufacturing

•	Industrial and commercial uses in other uses in lithium-ion battery manufacturing

•	What is NMP used for? How is it applied?

-	NMP is used as a paint additive and coating additive and as a solvent in cleaning and degreasing in manufacturing of
electronic parts and semiconductors

-	NMP is used in lithium-ion battery manufacturing in cathode coating, cathode mixing, and other activities

U.S. Environmen^y^rotection Agency	75


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Potential Regulatory Options for NMP Group 4: Industrial
and Commercial Uses in Manufacturing of Electronic Parts,
Semiconductors, and Lithium-Ion Batteries

As noted previously EPA is considering the following regulatory options and is seeking your
feedback. Any regulatory requirement could be used alone or in combination to the extent
necessary so that NMP no longer presents an unreasonable risk under its conditions of use :

•	Prescriptive Controls (Engineering, Administrative, PPE)

•	Combination of Controls (Non-Prescriptive)

•	Prohibition

•	Regulatory options applied broadly with other restrictions

-	Recordkeeping and downstream notification

-	Monitoring and labeling

U.S. Environmen^y^rotection Agency	76


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Discussion with Small Entity Representatives

Please provide your comments or questions regarding:

•	Number and types of small entities affected

•	Potential reporting, recordkeeping and compliance
requirements

•	Related Federal rules

•	Regulatory flexibility alternatives

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency


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Discussion - Your Business and NMP

•	How does your organization use NMP?

•	Can you describe the specific use, as well as the workplace and workplace
setting where it is used?

•	What is the trend of NMP use in your organization?

•	How important to your business is the function that NMP provides?

•	Are there potential critical or essential uses?

•	Are there uses for which there are no available technically or economically
feasible alternatives?

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency	78


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Discussion - Workplace Exposure

•	What is your experience with exposure control and risk reduction?

•	How many employees are exposed to NMP, and for how long (days/years and hours/day)?

•	What is the concentration of NMP in the product you use?

•	What routine worker activities result in worker exposure to NMP and what type of exposure?

•	What engineering controls are used to minimize exposure to NMP? Are additional controls
feasible?

•	What administrative controls and training do you use to minimize exposure to NMP?

•	What respiratory and dermal PPE is regularly worn by workers to minimize exposure to NMP?

U.S. Environmentel^rotection Agency

79


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Discussion - Users of Products Containing NMP

•	What chemicals or processes have you considered as an alternative to using
NMP or a product containing NMP?

•	Do you currently use any alternatives to NMP or products containing NMP?

•	Did you try to switch to another chemical, process, or product, only to switch
back? If so, what did you switch to, why did you switch back, and what made you
switch in the first place?

•	Are there any restrictions or other limitations that prescribe the use of NMP to
perform your services (e.g., for aerospace or DOD customers)?

•	What are the relative advantages and disadvantages of different substitutes
and/or processes that you have considered, including in terms of exposure, cost,
and hazard?

U.S. Environmsafefl Protection Agency

80


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Discussion - Regulatory Options

•	What regulatory approach should EPA take?

•	Are there concerns about the ability to comply with any of the
potential regulatory options?

•	What advice do you have for reducing impacts on small
businesses?

•	What timeframe would your business need to comply with
potential new regulations or restrictions?

U.S. Environmentel^rotection Agency

81


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NMP Group 5: Consumer Uses

• Relevant condition of use:

- Consumer use in adhesives and sealants in glues and adhesives, including
lubricant adhesives and sealants

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency


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Potential Regulatory Options for NMP Group 5: Consumer

Uses

As noted previously EPA is considering the following regulatory options and is seeking your
feedback. Any regulatory requirement could be used alone or in combination to the extent
necessary so that NMP no longer presents an unreasonable risk under its conditions of use :

•	Prohibition of manufacturing, processing or distribution of products for consumer use

•	Concentration limit

•	Regulatory options applied broadly with other restrictions

-	Recordkeeping and downstream notification

-	Monitoring and labeling

-	Container size

U.S. EnvironmenglgS^rotection Agency

83


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Discussion with Small Entity Representatives

Please provide your comments or questions regarding:

•	Number and types of small entities affected

•	Potential reporting, recordkeeping and compliance
requirements

•	Related Federal rules

•	Regulatory flexibility alternatives

U.S. Environmen^l^rotection Agency


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Discussion - Your Business and NMP

•	How does your organization use NMP?

•	Can you describe the specific use, as well as the workplace and workplace
setting where it is used?

•	What is the trend of NMP use in your organization?

•	How important to your business is the function that NMP provides?

•	Are there potential critical or essential uses?

•	Are there uses for which there are no available technically or economically
feasible alternatives?

U.S. Environmen^lJ^rotection Agency	85


-------
Discussion - Distributors and Retailers

•	What is your experience with exposure control and risk reduction?

•	If you could no longer sell products containing NMP, how would this impact your
business?

•	Are there particular challenges to small business doing distribution of products
containing NMP that are different from large distributors?

•	What is your preferred method of downstream notification?

•	If you were required to limit sales of NMP containing products to only persons
who were certified to purchase it, what activities and costs would be involved?
What guidance would be helpful from the Agency?

U.S. Environmen^lJ^rotection Agency	86


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Discussion - Regulatory Options

•	What regulatory approach should EPA take?

•	Are there concerns about the ability to comply with any of the
potential regulatory options?

•	What advice do you have for reducing impacts on small
businesses?

•	What timeframe would your business need to comply with
potential new regulations or restrictions?

U.S. Environmen^|[lg[^rotection Agency

87


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Closing Session

•	Closing remarks from EPA, SBA, and OMB

•	Next steps

-	Written comments by June 7, 2023

-	The risk evaluation and supplemental materials are in docket EPA-
HQ-OPPT-2019-0236, with additional materials supporting the risk
evaluation process and the revised unreasonable risk determination
in docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2016-0743, on www.reaulations.gov

U.S. Environmen^|[lg!^rotection Agency


-------
Additional Information

•	General TSCA: https://www.epa.aov/assessina-and-manaaina-chemicals-under-tsca/frank-r-
lautenbera-chemical-safetv-21st-centurv-act

•	Current Chemical Risk Management Activities: https://www.epa.gov/assessina-and-manaaing-

¦	-J.		•:.; 	=.-5c	-;: 	 	 	 	 	^ y„	-\

chemicals-under-tsca/current-chemical-risk-management-activities

•	NMP Risk Management: https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-
tsca/risk-management-n-methvlpvrrolidone-nmp

•	June 2021 Policy Changes: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-path-forward-
tsca-chemical-risk-evaluations

•	NMP: Clara Hull (Hull.Clara@epa.gov. 202-564-3954)

U.S. EnvironmenglgS^rotection Agency

89


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Contact Information

•	EPA SBAR contact: Lanelle Wiggins (Wiqqins.Lanelle@epa.gov)

•	EPA NMP: Clara Hull (Hull.0 ara@epa.gov)

•	SBA Advocacy: Tabby Zeb ( "avvaba.Zeb@sba.gov)

•	OMB OIRA: Mike Ciccarone (Michael.i.Ciccarone2@omb.eop.gov)

U.S. Environmen^lJ^rotection Agency


-------
Appendix

•	Panel Outreach SER Questions for Discussion (separate document)

•	Related Regulations (EPA, other Federal, state, and international)
(separate document)

•	Industry Sectors with Small Entities Potentially Affected by the
Rulemaking (separate document)

•	Personal Protective Equipment Respirator System Per Worker Unit Cost
Breakdown (separate document)

•	NMP Weight Fraction Table (separate document)

•	Pesticide Inert Ingredients Interpretation (separate document)

•	Example: OSHA Respiratory Protection Table (Slide 92)

•	Dermal Personal Protective Equipment Unit Cost (Slide 93)

U.S. Environmen^lgFjJrotection Agency	91


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Dermal Personal Protective Equipment Unit Cost

Glove Material
Butyl

Natural Rubber/Latex
Neoprene

Laminated Polyethylene
Nitrile

Apron Material

Polyethylene

Neoprene

Nitrile

Type

Reusable
Reusable
Reusable
Reusable
Disposable

Average Price Per Useful Life (pairs

Pair (2021$)

$54.53
$6.16
$11.25
$7.48
$0.56

per year)

4
4
4
4

260

Type

Disposable

Reusable

Reusable

Average Price per Useful Life (per
Apron (2021$)	year)

$3.64	260

$33.87	4

$25.13	4

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

93


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Industry Sectors with Small Entities Potentially Affected by the
Rulemaking (updated from Pre-Panel version)

A2-101


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EPA's SBAR Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed
Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

Industry Sectors with Small Entities Potentially Affected by the Rulemaking

Entities potentially regulated by this rulemaking to address the unreasonable risks from NMP include
those entities relevant to the conditions of use of NMP that EPA evaluated, including domestic
manufacturing, import, processing uses of NMP, repackaging and recycling, industrial and commercial
uses of NMP (such as solvents for cleaning or degreasing, adhesives and sealants, lubricants and greases,
paints and coatings, and in a variety of cleaning products), consumer uses (including adhesives and
sealants), and disposal. Entities may include manufacturers (including importers), processors,
formulators, industrial and commercial users, or distributors (such as retailers) of NMP or products
containing NMP within the scope of this rulemaking.

Potentially affected entities will include both employer and non-employer firms and establishments
identified within these sectors by the U.S. Census for each applicable North American Industry
Classification System (NAICS) code. Since the Small Business Administration (SBA) size standard varies by
NAICS code, they are also included in the table below. NAICS codes of potentially affected entities may
include but are not limited to those in Table 1 below. Table 2 shows the estimated number of small firms
by condition of use (COU).

