EPA reached an agreement with PLZ Aeroscience Corporation, of Addison, IL, to
voluntarily phase-out the use of trichloroethylene (TCE) in its aerosol arts and
crafts spray fixative product by September 1, 2015. The Agency also issued a
proposed Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) (32 pp, 187 kb.) to require
notification to EPA before certain new consumer uses of TCE would begin or
resume. EPA is requesting a 60 day comment period that will begin when the
Federal Register notice is published. Read the press release below.

Learn
more about EPA's risk reduction activities on TCE:
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.epa.gov_oppt_existingchemicals_pubs_tce.html-23current&d=BQIFaQ&c=lb62iw4YL4RFalcE2hQUQealT9-RXrryqt9KZX2qu2s&r=meWM1Buqv4IQ27AlK1OJRjcQl09S1Zta6YXKalY_Io0&m=8DZy6L3lx43fuZPIueJVRWOfgUl7p-SOpEUUmbhVfgA&s=z0uS0L_pZfLe5cK-3q30W725hZj4-V2u8RubHMMA3MU&e=


EPA Reaches Agreement with Manufacturer to Stop Use of TCE in Spray Fixative
Products Used on Arts and Crafts/EPA also taking regulatory action to reduce
exposure to this chemical

Release Date: 07/30/2015
Contact Information:
Cathy Milbourn (news media only) milbourn.cathy**At_Symbol_Here**epa.gov 202-564-7849
202-564-4355

WASHINGTON -The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has
reached an agreement with a manufacturer to voluntarily phase-out the use of
trichloroethylene (TCE) in an aerosol arts and crafts spray fixative product as
part of EPA's ongoing efforts to reduce the public's exposure to potentially
harmful chemicals.  

"We are pleased that a company's voluntary efforts to
eliminate TCE from their aerosol fixative product used for arts and crafts will
soon mean that all consumer products of this type are TCE-free," said Jim Jones,
Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution
Prevention. "We are also proposing a rule that will give EPA the opportunity to
review and, if necessary, block introduction, including imports, of new TCE
spray fixative and other consumer products before re-entry into the marketplace.
This will ensure a level playing field for American companies who step up and do
the right thing. In addition, we are pursuing regulatory action to reduce the
risks from exposure to TCE in other products that are not voluntarily
addressed."

TCE is an example of how EPA's assessment of existing chemicals
can lead to real results that protect health and the environment. After
identifying health risks associated with a number of TCE uses in its June 2014
Work Plan Chemical Risk Assessment conducted under the Toxic Substances Control
Act (TSCA), EPA worked with the manufacturers of TCE on possible voluntary
efforts to reduce exposure. 

The PLZ Aeroscience Corporation, of Addison, IL,
has committed to cease manufacturing its aerosol spray fixative product
containing TCE by September 1, 2015. This type of product is used by artists,
picture framers, graphic designers and printers to provide a water repellant and
protective finish. It is the only TCE-containing spray fixative product on the
market still used in arts and crafts. 

EPA is issuing a proposed Significant
New Use Rule (SNUR) under TSCA which requires anyone intending to initiate
manufacture (including import) or processing of TCE for these uses to notify EPA
at least 90 days before doing so. The notification will allow EPA to evaluate
the intended use and, if necessary, to prohibit or limit the use prior to
entering the marketplace. Current uses of TCE are not subject to the proposed
rule.  

In addition to the phase-out and SNUR, the Agency is taking a number
of additional steps to reduce the risks from exposure to TCE. EPA is encouraging
the transition to safer chemicals and greener processes/ technologies, promoting
the use of best practices, and pursuing regulatory action under TSCA to reduce
or limit the manufacture, import and use of TCE in a range of products.

EPA
is requesting a 60 day comment period that will begin upon publication in the
Federal Register at www.regulations.gov and searching for EPA-HQ-OPPT-2014-0327.


A pre-publication copy of the proposal and more information can be found at:
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.epa.gov_oppt_existingchemicals_pubs_tce.html&d=BQIFaQ&c=lb62iw4YL4RFalcE2hQUQealT9-RXrryqt9KZX2qu2s&r=meWM1Buqv4IQ27AlK1OJRjcQl09S1Zta6YXKalY_Io0&m=8DZy6L3lx43fuZPIueJVRWOfgUl7p-SOpEUUmbhVfgA&s=JloOyo_xDMlk2qawUXMapj3XkmBtDGsa7snN0PdnOiw&e=