EPA Funds Research into NAMs for Chemical Toxicokinetics
On August 3, 2020, the EPA announced it is awarding $3,980,782 to 5 academic research teams for the development of New Approach Methods (NAMs) for evaluating chemical toxicokinetics.
Category: Chemicals
Today’s workplace uses thousands of chemicals, many of which are hazardous. The resources in this section will help guide you in the safe and legal identification, storage, transport, and use of these chemicals, and in making sure that your employees right to know how to be safe around such substances is provided, as required by law.
CSB Continues to Experience Management Challenges
The fiscal year (FY) 2020 report by the EPA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) on the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board’s (CSB) management challenges reveals that the board’s continued issues will impede its ability to effectively operate.
California Court Rules Against Prop 65 Warning Labels for Glyphosate
Summary judgment was granted to the Plaintiffs in National Association of Wheat Growers et. al. v. Becerra on June 22, 2020, by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California. A permanent injunction was entered against enforcing the requirement of including a Proposition 65 (Prop 65) warning label on pesticides containing glyphosate. Prop […]
OSHA Issues Final Rule for Beryllium in General Industry
On July 14, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a final rule amending the general industry standard for beryllium (85 FR 42582). The final rule revises an “eleventh-hour” Obama administration rulemaking issued on January 9, 2017.
EPA Issues Final Evaluation for Methylene Chloride
The EPA issued its final risk evaluation for methylene chloride under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) on June 24, 2020. The EPA findings indicate that methylene chloride (also known as dichloromethane and methylene dichloride) poses threats to human health and safety in 47 out of the 53 types of uses reviewed, including threats to […]
Addition of Bromopropane to Hazardous Air Pollutant List a Historical First for EPA
The EPA made history on June 18, 2020, when it granted a petition to add bromopropane to its list of hazardous air pollutants.
NIOSH Compiles Disinfectant Safety, Health Hazard Info Amid COVID-19
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recently collected safety and health information on cleaners and disinfectants that employers can use in their hazard communication programs. The NIOSH material includes a table of health hazards and protective measures for chemicals used as disinfectants.
EPA Fines Fertilizer Plants, Highlighting the Failure of Many Facilities to Monitor Risks
Two recent Clean Air Act (CAA) settlements—one in Iowa and the other in Kansas—serve as a reminder for companies to review their risk management plans (RMPs) to ensure compliance with the EPA’s Chemical Accident Prevention requirements.
The Persistence of PFAS: The ‘Forever Chemicals’ Coming Under Regulatory Scrutiny
Environment, health, and safety (EHS) professionals and their organizations should be following the ongoing conversation surrounding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). We continue to learn more about this large family of chemicals and their impact on both human health and the environment—and PFAS are increasingly coming under more expansive regulatory scrutiny.
Infographic: 2020 TRI Reporting Essentials
The Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) reporting deadline is approaching. This infographic provides essential information to help determine if, what, and how you need to report..