Table 1: Potentially Affected Entities

NAICS

NAICS Description

SBA Size Standard

111110

Soybean Farming

$2.3 million

111120

Oilseed (except Soybean) Farming

$2.3 million

111130

Dry Pea and Bean Farming

$2.8 million

111140

Wheat Farming

$2.3 million

111150

Corn Farming

$2.5 million

111160

Rice Farming

$2.5 million

111191

Oilseed and Grain Combination Farming

$2.3 million

111199

All Other Grain Farming

$2.3 million

111211

Potato Farming

$4.3 million

111219

Other Vegetable (except Potato) and Melon Farming

$3.8 million

111310

Orange Groves

$4.0 million

111320

Citrus (except Orange) Groves

$4.3 million

111331

Apple Orchards

$4.5 million

111332

Grape Vineyards

$4.0 million

111333

Strawberry Farming

$5.5 million

111334

Berry (except Strawberry) Farming

$3.8 million

111335

Tree Nut Farming

$3.8 million

111336

Fruit and Tree Nut Combination Farming

$5.0 million

111339

Other Noncitrus Fruit Farming

$3.5 million

111411

Mushroom Production

$4.5 million

111419

Other Food Crops Grown Under Cover

$4.5 million

111421

Nursery and Tree Production

$3.3 million

111422

Floriculture Production

$3.8 million

111910

Tobacco Farming

$2.5 million

A2-102


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EPA's SBAR Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed
Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

NAICS

NAICS Description

SBASize Standard

111920

Cotton Farming

$3.3 million

111930

Sugarcane Farming

$5.0 million

111940

Hay Farming

$2.5 million

111991

Sugar Beet Farming

$2.5 million

111992

Peanut Farming

$2.5 million

111998

All Other Miscellaneous Crop Farming

$2.5 million

236115

New Single-family Housing Construction (Except For-Sale Builders)

$45.0 m

llion

236116

New Multifamily Housing Construction (except For-Sale Builders)

$45.0 m

11 ion

236117

New Housing For-Sale Builders

$45.0 m

llion

236118

Residential Remodelers

$45.0 m

llion

236210

Industrial Building Construction

$45.0 m

llion

236220

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

$45.0 m

llion

237110

Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction

$45.0 m

llion

237120

Oil and Gas Pipeline and Related Structures Construction

$45.0 m

llion

237130

Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction

$45.0 m

llion

237310

Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction

$45.0 m

llion

237990

Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction

$45.0 m

llion

238110

Poured Concrete Foundation and Structure Contractors

$19.0 m

llion

238120

Structural Steel and Precast Concrete Contractors

$19.0 m

llion

238130

Framing Contractors

$19.0 m

llion

238190

Other Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors

$19.0 m

llion

238210

Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors

$19.0 m

llion

238220

Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors

$19.0 m

llion

238290

Other Building Equipment Contractors

$22.0 m

llion

238310

Drywall and Insulation Contractors

$19.0 m

llion

238320

Painting and Wall Covering Contractors

$19.0 m

llion

238330

Flooring Contractors

$19.0 m

llion

238910

Site Preparation Contractors

$19.0 m

llion

238990

All Other Specialty Trade Contractors

$19.0 m

llion

313210

Broadwoven Fabric Mills

1,000 employees

313320

Fabric Coating Mills

1,000 employees

316110

Leather and Hide Tanning and Finishing

800 employees

316210

Footwear Manufacturing

1,000 employees

321912

Cut Stock, Resawing Lumber, and Planing

500 employees

322220

Paper Bag and Coated and Treated Paper Manufacturing

750 employees

323111

Commercial Printing (except Screen and Books)

650 employees

323113

Commercial Screen Printing

500 employees

323117

Books Printing

1,250 employees

323120

Support Activities for Printing

550 employees

324110

Petroleum Refineries

1,500 employees

324191

Petroleum Lubricating Oil and Grease Manufacturing

900 employees

325110

Petrochemical Manufacturing

1,300 employees

A2-103


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EPA's SBAR Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed
Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

NAICS

NAICS Description

SBASize Standard

325120

Industrial Gas Manufacturing

1,200 employees

325180

Other Basic Inorganic Chemical Manufacturing

1,000 employees

325199

All Other Basic Organic Chemical Manufacturing

1,250 employees

325199

All Other Basic Organic Chemical Manufacturing

1,250 employees

325211

Plastics Material And Resin Manufacturing

1,250 employees

325220

Artificial and Synthetic Fibers and Filaments Manufacturing

1,050 employees

325311

Nitrogenous Fertilizer Manufacturing

1,050 employees

325412

Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing

1,300 employees

325510

Paint And Coating Manufacturing

1,000 employees

325520

Adhesive Manufacturing

550 employees

325611

Soap And Other Detergent Manufacturing

1,100 employees

325612

Polish and Other Sanitation Good Manufacturing

900 employees

325612

Polish and Other Sanitation Good Manufacturing

900 employees



All Other Miscellaneous Chemical Product And Preparation



325998

Manufacturing

650 employees



Urethane and Other Foam Product (except Polystyrene)



326150

Manufacturing

750 employees

326199

All Other Plastics Product Manufacturing

750 employees

327390

Other Concrete Product Manufacturing

500 employees

327910

Abrasive Product Manufacturing

900 employees

331110

Iron and Steel Mills and Ferroalloy Manufacturing

1,500 employees

331210

Iron and Steel Pipe and Tube Manufacturing from Purchased Steel

1,000 employees

331221

Rolled Steel Shape Manufacturing

1,000 employees

331222

Steel Wire Drawing

1,000 employees

331313

Alumina Refining and Primary Aluminum Production

1,300 employees

331314

Secondary Smelting and Alloying of Aluminum

750 employees

331315

Aluminum Sheet, Plate, and Foil Manufacturing

1,400 employees

331318

Other Aluminum Rolling, Drawing, and Extruding

750 employees

331410

Nonferrous Metal (except Aluminum) Smelting and Refining

1,000 employees

331420

Copper Rolling, Drawing, Extruding, and Alloying

1,050 employees



Nonferrous Metal (except Copper and Aluminum) Rolling, Drawing,



331491

and Extruding

900 employees



Secondary Smelting, Refining, and Alloying of Nonferrous Metal



331492

(except Copper and Aluminum)

850 employees

331511

Iron Foundries

1,000 employees

331512

Steel Investment Foundries

1,050 employees

331513

Steel Foundries (except Investment)

700 employees

331523

Nonferrous Metal Die-Casting Foundries

700 employees

331524

Aluminum Foundries (except Die-Casting)

550 employees

331529

Other Nonferrous Metal Foundries (except Die-Casting)

500 employees

332111

Iron and Steel Forging

750 employees

332112

Nonferrous Forging

950 employees

332114

Custom Roll Forming

600 employees

A2-104


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EPA's SBAR Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed
Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

NAICS

NAICS Description

SBASize Standard

332117

Powder Metallurgy Part Manufacturing

550 employees



Metal Crown, Closure, and Other Metal Stamping (except



332119

Automotive)

500 employees



Metal Kitchen Cookware, Utensil, Cutlery, and Flatware (except



332215

Precious) Manufacturing

1,000 employees

332216

Saw Blade and Handtool Manufacturing

750 employees

332311

Prefabricated Metal Building and Component Manufacturing

750 employees

332312

Fabricated Structural Metal Manufacturing

500 employees

332313

Plate Work Manufacturing

750 employees

332321

Metal Window and Door Manufacturing

750 employees

332322

Sheet Metal Work Manufacturing

500 employees

332323

Ornamental and Architectural Metal Work Manufacturing

500 employees

332410

Power Boiler and Heat Exchanger Manufacturing

750 employees

332420

Metal Tank (Heavy Gauge) Manufacturing

750 employees

332431

Metal Can Manufacturing

1,500 employees

332439

Other Metal Container Manufacturing

600 employees

332510

Hardware Manufacturing

750 employees

332613

Spring Manufacturing

600 employees

332618

Other Fabricated Wire Product Manufacturing

500 employees

332710

Machine Shops

500 employees

332721

Precision Turned Product Manufacturing

500 employees

332722

Bolt, Nut, Screw, Rivet, and Washer Manufacturing

600 employees

332811

Metal Heat Treating

750 employees



Metal Coating, Engraving (except Jewelry and Silverware), and Allied



332812

Services to Manufacturers

600 employees

332813

Electroplating, Plating, Polishing, Anodizing, and Coloring

500 employees

332911

Industrial Valve Manufacturing

750 employees

332912

Fluid Power Valve and Hose Fitting Manufacturing

1,000 employees

332913

Plumbing Fixture Fitting and Trim Manufacturing

1,000 employees

332919

Other Metal Valve and Pipe Fitting Manufacturing

750 employees

332991

Ball and Roller Bearing Manufacturing

1,250 employees

332992

Small Arms Ammunition Manufacturing

1,300 employees

332993

Ammunition (except Small Arms) Manufacturing

1,500 employees

332994

Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing

1,000 employees

332996

Fabricated Pipe and Pipe Fitting Manufacturing

550 employees

332999

All Other Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing

750 employees

333111

Farm Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing

1,250 employees



Lawn and Garden Tractor and Home Lawn and Garden Equipment



333112

Manufacturing

1,500 employees

333120

Construction Machinery Manufacturing

1,250 employees

333131

Mining Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing

900 employees

333132

Oil and Gas Field Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing

1,250 employees

333241

Food Product Machinery Manufacturing

500 employees

A2-105


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EPA's SBAR Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed
Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

