The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made new efforts to start implementing wider reporting prerequisites for firms that manufacture a hazardous, combustible chemical associated with cancer on Wednesday, The Hill reported.
The EPA announced Wednesday that it will extend the scope of Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reporting requirements for some facilities’ ethylene oxide (EtO) discharges. EtO, which is used in a variety of textile and plastic production methods, has been associated with irritated eyes, skin, and difficulties with respiration in the short term, as well as cancer in the long term.
EtO and ethylene glycol, which are made from EtO, have both been on the TRI list of hazardous substances since its inception in 1987. The EPA has informed 31 contract sterilizing facilities that they may be required to disclose all EtO emissions.
The 31 establishments in issue were found to utilize a disproportionately large quantity of EtO, with the agency estimating that they consume more than 10,000 pounds per year. The sites were also chosen based on a mix of the compound’s history of release and vicinity to populated areas and schools.
Institutions will have 30 days to reply with information such as whether or not they continue to utilize EtO. Before deciding whether or not to force those industries to disclose EtO emissions, the EPA will consider the facts provided.
According to Michal Freedhoff, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, the EPA is dedicated to taking steps to safeguard individuals from EtO exposure, particularly children, employees, and inhabitants in disadvantaged and impoverished communities.
Under Administrator Michael Regan, the Environmental Protection Agency has made environmental protection a top focus.
Several public hearings on the hazards of EtO emissions in communities have been organized in recent weeks by the EPA. However, as per recordings acquired by The Intercept, the EPA apparently permitted firms accountable for many of the pollutants to attend meetings where they minimized the risk.
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