EPA Issues Test Orders for Nine Chemicals Undergoing Risk Evaluation under TSCA

EPA has issued Test Orders under section 4 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to obtain additional data on nine of the next 20 chemicals undergoing risk evaluation. After reviewing available data on these chemicals, EPA has determined additional data are needed and is using its TSCA test order authority to require companies to develop and submit information on environmental hazard and inhalation and dermal exposures for workers.

The action marks the second time EPA has used this authority, added to TSCA by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, to inform the TSCA risk evaluation process. The test orders are the result of a lengthy Agency analytical process to identify the data needed to evaluate these nine chemicals. The information obtained through these orders will help ensure EPA's risk evaluations for these chemicals are robust, credible, and use the best available data.

Companies subject to the test orders may provide EPA with existing data or conduct new tests.  Companies may also form consortia to consolidate costs and burden, and avoid unnecessary duplication of testing.

The nine chemicals subject to these section 4 Test Orders are:

• Chlorinated Solvents:
  • 1,1,2-Trichloroethane
  • 1,1-Dichloroethane
  • 1,2-Dichloroethane
  • 1,2-Dichloropropane
  • Trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene
  • o-Dichlorobenzene
  • p-Dichlorobenzene
• Flame Retardants:
  • 4,4'-(1-Methylethylidene)bis[2,6-dibromophenol] (TBBPA)
  • Phosphoric acid, triphenyl ester (TPP)

The orders and any data submitted in response to these orders will be made publicly available on EPA's website and in applicable dockets on www.regulations.gov.

Learn more about TSCA section 4 test orders.

Background 

 The Lautenberg Act amendments to TSCA expanded the agency's authority to require the development of new information on chemicals via issuance of section 4 Test Orders. The nine chemicals subject to the Test Orders issued today are part of the 20 chemicals designated as high priority for risk evaluation under TSCA in December 2019. In September 2020, EPA issued final scope documents for these chemicals and anticipates publishing draft risk evaluations for public comment over the next two years.