NAICS

NAICS Description

SBASize Standard

333242

Semiconductor Machinery Manufacturing

1,500 employees

333243

Sawmill, Woodworking, and Paper Machinery Manufacturing

550 employees

333244

Printing Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing

750 employees

333249

Other Industrial Machinery Manufacturing

750 employees

333314

Optical Instrument and Lens Manufacturing

1,000 employees

333316

Photographic and Photocopying Equipment Manufacturing

1,000 employees

333318

Other Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing

1,000 employees



Industrial and Commercial Fan and Blower and Air Purification



333413

Equipment Manufacturing

500 employees

333414

Heating Equipment (except Warm Air Furnaces) Manufacturing

500 employees



Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and Commercial



333415

and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing

1,250 employees

333511

Industrial Mold Manufacturing

500 employees

333514

Special Die and Tool, Die Set, Jig, and Fixture Manufacturing

500 employees

333515

Cutting Tool and Machine Tool Accessory Manufacturing

500 employees

333517

Machine Tool Manufacturing

500 employees

333519

Rolling Mill and Other Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing

500 employees

333611

Turbine and Turbine Generator Set Units Manufacturing

1,500 employees

333612

Speed Changer, Industrial High-Speed Drive, and Gear Manufacturing

750 employees

333613

Mechanical Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing

750 employees

333618

Other Engine Equipment Manufacturing

1,500 employees

333912

Air and Gas Compressor Manufacturing

1,000 employees



Measuring, Dispensing, and Other Pumping Equipment



333914

Manufacturing

750 employees

333921

Elevator and Moving Stairway Manufacturing

1,000 employees

333922

Conveyor and Conveying Equipment Manufacturing

500 employees



Overhead Traveling Crane, Hoist, and Monorail System



333923

Manufacturing

1,250 employees



Industrial Truck, Tractor, Trailer, and Stacker Machinery



333924

Manufacturing

900 employees

333991

Power-Driven Handtool Manufacturing

950 employees

333992

Welding and Soldering Equipment Manufacturing

1,250 employees

333993

Packaging Machinery Manufacturing

600 employees

333994

Industrial Process Furnace and Oven Manufacturing

500 employees

333995

Fluid Power Cylinder and Actuator Manufacturing

800 employees

333996

Fluid Power Pump and Motor Manufacturing

1,250 employees

333997

Scale and Balance Manufacturing

700 employees

333999

All Other Miscellaneous General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing

700 employees

334111

Electronic Computer Manufacturing

1,250 employees

334112

Computer Storage Device Manufacturing

1,250 employees



Computer Terminal and Other Computer Peripheral Equipment



334118

Manufacturing

1,000 employees

334210

Telephone Apparatus Manufacturing

1,250 employees

A2-106


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EPA's SBAR Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed
Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

NAICS

NAICS Description

SBASize Standard



Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications



334220

Equipment Manufacturing

1,250 employees

334290

Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing

800 employees

334310

Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing

750 employees

334413

Semiconductor And Related Device Manufacturing

1,250 employees

334510

Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing

1,250 employees



Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical



334511

System and Instrument Manufacturing

1,350 employees



Automatic Environmental Control Manufacturing for Residential,



334512

Commercial, and Appliance Use

650 employees



Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring,



334513

Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables

750 employees

334514

Totalizing Fluid Meter and Counting Device Manufacturing

850 employees



Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and



334515

Electrical Signals

750 employees

334516

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

1,000 employees

334517

Irradiation Apparatus Manufacturing

1,200 employees

334519

Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing

600 employees

334613

Blank Magnetic and Optical Recording Media Manufacturing

1,250 employees

334614

Software and Other Prerecorded Compact Disc, Tape, and Record





Reproducing

1,250 employees

335110

Electric Lamp Bulb and Part Manufacturing

1,250 employees

335121

Residential Electric Lighting Fixture Manufacturing

750 employees

335122

Commercial, Industrial and Institutional Electric Lighting Fixture





Manufacturing

600 employees

335129

Other Lighting Equipment Manufacturing

1,250 employees

335210

Small Electrical Appliance Manufacturing

1,500 employees

335220

Major Household Appliance Manufacturing

1,500 employees

335311

Power, Distribution, and Specialty Transformer Manufacturing

800 employees

335312

Motor and Generator Manufacturing

1,250 employees

335313

Switchgear and Switchboard Apparatus Manufacturing

1,250 employees

335314

Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing

750 employees

335911

Storage Battery Manufacturing

1,250 employees

335912

Primary Battery Manufacturing

1,250 employees

335921

Fiber Optic Cable Manufacturing

1,000 employees

335929

Other Communication and Energy Wire Manufacturing

1,000 employees

335931

Current-Carrying Wiring Device Manufacturing

600 employees

335932

Noncurrent-Carrying Wiring Device Manufacturing

1,000 employees

335991

Carbon and Graphite Product Manufacturing

900 employees



All Other Miscellaneous Electrical Equipment and Component



335999

Manufacturing

600 employees

336111

Automobile Manufacturing

1,500 employees

336112

Light Truck and Utility Vehicle Manufacturing

1,500 employees

A2-107


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EPA's SBAR Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed
Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

NAICS

NAICS Description

SBASize Standard

336120

Heavy Duty Truck Manufacturing

1,500 employees

336211

Motor Vehicle Body Manufacturing

1,000 employees

336212

Truck Trailer Manufacturing

1,000 employees

336213

Motor Home Manufacturing

1,250 employees

336214

Travel Trailer and Camper Manufacturing

1,000 employees

336310

Motor Vehicle Gasoline Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing

1,050 employees

336320

Motor Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Equipment Manufacturing

1,000 employees



Motor Vehicle Steering and Suspension Components (except Spring)



336330

Manufacturing

1,000 employees

336340

Motor Vehicle Brake System Manufacturing

1,250 employees

336350

Motor Vehicle Transmission and Power Train Parts Manufacturing

1,500 employees

336360

Motor Vehicle Seating and Interior Trim Manufacturing

1,500 employees

336370

Motor Vehicle Metal Stamping

1,000 employees

336390

Other Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing

1,000 employees

336411

Aircraft Manufacturing

1,500 employees

336412

Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing

1,500 employees

336413

Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing

1,250 employees

336413

Other Aircraft Part and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing7

1,250 employees

336414

Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing

1,300 employees



Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit



336415

Parts Manufacturing

1,250 employees



Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary



336419

Equipment Manufacturing

1,050 employees

336510

Railroad Rolling Stock Manufacturing

1,500 employees

337110

Wood Kitchen Cabinet and Counter Top Manufacturing

750 employees

337122

Nonupholstered Wood Household Furniture Manufacturing

750 employees

339112

Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing

1,000 employees

339113

Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing

800 employees

339114

Dental Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing

750 employees

339115

Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing

1,000 employees

339116

Dental Laboratories

500 employees

339950

Sign Manufacturing

500 employees

339999

All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing

550 employees

423120

Motor Vehicle Supplies and New Parts Merchange Wholesalers

200 employees

423220

Home Furnishing Merchant Wholesalers

100 employees

423330

Roofing, Siding, and Insulation Material Merchant Wholesalers

225 employees

423390

Other Construction Material Merchant Wholesalers

100 employees

423490

Other Professional Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers

150 employees



Electrical Apparatus and Equipment, Wiring Supplies, and Related



423610

Equipment Merchant Wholesalers

200 employees



Electrical And Electronic Appliance, Television, And Radio Set



423620

Merchant Wholesalers

225 employees

423840

Industrial Supplies Merchant Wholesalers

125 employees

A2-108


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EPA's SBAR Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on Proposed
Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

NAICS

NAICS Description

SBASize Standard

423850

Service Establishment Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers

125 employees

423990

Other Miscellaneous Durable Goods Merchant Wholesalers

100 employees

424690

Other Chemical And Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers

175 employees

424710

Petroleum Bulk Stations and Terminals

225 employees

424720

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Merchant Wholesalers (except
Bulk Stations and Terminals)

200 employees

424910

Farm Supplies Merchant Wholesalers

200 employees

441110

Automobile Dealers

200 employees

441110

New Car Dealers

200 employees

441120

Used Car Dealers

$30.5 million

441310

Automotive Parts and Accessories Stores

$28.5 million

442110

Furniture Stores

$25 million

453310

Used Merchandise Stores

$14 million

453920

Art Dealers

$16.5 million

453998

All Other Miscellaneous Store Retailers (Except Tobacco Stores)

$11.5 million

488410

Motor Vehicle Towing

$9.0 million

523930

Investment Advice

$47 million

531190

Lessors of Other Real Estate Property9

$34.0 million

541330

Engineering Services

$25.5 million

541380

Testing Laboratories

$19.0 million

561110

Office Administrative Services

$12.5 million

561210

Facilities Support Services

$47.0 million

561720

Janitorial Services

$22.0 million

561740

Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services

$8.5 million

562211

Hazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal

$47.0 million

562212

Solid Waste Landfill

$47.0 million

562213

Solid Waste Combustors and Incinerators

$47.0 million

562219

Other Nonhazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal

$47.0 million

562920

Materials Recovery Facilities

$25.0 million

711510

Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers

$9.0 million

712110

Museums

$34.0 million

811111

General Automotive Repair

$9.0 million

811112

Automotive Exhaust System Repair

$9 million

811113

Automotive Transmission Repair

$9 million

811118

Other Automotive Mechanical and Electrical Repair and Maintenance

$9 million

811121

Automotive Body, Paint, and Interior Repair and Maintenance

$9.0 million

811121

Automotive Body, Paint and Interior Repair and Maintenance

$9.0 million

811122

Automotive Glass Replacement Shops

$17.5 million

811191

Automotive Oil Change and Lubrication Shops

$11.0 million

811192

Car Washes

$9.0 million

811198

All Other Automotive Repair and Maintenance

$10.0 million

811412

Appliance Repair and Maintenance

$19.0 million

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NAICS

NAICS Description

SBASize Standard

811420

Reupholstery and Furniture Repair

$9.0 million

811430

Footwear and Leather Goods Repair

$9.0 million

811490

Other Personal and Household Goods Repair and Maintenance

$9.0 million

812310

Coin-Operated Laundries and Drycleaners

$13.0 million

812320

Drycleaning and Laundry Services (except Coin-Operated)

$8.0 million

812331

Linen Supply

$40.0 million

812332

Industrial Launderers

$47.0 million

Source: U.S. Small Business Administration Table of Small Business Size Standards Available at:

https://www. sba.gov/document/suDDort-table-size-standards









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Table 2: Small Entities Potentially Affected

