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(1) Compound Allowed as Alternative to Ozone-Depleting Chemicals for Specific Uses (2)  New Reports Highlights Pollution Prevention Efforts

Release Date: 05/16/2007
Contact Information: John Millett, (202) 564-4355 / [email protected], Enesta Jones, (202) 564-4355 / [email protected]

(1) Compound Allowed as Alternative to Ozone-Depleting Chemicals for Specific Uses

(Washington, D.C. – May 16, 2007) Through its Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program EPA is allowing the use of n-propyl bromide, a nonflammable organic solvent, as an alternative to ozone-depleting substances in metals, electronics, and precision cleaning. EPA is also proposing to allow the use of n-propyl bromide (nPB) in specific coatings applications and to prohibit its use in aerosol solvents and as a carrier solvent in adhesives. At elevated exposure levels, nPB causes reproductive and neurological toxicity.  The SNAP Program reviews ozone-depleting chemicals and determines acceptable alternatives.  In aerosol solvents and adhesive end-uses, other alternatives are readily available that do not damage stratospheric ozone and pose less risk overall to human health and the environment. As required by the Clean Air Act, this regulation considers alternatives to ozone-depleting substances which contributes to the success of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
 
More information about Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP): https://www.epa.gov/ozone/snap
  
(Washington, D.C. – May 16, 2007)  EPA is releasing the first Web-based report that highlights the work of the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) to ensure chemical safety under the Toxic Substances Control Act and to promote pollution prevention and environmental stewardship.
 
Some of the key accomplishments in the OPPT Accomplishments Report 2005-2006 include:

•          Making High Production Volume (HPV) chemical data, including basic hazard information, publicly available on more than 2,200 chemicals manufactured or imported in large quantities through the newly created HPV Information System (HPVIS);
•          Initiating the PFOA Stewardship Program, in which eight companies committed voluntarily to reduce emissions and product content of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a persistent, man-made chemical found in human blood throughout the U.S., and related chemicals by 95 percent no later than 2010, and to work toward elimination by 2015;
•          Proposing work-practice standards and training requirements for those engaged in renovation, repair and painting activities that disturb lead-based paint to reduce lead exposures; and
•          Developing the “Mercury Roadmap” with other EPA offices that describes the agency's progress and major ongoing and planned actions to address health and environmental risks associated with mercury.

OPPT Accomplishments Report for 2005-2006: https://www.epa.gov/oppt/ar/20052006/
 
General information about Pollution Prevention and Toxics: https://www.epa.gov/oppt