![[logo] US EPA](https://cybercemetery.unt.edu/archive/oilspill/20121016215943im_/http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Existing Chemicals Action Plans
Action plans summarize available hazard, exposure, and use information on chemicals; outline the risks that each chemical may present; and identify the specific steps the Agency is taking to address those concerns.
Action Plans Issued by EPA
- Benzidine Dyes
- Bisphenol A (BPA)
- Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD)
- Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI)
- Nonylphenol and Nonylphenol Ethoxylates
- Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs)
- Penta, octa, and decabromodiphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in products
- Phthalates
- Short-chain chlorinated paraffins
- Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI)
Read or download a brief summary overview of all posted chemical action plans. (5 pp. 69 kb, About PDF)
Chemicals currently in the action plan development process include:
- Siloxanes
Identifying Chemicals for Assessment
EPA identified a work plan of 83 chemicals for further assessment and identified seven of these chemicals for risk assessment in 2012. EPA intends to use the TSCA Work Plan Chemicals (PDF) (11 pp, 454 kb) About PDF to help focus and direct the activities of the Existing Chemicals Program over the next several years.
Background and Development Process
On September 29, 2009, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson announced EPA was putting in place a comprehensive approach to enhance the Agency’s current chemicals management program under TSCA. The most important component of this enhanced chemical management program involves the action plan process, which is intended to:
- Identify chemicals that pose a concern to the public.
- Move quickly to evaluate them and determine what actions need to be taken to address the risks they may pose.
- Initiate appropriate action.
In selecting chemicals for action plan development, the Agency accesses readily available information on hazard, use, and exposure. The initial chemicals selected were chosen on the basis of multiple factors, including, among others:
- Chemicals identified as persistent, bio-accumulative, and toxic.
- High production volume chemicals.
- Chemicals in consumer products.
- Chemicals potentially of concern for children’s health because of reproductive or developmental effects.
- Chemicals subject to review and potential action in international forums.
- Chemicals found in human bio-monitoring programs.
- Chemicals in categories generally identified as being of potential concern in the new chemicals program.
The Agency’s actions on chemicals may include initiating regulatory action to label, restrict, or ban a chemical, or to require the submission of additional data needed to determine the risk. As those actions begin, there will be opportunities for public and stakeholder comment and involvement. If EPA determines that a chemical doesn’t present a need for action, EPA will make that information available.