Use Category

Estimated
Number of
Firms Using
NMP

Percent of
Firms That
Are Small

Estimated
Number of
Small Firms
Using NMP

Manufacture/Import

49

24%

12

Repackaging

32

95%

30

Processing: incorporation into a formulation, mixture
or reaction product

70

59%

41

Lithium ion battery manufacturing

55

91%

50

Waste handling, disposal, treatment, and recycling

1,787

91%

1,620

Plastic and resin product manufacturing

983

93%

917

Textiles, leather, and apparel manufacturing

33

95%

31

Processing aids in petrochemical manufacturing, oil
and gas activities, and functional fluids (closed
systems)

479

89%

427

Laboratory use

56

93%

51

Paints and coatings

13,574

97%

13,198

Paint, coating, and adhesive removers

4,296

90%

3,886

Electronic product and semiconductor manufacturing

3,473

94%

3,266

Adhesives and sealants

7,012

97%

6,814

Cleaning and furniture care products

2,702

99%

2,665

Ink, toner, and colorant products

114

99%

113

Soldering

2,768

98%

2,711

Fertilizer and other agricultural chemical
manufacturing

26,265

99%

26,017

Lubricants and lubricant additives

-

-

-

Anti-freeze and de-icing

-

-

-

Total

63,748

97%

61,850

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Related Regulations (ERA, Federal, State, and International)

Same as Pre-Panel version, see Appendix Al, p.114

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SER Questions for Discussion

Same as Pre-Panel version, see Appendix Al, p.123

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Personal Protective Equipment Respirator System Per Worker Unit Cost
Breakdown

Same as Pre-Panel version, see Appendix Al, p.132

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Potential Regulatory Options and Estimated Costs (updated from Pre-
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Potential Regulatory Options and Estimated Costs

Any regulatory requirement could be used alone or in combination to the extent necessary so
that NMP no longer presents an unreasonable risk under its condition of use. Additionally, under
TSCA section 6(g), EPA may propose a time-limited exemption for specific conditions of use
provided certain criteria are met.1

When considering practicability and a reasonable transition period, EPA works to account for
various factors such as supply chains, availability of alternatives, and time neededfor
recertification, testing, and retrofitting. Any information on historical timelines from industry on
replacing chemicals in the past are especially helpful in determining a reasonable transition
period, along with the information mentioned in the previous sentence.

Unlike some of the other chemicals currently undergoing risk management under TSCA section
6, EPA is not considering an airborne concentration limit for NMP and is focusing on dermal
protection measures. The 2020 risk evaluation for NMP and revised unreasonable risk
determination found that the unreasonable risk of injury to human health is driven by direct
dermal contact with liquid NMP.

EPA has not made a decision at this point about what regulatory options to propose.

Nonetheless, EPA 's primary performance metric for eliminating the unreasonable risk of injury
to human health is to eliminate or reduce significantly direct dermal contact with NMP. EPA is
considering the following regulatory options and seeking feedback on the impacts of applying
one or more of the following regulatory options to address the unreasonable risk from NMP.

Concentration Limit

• A risk management option that would restrict the concentration or weight fraction within
the formulation.

o For example, if scientific analysis based on the 2020 Risk Evaluation2 supported
it, EPA could limit the percentage amount of the chemical in the formulation if
that percentage addressed the unreasonable risk and the formulation was still
efficacious.

o In the 2020 Risk Evaluation for NMP, EPA identified the expected weight
fraction of NMP in liquid products based on publicly available information,
public comments, and available products on the market (see separate handout:
Information on Weight Fractions of NMP Evaluated in the 2020 Risk Evaluation).
If ranges of NMP in formulations were identified, EPA generally assessed the

1	In order to propose an exemption under TSCA section 6(g), EPA must find that the specific condition of use is a
critical or essential use for which no technically and economically feasible safer alternative is available; compliance
with the rule would significantly disrupt the national economy, national security, or critical infrastructure; or the
specific condition of use, as compared to alternatives, provides a substantial benefit to health, the environment, or
public safety. In proposing the exemption, EPA must provide a time limit for the exemption; analyze the need for
the exemption and make the analysis public; and include interim conditions to protect health and the environment.

2	Available at https://www.regulations.gov/document/EPA-HQ-OPPT-2019-0236-0081.

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lower bound of the range as the central tendency and the upper bound of the range
as the high end.

¦	Example: EPA identified and assessed the commercial use of NMP in
paints, coatings, adhesives and sealants based on products with 2-53%
NMP. At the high-end concentrations, in the expected occupational
exposure scenarios, this condition of use drives the unreasonable risk.

¦	Example: EPA identified and assessed the commercial use of NMP in
metal finishing products with 60-90% NMP. At these concentrations, in
the expected occupational exposure scenarios, this condition of use drives
the unreasonable risk.

•	There is uncertainty if lowering the concentration limit may impact efficacy of the
products. For a concentration or weight fraction limit to address the unreasonable risk, it
would need to be lower than those that drove the unreasonable risk in the risk evaluation.

Prescriptive Engineering Controls

•	A risk management option that would reduce worker exposure by requiring specific
physical changes to the workplace to eliminate or reduce direct dermal contact.

o Examples: installing additional or different equipment, such as enclosed
transfer liquid lines, closed loop container systems or a laboratory type fume
hood, to reduce the exposure to the chemical.

•	EPA's confidence that the unreasonable risk from NMP can be addressed is highest for
highly standardized and industrialized settings, such as where NMP is used in a closed-
loop system.

Prescriptive Administrative Controls

• A risk management option that would reduce worker exposure by requiring processes or
procedures in the workplace to eliminate or reduce direct dermal contact.

o Examples: Limit access to work areas (restricted areas) or confining
operations (enclosed areas)

Prescriptive PPE Controls

•	A risk management option that would require the use of specific PPE to minimize
exposure. This may limit flexibility for the regulated entity.

o Some examples of potential PPE that could contribute to reducing the

unreasonable risk are listed separately in in Appendix F of the 2020 final risk
evaluation, as well as the Potential Costs of Regulatory Options table later in this
document.

•	Requiring the use of dermal and inhalation PPE that provides an impervious barrier in
combination with a set concentration limit of NMP would allow more flexibility for
regulated entities to mitigate unreasonable risk.

2

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•	EPA anticipates that PPE would need to be combined with training and other controls in
order to address the unreasonable risk from NMP.

Combination of Controls (non-prescriptive)

•	A combination of risk management approaches for conditions of use where strict
industrial practices may already exist. Enables users to determine how to most effectively
separate, distance, physically remove, or isolate workers from direct handling of NMP or
from contact with equipment/materials for which NMP may exist based on what works
best for their workplace and the ability to combine prescriptive controls

•	This approach would eliminate direct dermal contact in accordance with the Pollution
Prevention Act and NIOSH hierarchy of controls.

•	This approach could also include engineering and administrative controls to reduce
exposure.

•	If direct dermal contact could not be eliminated using elimination, substitution,
engineering controls, or administrative controls, EPA could require personal protective
equipment that provides an impervious barrier.

•	Examples: Automation, barriers, or design of tools

Prohibition

•	EPA could include prohibition on manufacturing, processing, distribution, use, or
disposal for specific conditions of use or the chemical as a whole.

o For example, alternatives to NMP in paint and coating removal include solvent-
based alternatives like n-ethylpyrrolidone (NEP), benzyl alcohol, and other
methyl acetate-based formulations, or process-based alternatives like heat and
sanding.

¦ https://dtsc.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2019/09/Final-NMP-Paint-
Stripper-Graffiti-Remover_Profile.pdf

•	EPA requests data and feedback about availability and viability of NMP alternatives,
testing and analysis that SERs have completed of potential alternatives, the cost impacts
of SERs switching to alternatives, and the overall impacts to SERs' businesses if NMP is
prohibited.

Regulate the Manufacturing, Processing, and/or Distribution

•	A risk management option for industrial, commercial, and consumer conditions of use.
These authorities allow EPA to regulate at key points, including the manufacturing,
processing, and distribution in commerce of a chemical or product in the supply chain.

Regulatory options applied broadly with other restrictions

•	Recordkeeping and downstream notification

o For example, EPA could require manufacturers, processors, and distributors to
provide downstream notification to help ensure regulatory information {i.e.,
prohibition) reaches all users in the supply chain.

3

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o Additionally, as an example, EPA could require manufacturers, processors, and
distributors to maintain ordinary business records and an exposure control plan.

•	Monitoring, labeling, and container sizes -

o For monitoring, EPA could require initial or periodic monitoring of occupational
exposure or for concentration limits.

o For labeling, EPA could require that a prominent label be securely attached to
each container with specific directions, limitation, and precautions, or that
describes the health endpoints. EPA could also require labeling products to
indicate that they should not be used by consumers or to describe other regulatory
requirements.

o For container sizes, EPA could require a minimum or maximum container size
(e.g., 32 ounce container, 55 gallon drum) to reduce likelihood of purchase by
certain types of users (consumers or commercial users)

•	Limited access program

o For example, restrict distribution of a chemical or product only to certain users,
under a limited access program that could require training and certification, or
restrict distribution only to users with certain equipment or type of facilities.

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Potential Costs of Regulatory Options

Type of Cost

Estimated Compliance
Cost

Notes

Prohibition of manufacturing,
processing, and distribution

Varies with condition of
use

Cost will vary by condition of use. Potential
activities could include changes in process and
equipment, costs of alternatives3, reformulation (see
below), and more. Requires input from potentially
regulated entities.

Prohibition of Use

Reformulation of product to
eliminate NMP

Varies with condition of
use

$60,000-$ 102,000 per
product

Cost will vary by condition of use. Potential
activities could include changes in process and
equipment, costs of alternatives, reformulation (see
below), and more. Requires input from potentially
regulated entities.

Costs will vary by condition of use and will be
dependent on reformulation approach. Requires input
from potentially regulated entities.

Substitute Products (price per
ounce)

Varies with condition of
use

DMSO:

$0.73/ounce (vol)
Furfural:

$0.70/ounce (vol)
Phenol (hydroxy
benzene):

$1.30/ounce (wt)

Would vary by price of NMP per ounce vs.
substitutes, as well as the differences in efficacy of
the substitute products. This is only a material cost
and excludes changes in equipment, technology,
training, testing, etc. Example prices are from a
scientific retailer. Requires input from potentially
regulated entities.

