Monthly Archives: April 2019

EPA Announces Update of TSCA Chemical Inventory

On February 19, 2019, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an update to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Inventory. According to the update, less than half of the chemicals on the TSCA inventory (or 47 percent) are currently being used in commerce (and therefore are designated as “active”). This update is important in guiding the EPA in its risk analysis efforts in the future, and also triggers the requirement for manufacturers and processors to inform EPA that a chemical has been incorrectly designated as “inactive” in commerce. The designation of chemicals as active in commerce is based…

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California Repeals Flammability Standard for Furniture Used in Public Spaces

On January 22, 2019, California’s Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation repealed Technical Bulletin 113  (TB 133), which set standards for flammability for upholstered seating in public spaces. The action was praised by leading furniture manufacturers as well as some safety advocacy groups. The repeal was prompted by two factors. First, TB 133, “The Flammability Test Procedure for Seating Furniture for Use in Public Occupancies,” was established in 1991, but has been superseded by the revised TB-117-2013 (an updated version of the previous flammability standard, TB-117). The repeal was seen as necessary since the two…

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OEHHA Proposes Clear and Reasonable Warnings for Rental Cars

California’s Office of Environmental Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) proposed new guidance for providing clear and reasonable warnings for rental cars. Sections 25607.36 and 25607.37 would offer specific information regarding the content of safe harbor warnings for rental car exposures and the methods that rental car companies should utilize to issue those warnings. The deadline for public comments is April 22, 2019. OEHHA provides tailored safe harbor warnings for exposures to listed chemicals from vehicles purchased for consumer use under Section 25607.16 and 25607.17. Warnings for vehicle exposure must: (i) be printed in the owner’s manual for the passenger vehicle or off-highway…

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