E.P.A. Suggests to Review New Uses of 14 Chemicals Classified as Glymes / Action taken to better evaluate possible adverse health impacts

WASHINGTON - The E.P.A. is proposing to protect consumers by requiring companies to report new uses of chemicals known as glymes in consumer products. EPA's suggested action is based in part on concerns that additional uses of these 14 chemicals in consumer products could lead to harmful reproductive and developmental health effects. Glymes are chemicals used in a wide array of applications including printing ink, paints and coatings, adhesives, household batteries and motor vehicle brake systems. This suggested action is part of Administrator Lisa P. Jackson's effort to strengthen the agency's chemical management plan and ensure the safety of chemicals.

"This suggested rule would enable E.P.A. to evaluate the use of these chemicals before Americans are subject to additional exposure to them in numerous consumer products" said Steve Owens, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. "We need to take a closer look at the potential health effects that additional exposure to these chemicals could have."

The suggested regulatory procedure is known as a significant new use rule (SNUR) under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The SNUR would ensure that, prior to the manufacture, import, or processing of these chemicals for a significant new use, E.P.A. will have 90 days to evaluate potential risks, and prohibit or limit the activity if warranted.

Comments on the suggestion must be received on or before September 9, 2011. The suggestion and supporting information can be found in docket number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2009-0767 on the Federal eRulemaking Portal, http://www.regulations.gov.

For more information on the EPA's existing chemical programs: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/

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