Reformulation of product to
reduce NMP concentration

$17,000 per product

Costs reflect dilution reformulation approach.
Requires input from potentially regulated entities.

Engineering/Administrative
Controls

Varies by control type
and needs of user

Requires input from potentially regulated entities

Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) for NMP (respirators)

APF 10: $1,800
APF25: $1,300
APF 50: $1,700
APF 1000: $1,100
APF 10000: $2,000

Annualized costs are per person and include
purchase of equipment (including filters), training,
fit-testing, and medical clearance. The unit costs
include a written respiratory program and equipment
cleaning. Does not include existing PPE use nor PPE
replacement due to employee turn-over. Includes
both purified and supplied air respirators.

3 TSCA section 6(c)(2)(C) requires EPA "... in deciding whether to prohibit or restrict in a manner that substantially
prevents a specific condition of use of a chemical substance or mixture, and in setting an appropriate transition
period for such action.. .to the extent practicable, whether technically and economically feasible alternatives that
benefit health or the environment, compared to the use so proposed to be prohibited or restricted, will be reasonably
available as a substitute when the proposed prohibition or other restriction takes effect."

5

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Type of Cost

Estimated Compliance
Cost

Notes

Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) for NMP (dermal)

Reusable gloves: $6-$55
Disposable gloves: $0.50
Reusable apron: $25-$34
Disposable apron: $4

Reusable glove costs are per pair of butyl, laminated
polyethylene, neoprene, and natural rubber/latex
gloves. Disposable glove costs are per pair of nitrile
gloves. Disposable nitrile gloves are not used alone,
but in combination with the reusable gloves.

Reusable apron costs are per nitrile and neoprene
apron. Disposable apron costs are per polyethylene
apron.

Combination of controls (non-
prescriptive)

Annualized costs of
Exposure control plan:
$560-$630 per facility
costs

$35 per worker costs

One-time costs of
Exposure control plan:
40 hours one time cost to
develop plan: $3,730 per
facility

4 hours annual cost for
regular inspections: $370
per facility per year
0.43 hours annual
recordkeeping: $40 per
facility per year

Costs of engineering
controls, monitoring, or
PPE varies by control
type and needs of user

See PPE costs for glove
and apron costs

Non-prescriptive approach would likely include
development of an exposure control plan. Costs
include costs for conducting regular inspections, PPE
program plan documentation, records of plan
implementation, and records of dermal exposure.
Includes both per-facility and per-worker costs.

Costs would depend on baseline PPE and dermal
exposure control plan activities.

Product Label or Warnings

$830- $8,900 per
product, one time cost

Costs will vary by condition of use. Potential
activities may include graphic design changes, plate
changes, discarded inventory, and labor.

Container Sizes

$9,500-$47,500 per
product, one time cost

A change in container size would lead to costs at the
lower end while a packaging material change would
likely result in costs at the higher end.

Substitute Methods

Varies by job labor rate

This will primarily be labor cost and cost of
alternative equipment.

Recordkeeping

$218-$340 per firm

Ongoing annual labor and material costs associated
with documentation of ordinary business records.

Downstream Notification

$121-$138per product,
one time cost

Costs are per product and include labor and material
costs to update a product's safety data sheet (SDS).

6

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Tj pc iif Cosl

l-'.sliniiileil ( imipliiincc
Cosl

Notes

Limited Access Program

Varies with condition of
use and type of
distributor

Would vary by type of requirements for certification
and any distribution processes or restrictions already
in place.

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Information on Weight Fractions of NMP Evaluated in the 2020 Risk
Evaluation

Same as Pre-Panel version, see Appendix Al, p.145

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Key Takeaways from Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting

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EPA's SBAR Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on the
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Key Takeaways from Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting

On March 28, 2023, EPA conducted a Pre-Panel outreach meeting with potential small entity
representatives (SERs). Representatives from the Small Business Administration (SBA) and
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) also participated. A total of 9 potential SERs
participated in the meeting. EPA presented an overview of the Small Business Advocacy Review
(SBAR) Panel process and Section 6 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), an
explanation of the forthcoming rulemaking, potential regulatory approaches, and cost estimates.
EPA also provided opportunities for questions and feedback. EPA asked the potential SERs to
provide written comments by April 11, 2023. One SER submitted a written comment.

At the Pre-Panel outreach meeting, SERs provided information on the number and type of
entities that would be affected; including descriptions of their processing and/or use of NMP,
their customer base, how their products are used; potential compliance requirements (including
exposure and monitoring reduction, anticipated changes due to future requirements, and
considerations for substitute chemicals), related Federal rules, and potential regulatory flexibility
alternatives (including descriptions of challenges for small businesses and questions for EPA
regarding the regulatory approach). Discussion from SERs focused on several conditions of use
(processing into formulations for pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides and industrial cleaners,
and using NMP as an extraction solvent in re-refining used motor oil); for most of the other
industrial, commercial, and consumer uses of NMP, SERs did not express concerns regarding
restrictions or prohibitions.

Summary of Comments from Potential Small Entity Representatives

Number and Types of Entities Affected

SERs discussed their import, manufacture, processing, and/or use of NMP, their customer base,
and how their products are used. Specifically, SERs described:

•	One SER described their business as a lawn care and agricultural fertilizer business that
sells several products that contain NMP. The SER indicated they were looking to phase
NMP out of their products.

•	A chemical processor SER described their use of NMP in industrial cleaners. The SER
described how, generally, NMP is blended into industrial cleaners with a final
concentration of 1.5 to 15% NMP in the formula by weight. The SER also described how
they can formulate products to specific consumer requests. The SER estimated that on a
monthly basis, they process about four drums, or 2,000 lbs of NMP.

•	Another chemical processor SER described their use of NMP in herbicides, fungicides,
and pesticides. The SER provided an example of how they use NMP in six products
registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) with
concentrations of NMP in formulation of some products up to 10% by weight. For other
products, the NMP may be present in the formulation in small amounts. Several of these

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency	1

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products are applied in the field in water-based solutions. The SER described how they
test small volume formulations in a laboratory to complete specified consumer requests.

• A third chemical processor SER described their patented planned use of NMP as an
extraction solvent in re-refining used motor oil. The SER is a start-up company and
described their investment in the process that will use NMP; the investment described
was over $50 million dollars and the SER emphasized how critical NMP is to the planned
re-refining process, in order to yield a higher purity of re-refined oil.

o In a written comment, this SER described in more detail their planned use of
NMP as an extraction solvent in their patented technology that will enable used
motor oil to be re-refined to produce base oils of high purity. The SER described
their business as a "cleantech" company advancing sustainability. The SER in
their comment quantified expected benefits from their technology to re-refine
used motor oil based on expected reductions in carbon dioxide emissions from
used motor oil currently being disposed of improperly of burned as a fuel. The
SER described that in their patented process, NMP is critical, and they are
expecting that it would be used at any future facilities.

Potential Reporting. Recordkeeping, and Compliance Requirements

SERs described their exposure monitoring and reduction practices, anticipated changes due to

potential requirements from EPA, and considerations for substitute chemicals or processes.

Specifically, SERs described, for themselves or their customers:

• One SER who processes NMP into industrial cleaners described their exposure
control practices, which include PPE and engineering controls.

o PPE: The SER described how workers receiving and unloading the NMP (in
55-gallon drums), wear PPE to reduce exposures. The SER described this
PPE as an industrial uniform with standard boots, safety glasses and gloves
for NMP. For other chemicals, the SER described how PPE may include
face shields and chemically-resistant elbow-length gloves.

o Engineering controls: The SER described how, once received, the NMP is
pumped through tubes or vacuum suction devices (such as a diaphragm
pump) into large mixing vessels/tanks (approximately 800 gallons). Once
blended, the formulations are then pumped into totes (standard size is 275
gallons) or drums (55 gallons). The SER noted that outgoing products are
checked with Fourier transform infrared when necessary to identify the
components in the mixture and measure NMP concentration by weight,
rather than manual sampling by workers. This SER indicated their pumps
are cleaned after use by water rinse or emulsifier to remove any remaining
NMP.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency	2

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•	One SER who formulates herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides with NMP
described exposure reduction practices that include PPE, engineering controls, and
administrative controls. The SER also provided insight on potential challenges for
reformulation, and their feedback on potential compliance requirements.

o Exposure controls: The SER described how they receive NMP in 55-gallon
drums. The NMP is transferred to a blending tank that has vents that lead to
carbon scrubbing filters. The SER described how worker protection is
guided by SDS sheets, and that this provides guidance on chemically
resistant material (e.g., barrier PPE) to NMP. The SER explained how
within their internal laboratories, staff use standard PPE such as gloves,
glasses, and lab coats, as well as additional control measures such as fume
hoods. Staff are trained to follow good laboratory practices, and workers all
have undergraduate degrees and experience working in labs. The SER also
described how annual retraining is required.

o Compliance requirements: This SER indicated PPE requirements would be
the least burdensome option for their operations, because engineering
control requirements would incur capital costs. This SER indicated that
reformulating to avoid use of NMP would require additional laboratory
testing and internal document revisions, which would require potentially
one to two years. They indicated concern over the length of time required
for EPA FIFRA registration, which they stated would need to be updated if
their formulation changed.

