Readers may interested in learning that EPA issued a clarification today regarding its single-walled and multi-walled carbon nanotube SNURs previously issued in June 2009. EPA’s announcement follows. Stay tuned . . .
Good afternoon. On June 24, 2009, the U.S. EPA issued final Significant New Use Rules (SNURs) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for 23 new chemicals, including two carbon nanotubes (nanoscale materials) (http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-TOX/2009/June/Day-24/t14780.pdf). The SNURs will allow the commercialization of these specific carbon nanotubes under limited conditions to protect against unreasonable risks to human health and the environment.
The SNURs require companies to notify EPA at least 90 days before manufacture, import, or processing of the specific carbon nanotubes for any activity not meeting the conditions specified in the rules at 40 C.F.R. 721.10155 and 40 C.F.R. 721.10156.
Upon reviewing the rules some stakeholders have asked EPA whether these SNURs apply to all variants of carbon nanotubes. This is not the case. These SNURs only apply to the specific carbon nanotubes that were the subject of the premanufacture notices (PMNs) submitted under Section 5 of TSCA and not to any other carbon nanotubes. Other carbon nanotubes must be notified through EPA’s New Chemicals Program. The U.S. EPA strongly encourages all manufacturers and importers of nanoscale materials that are intended for commercial use to consult with the Agency in advance of production or importation.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Zofia Kosim (202-564-8733) or kosim.zofia@epa.gov
Jim Alwood (202-564-8974) or alwood.jim@epa.gov
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David E. Giamporcaro
Industry and Small Business Liaison
Environmental Assistance Division
Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
East Building
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. (MC7408M)
Washington, D.C. 20460
Phone: (202)564-8107
Fax: (202)564-8813
