On Jan. 3, 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency published a notice extending the comment period for its draft risk evaluation for N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) to Jan. 21, 2020.
EPA published its draft risk evaluation for NMP on Nov. 7, 2019. Under the Toxic Substance Control Act, EPA is required to conduct risk evaluations to determine whether existing chemicals present an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment under the conditions of use. NMP is used as a solvent in a wide range of industrial, commercial and consumer applications. In the draft risk evaluation, EPA found unreasonable risk of injury to human health for various conditions of use for workers and consumers, which include paint and coating removers, adhesive removers, paint and coatings, cleaner or degreaser for electrical equipment. EPA, however, did not present any unreasonable risk finding for occupational non-users, bystanders or the environment in some of the evaluated conditions of use. A final determination that a condition of use presents an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment will move the uses into the risk management phase under TSCA. This means that the agency will have to regulate those risks, which can include use-restrictions or bans.
- Advocacy contact: Tabby Zeb, (202) 205-6790.