•	One SER who plans to use NMP as an extraction solvent in re-refining used motor
oil described their planned use of pure NMP in what they characterized as a closed
loop system. They expect to achieve this through engineering controls, operations
staff training, reduced entry to the area where NMP is used and the use of warning
signs. They expect to have operations that run continuously unless routine
maintenance is required. The SER described how the NMP would be received in a
large truck, held in a small onsite storage tank, and recycled within their system.

o This SER stated that prohibitions on NMP would have significant negative
impacts on their business, and would require an additional 10 to 15 years of
testing and investment to identify an alternative.

o In a written comment, the SER provided more details. While the SER did
not describe the impact of potential reporting, recordkeeping, and
compliance requirements, the SER did provide information on expected
exposures and plans for minimization of worker risk. In the written
comment, the SER detailed their expected operations and maintenance
manual to track how many employees would be exposed to NMP and for
how long. Re-refinery equipment, including a 60,000 gallon storage tank,
are outside with open ventilation. The SER described how NMP is used in a
Scheibel extraction column to extract low-quality products, aromatics and
polar components from the used motor oil; these components are then
distilled and separated from the desired output. The NMP is regenerated for

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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storage and reuse. The SER expects the facility to have four persons per
shift with two outside operators, and that one person per shift would be in
the area with the tank containing NMP. The SER estimated that the person
in the area with the tank would be in that area for no more than one hour a
day, and did not expect inhalation or dermal exposures during normal
operations.

o The SER also plans to maintain industrial hygiene programs and regular
occupational exposure evaluations as part of their worker health and safety
protection plan. The comment further detailed expected protocols for
engineering controls, which would be focused on a closed loop design using
vapor recovery and spill containment systems. Additional engineering
controls would include fully automated processing equipment.
Administrative controls would be implemented through a standard
operating procedure and written instructions for any activity with NMP to
restrict access to the area where NMP is being used. PPE would be fitted
and available to workers, and industrial hygiene programs and regular
occupational exposure evaluations implanted.

• Several SERs discussed alternatives to NMP, and the challenges of using those
alternatives if NMP were prohibited:

o Two SERs (a chemical processor of industrial cleaners, and a chemical
processor of herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides) each identified 1-butyl-
2-pyrrolidone (or n-butylpyrrolidone (NBP), CASRN 3470-98-2)) as an
alternative chemical for NMP but noted that it was less effective than NMP
and required more product, degraded faster than NMP, and is subject to a
TSCA section 5 Significant New Use Rule (SNUR). The SER indicated that
using the chemical subject the SNUR required additional time (with an
estimate of approximately 6-8 months delay to their process). Both SERs
indicated that while they had used this alternative, they returned to using
NMP.

o A chemical processor SER also identified dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
(CASRN 67-68-5) as an alternative to NMP in herbicide and fungicide
formulations, and stated their view that it is not as good as NMP at carrying
chemicals across barriers or solubilizing organic chemicals. This SER noted
it would be challenging to phase out of NMP because it would require lab
work to develop a replacement formulation, two to three years of field and
toxicology testing, and additional time if the reformulated products would
need to be registered under FIFRA. This SER said their products are
intended to have two to three year service lives. The SER estimated the cost
of reformulation could be around $500,000.

o A chemical processor SER noted that generally NMP was the chemical
many processors in the industry had transitioned to as a replacement for
other solvents they described as presenting higher hazards or other concerns
(regrettable substitutes).

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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EPA's SBAR Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on the

Proposed Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

o In a written comment, a SER stated that their use of NMP as an extraction
solved used to upgrade crude oil to base oil could be replaced with other
solvents like furfural (CASRN 98-01-1) or phenol (hydroxy benzene)

(CASRN 108-95-2). The SER described how these alternatives are less
effective than NMP at extracting polar and aromatic compounds, as well as
how, compared to those chemicals, NMP has a lower flammability, lower
volatility, and greater thermal stability. For these reasons, according to the
SER, NMP is essential for their planned process. The SER described
extensive development of their unique process, during which they have
been testing NMP for fifteen years at a cost of over $50 million. Similar to
their comments at the pre-Panel outreach meeting, in written comments the
SER described how prohibition or restriction in concentration of NMP for
this use would severely impair their planned business, and would require 10
to 15 years to identify and integrate alternative chemical into their
extraction and re-refining process.

Related Federal Rules

During the meeting, two SERs mentioned FIFRA registration requirements for NMP as an inert
ingredient in pesticide formulations. The SERs indicated that if NMP were prohibited there
would be cost and testing requirements associated with registration of a new formulation.

In the written comment the chemical processing SER did not mention related Federal rules. The
SER indicated they expect health and safety practices to be enforced as part of typical health and
safety protocols at refineries.

Regulatory Flexibility Alternatives

SERs identified several potential regulatory flexibility alternatives, challenges for small
businesses, and provided recommendations:

•	A SER that formulates herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides with NMP stated a
preference for PPE requirements to address unreasonable risks; the SER described
how PPE changes would be less burdensome for their business, because
engineering control requirements would incur capital costs.

•	In contrast, a SER who plans to use NMP as an extraction solvent in re-refining
used motor oil stated that administrative or engineering controls would be possible
and preferable. This SER expressed a strong preference for exposure controls that
would prevent a need for prohibition or reductions in concentration.

o In the written comment, this SER advised that EPA should focus the

proposed regulation of NMP on engineering and administrative controls and
PPE requirements instead of prohibitions, imposed concentration limits, or
volume restrictions. This SER stated they did not believe additional
requirements for their facility were needed, due to site specific operating
protocols for health and safety practices including a closed loop system,
engineering controls, rigorous operating procedures, employee/contractor
training, appropriate PPE (including chemically impervious gloves),

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency	5

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EPA's SBAR Panel Outreach Meeting with Small Entity Representatives on the
Proposed Rulemaking for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under TSCA Section 6(a)

warning signs, restrictions for at-risk personnel.

• Two SERs described considerations for timeframes for implementation of
regulatory restrictions:

o One SER that processes NMP as an inert ingredient in pesticides stated that
reformulating to avoid use of NMP would require additional laboratory
testing and internal document revisions, which would require potentially
one to two years. They indicated concern over the length of time required
for EPA FIFRA registration, which they stated would need to be updated if
their formulation changed.

o A different SER that processes NMP into pesticides provided a separate
estimate of time that would be needed to reformulate products, which would
include lab work to develop a replacement formulation, two to three years
of field and toxicology testing, and additional time if the reformulated
products would need to be registered under FIFRA.

o One SER who plans to use NMP as an extraction solvent in re-refining used
motor oil stated that in the event of a prohibition on NMP for this use, they
expected that 10 to 15 years of testing and investment would be needed to
identify an alternative.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

A2-130

6


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Pesticide Inert Ingredients Interpretation TSCA and FIFRA

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Pesticide Inert Ingredients Interpretation

This document contains:

1.	A letter from EPA to Mark Duvall discussing EPA's interpretation of pesticide inert ingredients
subject to the Toxic Substances Control Act prior to use as an ingredient in pesticide products
regulated separately under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.

2.	42 FR 64586 (Comment 39) from 42 FR 64,572, 64,586 (Dec. 23 1977) available online at

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pke t ^ I I _ _ o ^ * * _ _ i- If

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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460

OFFICE OF CHEMICAL SAFETY
AND POLLUTION PREVENTION

Mark N. Duval 1
Beveridge & Diamond
1900 N Street, NW, Suite 100
Washington, DC 20036

Dear Mr. Duvall:

Thank you for your letter of April 26, 2021 requesting clarification as to whether the rule
adopted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Toxic Substances
Control Act (TSCA) for Phenol, Isopropylated Phosphate (3:1) (PIP (3:1)) is intended to
preclude the processing and distribution of PIP (3:1) for use as an inert ingredient in pesticide
products regulated separately under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
(FIFRA). The citation for the final rule is: 40 C.F.R. §751.407; Phenol, Isopropylated Phosphate
(3:1) (PIP 3:1); Regulation of Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic Chemicals Under TSCA
section 6(h), 86 Fed. Reg. 894 (January 6, 2021).

In your letter you note that PIP (3:1) is an approved inert ingredient under FIFRA but that such
use of PIP (3:1) as an inert ingredient in a registered pesticide product is not addressed in the
alternative deadlines or exclusions adopted at 40 C.F.R. §751.407(a)(2) or (b). You further note,
citing discussion in the preamble of an EPA 1977 rule, that EPA has taken the position that a
substance intended for use as an inert ingredient in a pesticide product is subject to TSCA, not
FIFRA, until it is actually formulated into the pesticide. You, however, state that "use of PIP
(3:1) by a pesticide formulator as an inert ingredient in a registered pesticide product should not
be directly affected by § 75 1.407, since EPA adopted that rule under TSCA, while pesticide
products are excluded from TSCA regulation and instead subject exclusively to FIFRA." You
cite the exclusion from the definition of "chemical substance" for "any pesticide when
manufactured, processed or distributed in commerce for use as a pesticide" at TSCA §

As you correctly note in your letter, EPA has a longstanding interpretation of TSC A § 3(2)(B)(ii)
that pesticide inert ingredients are subject to TSCA jurisdiction until becoming part of the
pesticide product. See 42 Fed. Reg. 64,572, 64,586 (Dec. 23, 1977) (Comment 39, taking the
position that a raw material, intermediate, or inert ingredient which is not itself a pesticide would
be a chemical substance within the jurisdiction of TSC A and "would come within the jurisdiction
of FIFRA when it becomes a component of a pesticide product"); 5 1 Fed. Reg. 15,096, 15,098
(Apr. 22, 1986) (reaffirming this position). This interpretation has not changed. Thus, the
processing and distribution of PIP (3:1) prior to use by a pesticide formulator as an inert

3(2)(B)(ii).

internet Address (URL) ~ http://www.epa.gov
Recycled/Recyclable ~ Printed with Vegetable Oil Based inks on 100% Postconsumer, Process Chiorine Free Recycled Paper


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ingredient in a registered pesticide product is subject to the newly adopted TSCA regulation for
PIP (3:1).

Again, thank you for your letter. I hope this information has been helpful to you. If you have
additional questions, please contact me, or you can contact Tanya Hodge Mottley, the Director of
the Existing Chemical Risk Management Division at (202) 564-3152.

