The Vinyl Institute responded on December 14 to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announcement that vinyl chloride will be one of the next five chemicals selected for prioritization under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
“Vinyl Institute and our members are fully prepared to work with the EPA during both prioritization and risk evaluation of vinyl chloride,” said Ned Monroe, president and CEO of the Vinyl Institute. “The Agency’s prioritization of vinyl chloride is no surprise to us because it has been part of EPA’s work plan since 2012.
“The Vinyl Institute has indicated our strong interest to be engaged in the process early and to serve as a collaborative resource for the Agency to proactively identify and address any information needs that would expedite a high-quality risk evaluation.”
Monroe said that the Vinyl Institute is already supporting the risk evaluation process for other substances under review by the EPA. As the Agency has noted, selection for prioritization is not a finding that an unreasonable risk is presented, but the start of a multi-year review process to assess potential risks.
“There is an extensive body of research and data about vinyl chloride that will support the prioritization and risk evaluation process,” Monroe said. “This is an opportunity to correct any misunderstanding about the regulation of vinyl chloride manufacturing and the safety of PVC products.
“We believe this risk evaluation will further assure that the production of vinyl chloride and use of PVC products are safe. Manufacturers of vinyl chloride adhere to some of the most stringent safety and environmental regulations in the chemical industry.”
Click here to read more from the Vinyl Institute.
Click here to read the December 14 EPA announcement that includes the Federal Register notice on December 18. Comments providing information regarding the chemicals’ uses can be provided to the EPA. They must be submitted by March 18, 2024.