The EPA is proposing to place limits on the use of two common chemicals in paint removers in order to protect consumers and workers from serious health risks associated with this use. The chemicals are methylene chloride and N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP). In a 2014 assessment, EPA concluded that methylene chloride can cause a range of adverse […]
(Published in: Natural Resources & Environment, Volume 31, Number 3, Winter 2017 [Article PDF]) By Catherine K. Lin and Philip A. Moffat Abstract The Paris Agreement commits all parties to make “nationally determined contributions” (NDCs) via domestic laws to limit “the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels.” This […]
On October 22, 2014, EPA published for comment a proposal to remove from EPA’s list of inert ingredients approved for use in pesticide products 72 chemical substances that are no longer being used as inert ingredients in pesticide products. (79 FR 63120) In response to EPA’s request for comments, no specific information regarding those 72 […]
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulates the generation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. The requirements under RCRA and regulations implementing RCRA can apply to companies that generate hazardous waste during the manufacture of certain products, or, can apply to companies and/or retailers that are ultimately discarding unused, expired, recalled, or damaged […]
The Safer Consumer Products (SCP) program, under CA’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), is using a four-step process to reduce toxic chemicals in products that consumers buy and use. One of these steps includes developing Priority Products, which are products that contain one or more Candidate Chemicals. The DTSC is now seeking stakeholder engagement […]
EPA is amending the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) regulations by extending the submission deadline for 2016 reports from September 30, 2016 to October 31, 2016. This is a one-time extension for the 2016 submission period only, and will be reported in the Federal Register. The deadline is being extended in […]
On September 2, 2016, California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) issued a final rule amending Article 6 (California Health & Safety Code §§25600-25607.9) of the regulations implementing Proposition 65 (Prop 65). The final rule imposes requirements on content and methods of transmission, which includes, in some instances, disclosure of one or more Prop […]
Consumers in this class action claimed that Seventh Generation Inc. deceptively labeled its cleaning products as “natural” even though they contained synthetic preservatives. Seventh Generation has agreed to pay $4.5 million to settle this case in New York federal court. Seventh Generation makes several household cleaning items such as laundry detergent, glass cleaner, and dish […]
