Document MmQGr6QQ64xG70XGpZ6wpR8V

&rn nepons un neguiatory investigation of Formaldehyde In 1984, EPA began a regulatory investigation of formaldehyde a under TSCA. The investigation has since focused on assessing the risk associated with exposure to the formaldehyde in man` ufactured (mobile) and conventional homes. The Agency is eval uating the need for, and nature of, regulations affecting commer. cial manufacture and use of urea-formaldehyde pressi'cl wood ' products. Wood products of this type include particleboard, hard wood plywood and medium density fiberboard. These pressed woods are used as construction materials for building most man ufactured and some conventional homes, arid for fabricating cab-, inets, shelving and furniture: They can arid often do emit for maldehyde concentrations in homes. This is the Agency's fifth semi-annual report on the progress of that investigation. ' Since issuing its last report, EPA staff has (1) finished compiling and evaluating all available health arid exposure data concerned , With formaldehyde, including the results of three recent epi demiologic studies; 2) reviewed the public comments received by * EPA on risk evaluation issues; arid 3) drafted a comprehensive risk assessment document. The summary chapter of that assess- merit-rthe risk1 characterization--contains fhe conclusion of the assessment, describes the Strengths and weaknesses of the Sup porting data, arid identifies major scientific uncertainties accom panying the assessment. The .risk assessment document, in tended to serve the health hazard evaluation needs of OTS and i other EPAprogram offices concerned with formaldehyde, is pres ' ently undergoing final Agenpy review. . : - '' * r 1 - The Agency's formaldehyde workgroup, comprised of represent atives from various offices within EPA, is presently reviewing all available information on the formaldehyde-pressed wood issue - and exploring a range of regulatory options under TSCA. these options will'necessarily consider ongoing regulatory activities within two other agencies that are also focused on the issue, the . U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the US. Consumer Product Safety Commissiori. The options Which emerge from the workgroup deliberations will be contained in a ; regulatory optionspaper that is being prepared to serve as a focal point for discussion at an upcoming EPA options selection meet ing. The options paper will present several alternative courses for future Agency action. - Concern It Obxln nd furtn formtOon ....... EPA Now Wants Data On 30 Chemicals ...... ,, ...; On October 23,1986, EPA issued a proposed rule (51 FR 37612) to require reporting on 18 chlorinated and bromiriated benzene chemicals. This proposed rule amends a December 19,1985 proposed rule (50 FR 51974) which required reporting on 12 such compounds. The 1985 proposal also requires manufacturers of commercial organic substances to test certain substances for the presence of chlorinated and brominated dioxins and furans. n - ' . . If the October 1986 amendment becomes final as it is now writ ten, manufacturers and importers of 30 chemicals would be re quired Under section 8(a) of TSCA to submit data on production volume, manufacturing process, reaction conditions, exposure, use and disposal of end products resulting from the use of any of , the 30 chemicals, EPA needs these data oh the precursor chemi cals because these substances can, during further processing under certain reaction conditions, lead to formation of dioxins arid furans, even though the precursor chemicals are opt themselves contaminated: . . '" : . - That portion of the 1985 proposed rule that retjfliMb manufac- , ' hirers and importers of 14 commercial organic chemicals to tegt these substances, under section 4 of TSCA, foij^ig jpj^ence of * chlorinated and brominated dioxins and furans remains un- ` * changed by the latest amendment. The December 19, *985 pnJposal (50 FFI51974) also called for such testing*and*reporting 8f * * 20 other organic chemicals not now commercially manufacture , , , in the United States or currently being imported, if gyanyfacture cr importation resumes. `- * ' The 1985 proposed rule was in response to an Octobe? 22,1984 ,' citizens' petition filed under section 21 Of TSCA- The petition re quested, among other things, that EPA initiate a number of spe' "cific regulatory and information-gathering steps to control the - generation of specific 2,3,7,8-substituted chlorinated and brominated isomers of dioxin and furans, EPA responded to the sec " tion 21 petition oh January 30,1985 (50 FR 4426). See page 11 of this Bulletin for explanations of TSCA sections 4,8, and 21. "Don't Blow Rt" We've Taped It Anew EPA videotape oh controlling asbestos brake dust is available for purchase. "Don't Blow Itl" covers the po'tential health hazards from exposure to asbestos in brake * !-dust and howto effectively control brake dust. The 15-miriute tape is designed for use by brake and fleet garage me chanics and vocational schools. Auto dealers and unions also will find the program useful. In V format the cost is $24.60; in Beta I or II, $18.35; in VHS $17.50. Orders Should be placed with Color Film Corp., Video Div., 770 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk, CN 06854, or by calling either (800) 882-1120 of (203) 86&2711. Prices include postage and handling charges. There is a 48-hour service with certified check or money 'order. Orders must be prepaid. Connecticut residents and corporations must add 7.5% state sales tax. A few copies of die videotape are available for very short loan periods. Call the TAO (202) 554-1404 for details. 7 HWRUII0000009