Sincerely,

Hart man	Digitally signed by

ridI Lilian, Hartman,Mark

M a r	Date: 2021 -05-25

IVIdllS.	11:26:21 -04'00'

Mark A. Hartman

Deputy Office Director

CC: Tanya Hodge Mottley, EPA/OPPT

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6ISH6

RULES AND REGULATIONS

would normally be uuiiit* u situations Bl-
ew ring significant exposure. (a lb* ism of s
iwnri-ii chemical which besomes it psistlelde
Ibm* latter iup»- at conr«m would be ad-
dr«'.l 10e. (40 CFR l«34ib)|3)). an Inter-
mediate substance Intended lot U\r produe-
Una of a pesriude product by chemical rnc-
Won with other substances » not •<»a«id«ed
r pesticide 140 CTH Ifca 4lc)l«) I

The legislative history of TBCA also sup-
port* this in* T5-CA .•,» enacted to pro-
vide protection from harmful chemicals
where legal authority *m previously inade-
quate cumbersome «t Inefficient Congxrss
intended to avoid the possibility that the
n»U from a chemical • ould not be nubjact
to regulation S. H#J> No 64 OM. U4th Cong,.
5edlate, or inert Incredleul which la not
itaelf « peatlclde would, accordingly, be a
chemical (obataii.ee within tbe Jurisdiction of
TftCA. It would come within the Jurisdiction
c* dual
JUilMlctlon of TSCA and l'TKRA That per-
son will mU> be rubject to TSCA TUe luaim-
locr.trer. proc*it»«r. and dlttributof of the
raw material, luterntediata. or inert ingredi-
ent who also miuuractiiret the peetlcide
product will be subject to the JurUtdictlun of
both KU TSCA and >U taflalative history
uontemplaiea 4 a pmu.:lde prcduct. Aa a matter of policy,
hdwever. WA doe* twit intend to tmpoo>
dupiicauv* r«quirement» on thee* tub-
¦uiuom

Comment 40 A substance thould be con-
aide red a loud, food additive, drug. coametlO
or device al the lime that tlic rood and
Dru« Administration irDA| regulate* tbe
»ubatano«.

Reapouae- The Adminiatratc.r agree* wltt^
thia comment. Aa aoon aa the FDA regulates
u product it* manufacture procaaaing, or
dlatributton in commerce solely for a FDA
regulated u*e *111 be excluded from the Jurta-
dlctton of TSCA The FDA Rl<«a aa examples
at auch polnu irt lime when an application
for exemption tor an InvMtlgaUoaal ua«> of
« new drug la submitted iFFDCA &tt&(a);
41 CTH Part 3)2); when an application for
exemption for Invaatlgatlonal uae of a oew
animal drug la submitted iFFDCA 6121a):
31 CFR Fart Si I); and when an application
for exemption for UivaaUgaUoum ,uu> or •
device <* ftubutitted (FFUCA A3(l(gi. 31
CFU Part 81i. *~ propoaed 41 FR M3«.
Auguat 30. 1070).

ComNieai «l [utermedlau. and citajyau
intended solely for uae in the production of a
food, food additive, drug, coametic, or device
are excluded from regulation under TSCA

Response. The Administrator agrees with
thta comment The deOUillona of tlie FFDC'A
provKte that chemical aub In response to this comment. M pro-
vided In a note to the definition. If a «uti-
fttaoce Is manufactured ur imported In
quantitle* of leas tba.ii one thousand pound"
annually. II will be presumed to be for re-
search and development purpcoes if a mar.
ufaelurer wlabas to report for Inclusion on
the inventory a chemical substance which li
manufactured for commercial purposes In
quantities of leas than cme thousand pound-
annually, he must be able to certify that sbs
substance Is used for purposes other than for
rrwaarch snd development. After tbe pubis
cation of the revised Inventory. In oeder to
qualify as a " small quantity for research nr
development ' these quantities munt bs tuted
by, or directly under the supervision of. a
technically qualified individual.

Comment 4S The exemption for "sms'
quantities'* thould not extend to research or
analysis of chemical substances tor the de-
velopment (if a product. TUe c-xeroptli
xl.-uid apply only to rrvearch In a labor*to:
una not to situations where prodoctl.
v .,rleers are at|>ossd-

Response; The Administrator (Usaere
Wllb this comment. The legislative hlsto
of tbe Act msksa clear that Con grew in-
tended the exemption for small quantities
CO exumd to chemical substances in the d«:
vaiopmantal period and nut only to research
chemical* In a laboratory H R Rep. No, (M
1341, 94th Cong,. 3d Sees 38-30 (tlTIfli Th-
Oonirreea contemplated that during the re-
search and cvirelopmcnt phase, a chemi si
substance would be xrlthln the control
lechulcally qualified individual* a'ho would
•ooreclstc the risks from exposure to tt>«
¦tibsuuice and be able U mlnlmlte such rlsin
Tbe regulations provide that a cocnpcmnd v>1l|
only qualify lot the "small quatiiities" c
e-Tit"tlon If It Is used by. or directly under th#
ann^rvision of. technically quslifisd mo
vtdusKs). The Agency experts Hits require
ntent tc orovlde workers In the developnunt
of a orodoct the same protections as worse"
In Uve laboratory. In addition, section 5(1' <
131 of (he Act sDscificallr provide* that In
order lui a substance to bs esempted from
the rvqulr-iTietile of premaDufartwrv nolir
MUM) all persons handling the chsDu-
•ul "lance for the manufacturer or pros'
eor must be nutlDed of any risk to he* t
Which the msnufacturer. processor nr »!,•¦
Adminiiitrator has reason to bslleve mav
swsoclsied w| tb It.

Comment M; Tlie exemption for 9B*U
quiiitlUsi" should out extend to ohemi
substances distributed In commerce

Reaponse. The Administrator dUm
»lib iIds comment Oongrsw recopnlvved thsi

IfOCKAl ttCIMtf. VOt. 43. NO. J4»—»KI0Ay. 0tCtM«(* J3, 1477


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Final Report of the Small Business Advocacy Review Panel on Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
Section 6(a) Rulemaking for N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP)

APPEK1 1 • ^ * hk-o	>Hnaitted by Small Entity

Representatives following the Pre-Panel ^ N oach
Meetings

Appendix B is a compilation of all written comments submitted by SERs following the Pre-Panel
Outreach meeting on March 28, 2023, contained in a separate attachment. One SER submitted written
comments: ReGen III Corp.

No written comments were received following the Panel Outreach meeting.

B-1


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ReG^n1"

O/Ref: REG-GE0-HS-LTR-0001
April 10, 2023

Ms. Lanelle Wiggins

RFA/SBREFA Team Leader 5
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, D.C. 20460

Re: Response to the Environmental Protection Agency Regarding the Pre-Panel Outreach Meeting
on TSCA6a NMP Rulemaking (March 28, 2023)

Dear Ms. Wiggins,

This letter is regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) meeting on TSCA6a NMP
Rulemaking, conducted on March 28, 2023. At this meeting, the EPA raised questions related to NMP and
its use. Please find attached ReGen Ill's written responses to the questions provided in the meeting
material.

ReGen III is a cleantech company, building a green project that is profitable, non-reliant on government
subsidies, and sustainable. ReGen III owns a portfolio of patented technologies that enable used motor
oil (UMO) to be re-refined to produce base oils at a higher value product mix than traditional methods
provide. Not only does recycling of UMO produce high value products, it is also environmentally
responsible because it replaces supply of base oils produced by traditional refining methods, which are
substantially more energy intensive. Re-refining UMO also prevents it from being disposed improperly or
burned as a fuel. The life-cycle assessment study estimates that C02e emissions from the ReGen III
process are 82% lower than comparable, traditionally produced refined base oils that are later used as
fuel at end of life. Furthermore, our proposed facility in Texas is projected to reduce up to 903,000 mt
C02e / year from entering the atmosphere, the equivalent of removing 195,000 passenger vehicles from
the road.

ReGen III is a start-up company that has been developing its process over the last fifteen years. ReGen
III has invested over$50M during those years in research, testing and engineering, and are on the cusp
of proceeding with our first full-size facility that will see over 1 million person-hours in direct construction
labor as well as 40-50 full time jobs during operation.

At the heart of the process is the use of NMP. NMP was chosen and has been tested exclusively over the
last fifteen years primarily because of its selectivity for polars and aromatics, compounds that must be
removed to produce higher quality base oils. Alternative solvents do not provide the required level of
selectivity.

The ReGen III UMO re-refinery is being designed with high standards for health and safety, typical of
refineries. ReGen III will incorporate the following to manage exposure to NMP:

•	A closed loop system to limit exposure pathways to NMP

•	Incorporation of engineering controls to limit releases

•	Development of rigorous operating procedures

•	Extensive training for employees/contractors regarding the risks associated with NMP

•	Provision of the appropriate PPE

•	Placement of warning signs

•	Restrictions for at-risk personnel entering the NMP area

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ReGEil

ReGen III is a pre-revenue start-up and the project will be severely impaired, if developed at all, if NMP is
prohibited or if a concentration limit is imposed. ReGen III will manage the NMP exposure with a closed
loop design, engineering controls and operating procedures.

Tom Lawlor, P.Eng
Chief Operating Officer
ReGen III (USGC) Corporation

tlawlor@reaeniii.com
720.201.3815

Attachment

Sincerely,

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ReGEn'"

ATTACHMENT

Questions raised in NMP Pre-Panel Presentation

1. Discussion - Your Business and NMP
• How does your organization use NMP?

ReGen III is building a facility to recycle used motor oil into Group II/II+ and high-value Group III base oils.
Base oils are the foundation for several types of lubricants such as lubricating greases, motor oils, metal
processing fluids, and miscellaneous lubricants. All lubricants require a base oil and automotive engine
oils typically consist of 75% base oil and 25% additives. The majority of traditional refiners produce Group
I and Group II base oils which are used to formulate motor oils for older passenger car engines or for use
in some industrial applications. Approximately 70% of new cars require fully synthetic or blend oil, which
utilize Group III or higher quality base oil. ReGen Ill's technology produces a 53% yield of Group III base
oil. Group III base oil is the fastest growing group of base oils as more automakers require the use of
better-quality motor oils.

The UMO re-cycling facility is a three-stage process. See Figure 1 for a block flow diagram.

