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EPA releases documents under Lautenberg Act, proposes action on asbestos

Agency seeks comment on chemical evaluation process, review of studies

Posted June 8, 2018

EPA announced it has taken “three important steps” to ensure chemical safety under the Lautenberg Act, noting it has released the following for public comment:

  1. The first 10 problem formulation documents,
  2. EPA’s systematic review approach document, and
  3. A significant new use rule (SNUR) proposal enabling the Agency to prevent new uses of asbestos.

According to EPA, the problem formulation documents refine the scope of risk evaluations for the first 10 chemicals selected under the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, which amended the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). They clarify the chemical uses EPA expects to evaluate and describe how the Agency expects to conduct the evaluations.

EPA stated that its systematic review approach document will guide its selection and review of studies in addition to providing the public with continued transparency regarding how the Agency plans to evaluate scientific information. Comments on the formulation documents and review approach document are due in 45 days upon publication in the Federal Register.

EPA also is proposing a SNUR for certain uses of asbestos (including asbestos-containing goods) that would require manufacturers and importers to receive EPA approval before starting or resuming manufacturing, and importing or processing of asbestos. Comments on the SNUR proposal are due in 60 days upon publication in the Federal Register.


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