EPA to Limit Imports of Perfluorinated Chemicals for Use in Carpets
The Environmental Protection Agency is issuing a final rule that will restrict imports of perfluorinated chemicals that could be used in carpets, it said in a press release (here). The agency finalized a significant new use rule (SNUR) (here) for the chemical Sept. 30, although the rule has yet to be published in the Federal Register. Perfluorinated chemicals were formerly used for soil and stain resistance in carpets, but have since been voluntarily phased out by the U.S. chemical industry after they were shown to persist in the environment and bioaccumulate in humans and animals, EPA said.
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“While this category of chemicals has largely been voluntarily phased out by the U.S. chemical industry and not in use in this country, they could still be imported in carpets,” said Jim Jones, assistant administrator-EPA Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. The SNUR will now give EPA the ability to restrict or limit uses of imported perfluorinated chemicals, he said. “This action will also provide a level playing field for those companies who stepped up to cease the use of these chemicals in this country, while at the same time protecting the American public from exposure to these chemicals in imported carpet products,” said Jones.
Like other SNURs promulgated under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the rule will require anyone who intends to import, manufacture or process any long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic (LCPFAC) chemicals for use in carpets or carpet products to submit a notification to EPA at least 90 days in advance. The agency will then have the opportunity to review and possibly limit the activity, it said. EPA said it plans to issue another SNUR on other perfluorinated chemicals in early 2014.