EPA Issues First Test Order for PFAS in Commercial Firefighting Foam

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EPA recently issued a test order under TSCA section 4 to select companies requiring that they develop and submit certain information on 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamide betaine, a PFAS. The order is part of the Agency’s National PFAS Testing Strategy which will evaluate a large number of PFAS for potential human and ecological effects as “most PFAS lack data for robustly characterizing their potential toxicity.

The test order was issued to Chemours Company, DuPont De Nemours Inc., National Foam Inc., and Johnson Controls Inc.  6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamide betaine is used to make commercial firefighting foam and certain floor finishes.  The test order explains that EPA found insufficient data on 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamide betaine to determine or predict the effects on human health specifically by the inhalation route.  The order applies a tiered testing strategy.  EPA has ordered the companies to generate of data on certain physical-chemical properties (e.g., density, particle size, hydrolysis as a function of pH).  The Agency will use those data to determine whether further testing (e.g., inhalation toxicokinetic study, acute inhalation study) is needed.  Under TSCA section 4(a)(4), EPA is required to employ a tiered screening and testing process under which the results of screening-level tests or assessments of available information inform the decision as to whether additional tests are necessary.

EPA intends to issue additional test orders to other PFAS manufacturers in the coming months. A detailed overview of the activities involved in issuing a TSCA Section 4 order can be found here.

PFAS From Certain Plastic Can Violate Chemicals Law, EPA Says

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Earlier this year, EPA released a letter to manufacturers, processors, distributors, users, and those that dispose of fluorinated high-density polyethylene (HDPE), informing them of possible violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).  EPA determined through recent testing that certain PFAS have unintentionally formed during or following the process of fluorinating polyolefins. Manufacturers and processors of fluorinated polyolefins modify polymers with fluorine to create high-performance barriers.  These barriers are then used in the storage and transport of various products to keep the product inside the container without notable permeation.  During some methods of fluorination, such as in the presence of oxygen, PFAS can occur as a byproduct.

EPA first noticed the unintentional formation of PFAS in containers used in storing and transporting pesticides, and it is researching whether this problem occurs in other HDPE products. This effort to restrict human health and environmental exposure to PFAS is one of many steps the Agency has outlined in its PFAS Strategic Roadmap.

EPA’s letter reminds the HDPE industry that certain long-chain PFAS are subject to a TSCA Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) (See 40 CFR § 721.10536). Generally, chemical substances created during the manufacturing process that does not have a separate commercial purpose are considered byproducts and are exempt from SNUR requirements under 40 CFR § 721.45(e). But certain long-chain PFAS byproducts produced during the manufacture of fluorinated polyolefins do not meet the requirements of the byproducts exemption and therefore require a SNUR. These rules require the manufacturer to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing the manufacture (including import) or processing of these chemicals for significant new use.

The Agency encourages the industry to review the relevant regulations at 40 CFR § 721. Any questions on the topic can be directed to the Existing Chemicals Risk Management Division in the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics at TSCA_PFAS@epa.gov.