UMO

Secured through
feedstock agreements by
approved collectors
across North America

ReCen Process Differentiator

Contaminant
Separation Unit ("CSU")

Molecular
Separation Unit ("MSU")

Molecular
Treatment Unit ("MTU")

Multi-stage distillation

evaporation to
remove contaminants
and produce VCO

Solvent extraction to
separate high quality base
oil from low quality base oil

Hydro-finishing
treatment of
lower quality base oil

53% Yield
Croup III Base Oil

22% Yield
Group II+ Base Oil

Figure 1. ReGen III Process Block Flow Diagram.

Stage 1 removes lighter hydrocarbons and contaminants such as metals and water. Stage 2 uses solvent
extraction (with NMP) to remove aromatics and polars to produce Group III base oil. Stage 3 hydrotreats
the extract from Stage 2 to produce Group II/II+ base oil.

Stage 2, or the Molecular Separation Unit (MSU), is designed to continually process the product of Stage
1 (vacuum gas oil, VGO). The system begins with the Scheibel® extraction column, which uses agitation
and solvent extraction to purify the oil into two liquid streams, defined as the raffinate and the extract. The
solvent. N-Methvl 2-Pvrrolidinone (NMP), has been selected to extract the low-quality products, aromatics
and polar components.

In the extraction column, the VGO enters at the bottom of the tower while the NMP flows counter currently
from the top of the tower. The extract stream, which contains the majority of the NMP and the lower

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ReG^n1"

quality base oil (polars and aromatics are concentrated in this stream), is distilled under vacuum to and
then further steam stripped to remove the NMP. The low-quality base oil is transferred to the 3rd stage for
hydrotreating. The raffinate stream, having had the undesirable components (polars and aromatics) of the
VGO removed by the NMP, flows to a stripper column and uses steam to remove the residual NMP. The
bottoms product from this stripper is the primary product of the process, Group III base oil.

The NMP, removed from both the raffinate and extract streams, is regenerated in a closed system,
returned to the storage tank where it is circulated back to the extraction column. The NMP circulation rate
is approximately 330 usgpm and the storage tank (designed to API 650), with nitrogen blanketing,
contains approximately 60,000 gallons.

•	Can you describe the specific use, as well as the workplace and workplace setting where it is
used?

The specific use is described in the previous answer.

The re-refinery will be constructed on a 10-acre plot in Texas City (Advario Texas City site, located at
2800 Loop 197 S, Texas City, Texas), within an existing industrial site, on land previously occupied by
DOW Chemicals and leased to ReGen III by Advario. In a partnership with Advario, ReGen III will design,
build, own, and operate the re-refinery. Advario will be the Terminal Services Provider, responsible for
receiving, storage and shipping UMO and products via truck, rail and barge, with their facilities split
between their Advario Galveston and Advario Texas City sites.

All re-refinery equipment is installed outside with open ventilation. All areas where NMP is present will be
bunded. All areas that use NMP (Stage 2 exclusively), will have specific safe operating procedures that
include PPE requirements and restrictions for personnel from entering the NMP use area. Signs will be
installed throughout the stage 2 facilities reminding workers of their training regarding risks to NMP
exposure.

The ReGen III Process Safety Management system will include NMP considerations in the Process
Safety Information, while conducting Process Hazards Analysis, in written operating and maintenance
procedures, and as part of the mechanical integrity program.

•	What is the trend of NMP use in your organization ?

NMP will remain the solvent of choice for all future facilities as the process technology is dependent on
this solvent for its selectivity for polar and aromatic compounds which must be removed to generate
Group III.

•	How important to your business is the function that NMP provides?

NMP was chosen and has been tested exclusively over the last fifteen years primarily because of its
selectivity for polars and aromatics; compounds critical for removal to produce the higher quality base
oils. Alternative solvents do not provide that required level of selectivity.

ReGen III is a pre-revenue start-up and the project will not severely impaired if NMP is prohibited or if
there is a concentration limit imposed. ReGen III will manage the NMP exposure with a closed loop
design, engineering controls and operating procedures.

•	Are there potential critical or essential uses?

No.

•	Are there uses for which there are no available technically or economically feasible
alternatives?

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North American Group III production is dominated by virgin crude refining, which is more energy intensive
and less environmentally friendly. The ReGen III patented process has much lower C02e emissions,
being 82% lower than comparable, traditionally refined base oils produced from crude oil and
subsequently combusted at end of life. The ReGen III process saves 3.4 kg C02e emissions per kg of
base oil produced compared to the traditional method of producing base oil from crude oil and burning
UMO as fuel. Furthermore, ReGen Ill's proposed 5,600 bpd Texas facility is estimated to reduce up to
903,000 mt C02e / year from entering the atmosphere by preventing combustion at end-of-life and by
producing base oils more efficiently than the equivalent production from virgin crude oil. This would be the
equivalent of removing 195,000 passenger vehicles from the road for a year according to the EPA.

In addition, the ReGen III process has a much lower ecotoxicity rating at 27.7% less than the ecotoxicity
of traditional methods of producing base oils and combusting UMO and 99.7% less than the ecotoxicity of
traditional methods of producing base oil and disposal of UMO inappropriately at end of life.

2. Discussion - Workplace Exposure

•	What is your experience with exposure control and risk reduction?

Engineering controls will be focussed on the closed loop design of the process and ensuring any potential
releases are eliminated by using vapour recovery and spill containment systems. In addition, the
processing equipment that uses NMP will be fully automated.

Administrative controls will be implemented including developing standard operating procedures and
written working instructions for any activity that involves NMP with an aim to separate the worker from
harm by restricting access to the area and ensuring workers are trained and fully aware of the risks.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be fitted and available for all workers that are required to work
in the area where NMP is present.

Industrial hygiene programs and regular occupational exposure evaluations will be implemented as part
of the worker health and safety protection plan.

•	How many employees are exposed to NMP, and for how long (days/years and hours/day)?

Although the Operations and Maintenance Manual is not finalized yet, the expected crew complement is 4
persons per shift with 2 outside operators managing the facility at any one time. It is expected that one
person per shift will be in the Stage 2 area (where NMP is used) for less than 1 hour a day.

Note that the Stage 2 process area contains NMP in a closed loop system with no inhalation or dermal
exposure risks during normal operations.

•	What is the concentration of NMP in the product you use?

100%

•	What routine worker activities result in worker exposure to NMP and what type of exposure?

Dermal exposure will be negligible given that NMP is contained in closed process equipment and workers
will be required to wear chemical impervious gloves when conducting maintenance on equipment.

There is no routine work that could result in worker exposure to NMP however there may be infrequent
activities where a breakdown in the primary mitigation occurs such as when human error happens, or a
piece of equipment fails. These would be considered non-routine. In the unlikely case of there being
exposure to NMP, PPE would protect the worker.

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•	What engineering controls are used to minimize exposure to NMP? Are additional controls
feasible?

The NMP is circulated throughout the process system in a closed loop. There will be a vapour recovery,
spill containment and fully automated systems included in the design. There will be signs restricting
access to the area with warning signs reminding workers of their training on NMP exposure risks.

•	What administrative controls and training do you use to minimize exposure to NMP?

See above.

•	What respiratory and dermal PPE is regularly worn by workers to minimize exposure to NMP?

Given the facility is currently conducting FEL-3 engineering, the details of PPE have not been fully
developed. However, ReGen III will implement best practices, consult the REACH guidance and adhere
to any EPA requirements.

3. Discussion -Users of Products Containing NMP

•	What chemicals or processes have you considered as an alternative to using NMP or a
product containing NMP?

The ReGen III technology of recycling used motor oil did not consider alternatives to NMP. All pilot testing
and engineering studies over the last 15 years have been conducted exclusively on NMP due it its
selectivity for polar and aromatic compounds which must be removed to produce Group III base oil.

However, there are a couple of different solvents used in upgrading crude oil to base oil that could be
used in a solvent extraction process.

•	Furfural

•	Phenol (hydroxy benzene)

Furfural is less effective than NMP at extracting polar and aromatic compounds with a yield of base oil of
20 to 35% less than with NMP. In addition, the base oil produced with furfural does not meet the viscosity
index specification for Group III base oil. Furfural also forms an azeotrope with water making regeneration
of the solvent very difficult.

Phenols are less effective at extracting polar and aromatic compounds compared to both NMP and
Furfural.

NMP has a lower flammability, lower volatility and greater thermal stability than both furfural and phenol.
NMP is also less toxic than phenol.

•	Do you currently use any alternatives to NMP or products containing NMP?

No

•	Did you try to switch to another chemical, process, or product, only to switch back? If so,
what did you switch to, why did you switch back, and what made you switch in the first place?

No

•	Are there any restrictions or other limitations that prescribe the use of NMP to perform your
services (e.g., for aerospace or DOD customers)?

No

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•	What are the relative advantages and disadvantages of different substitutes and/or processes
that you have considered, including in terms of exposure, cost, and hazard?

N/A

4. Discussion - Regulatory Options

•	What regulatory approach should EPA take?

It is ReGenlll's opinion that there is no need for additional requirements from the EPA. Health and safety
practices should be enforced as part of the typical health and safety protocols at a refinery. Site specific
operating protocols will exist within the broader framework of the hazard management and safety
programs. No restrictions on volume or concentration should be placed.

The project will be in serious jeopardy if NMP is prohibited or if there is a concentration limit imposed.

•	Are there concerns about the ability to comply with any of the potential regulatory options?
The Project will face severe challenges if NMP is prohibited or if there is a concentration limit imposed.

•	What advice do you have for reducing impacts on small businesses?

ReGen III advises that the EPA should limit its rule on NMP to engineering and administrative controls.

•	What timeframe would your business need to comply with potential new regulations or
restrictions?

It is difficult for ReGen to assess the impact of any new restrictions. We are confident that we can quickly
adopt PPE, administrative or engineering control requirements. A reduction of NMP concentration or its
prohibition would set the company back 5-10 years.

B-8

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