EPA Finalizes Exposure Limit for Carbon Tetrachloride, Mandates Worker Protections

A final rule from EPA requires employers to adopt worker protections for the solvent carbon tetrachloride, or CTC. The rule puts in place an existing chemical exposure limit (ECEL) for CTC of 0.03 ppm, an action level of 0.02 ppm, and other risk management measures.

 

CTC has been banned in consumer products since 1970, and many uses were phased out in the 1990s as required by the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. But CTC is still used in the production of refrigerants, aerosol propellants, and foam-blowing agents.

 

While EPA is allowing CTC to continue to be used in vinyl chloride manufacturing, re-packaging as a laboratory chemical, as a processing aid in the manufacture of agricultural products, and other uses, employers will be required to follow a workplace chemical protection plan described in the regulation. Elements of the plan include monitoring to ensure no one is exposed above the ECEL of 0.03 ppm as an 8-hour, time-weighted average—a significant reduction compared to OSHA’s permissible exposure limit of 10 ppm, the ACGIH Threshold Limit Value of 5 ppm, and the NIOSH recommended exposure limit of 2 ppm (all 8-hour TWAs). Companies have 36 months to fully implement the workplace protection program. EPA had originally proposed a 12-month implementation period.

 

The EPA rule also prohibits discontinued uses of CTC, such as its use as a fuel additive and in metal recovery.

 

High exposure to CTC can damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies CTC as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” while the United States National Toxicology Program classifies it as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” (PDF).

 

The final rule goes into effect Jan. 17, 2025. For more information, read the rule in the Federal Register, EPA’s news release, and the agency’s webpage on risk management for CTC.

 

 

The EPA announced the automatic addition of nine per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances to the list of chemicals covered by the Toxics Release Inventory.

 

TRI data is reported to EPA annually by facilities in designated industry sectors and federal facilities that manufacture, process, or otherwise use TRI-listed chemicals above set quantities. The data include quantities of such chemicals that were released into the environment or otherwise managed as waste. Information collected through TRI allows communities to learn how facilities in their area are managing listed chemicals. The data collected is available online and helps to support informed decision-making by companies, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the public. Adding new chemicals to the TRI advances the Biden-Harris Administration’s environmental justice commitments by improving accountability and transparency for families, workers, and communities across the country.

 

“EPA continues to make strides in getting information on PFAS into the Toxics Release Inventory so the public can see if these chemicals are being released into their communities,” said Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff. “People have a right to know when facilities in their backyards are releasing toxic chemicals into the environment and with today’s action, we are providing important information about nine more.”

 

These nine PFAS were added to the TRI list pursuant to the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, which provides the framework for the automatic addition of PFAS to TRI each year in response to specified EPA activities involving such PFAS. For TRI Reporting Year 2025 (reporting forms due by July 1, 2026), reporting is required for these nine additional PFAS, bringing the total PFAS subject to TRI reporting to 205.

 

 

The 2020 NDAA includes a provision that automatically adds PFAS to the TRI list upon the Agency’s finalization of a toxicity value. The nine PFAS were automatically added for Reporting Year 2025 due to EPA having finalized a toxicity value during 2024 and whose identity is not claimed as confidential business information. These nine PFAS are:

 

 

Under NDAA section 7321(e), EPA must review CBI claims before adding a PFAS to the TRI list if the chemical identity is subject to a claim of protection from disclosure under 5 U.S.C. 552(a). EPA previously identified Acetic acid, [(γ-ω-perfluoro-C8-10-alkyl)thio] derivs., Bu esters for addition to the TRI list based on the NDAA’s provision to include specific PFAS upon the NDAA’s enactment. However, due to CBI claims related to its identity, this PFAS was not added to the TRI list at that time. The identity of this chemical was subsequently declassified in an update to the Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory in May 2024. Because its identity is no longer confidential, it was added to the TRI list.

 

As of Jan. 1, facilities that are subject to reporting requirements for these chemicals should begin tracking their activities involving these PFAS as required by Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. Reporting forms will be due by July 1, 2026.

 

These nine newly added PFAS, along with the previous 196 TRI-listed PFAS, are also subject to EPA’s action in October 2023 to classify all PFAS subject to TRI reporting as chemicals of special concern. Among other impacts, this removes the use of a reporting exemption that allowed facilities to avoid reporting information on PFAS when those chemicals were used in small concentrations.

 

 

A U.S. Department of Labor investigation has found a local electrical contractor could have prevented a 44-year-old foreman’s electrocution during storm recovery efforts in Coaling by taking critical safety measures to protect their workers.

 

Investigators with OSHA learned the foreman was part of the three-person crew employed by Dexter Fortson Associates Inc. to restore distribution power to a series of natural gas pumps. While trying to replace a broken switch, the foreman suffered fatal electrocution from voltage in energized overhead power lines. OSHA inspectors later learned the switch was energized when the incident occurred.

 

“Electrical work is inherently dangerous, and industry employers must ensure basic safety standards are met to prevent a needless tragedy like this,” said OSHA Area Director Joel Batiz in Birmingham, Alabama. “Now family, friends and co-workers are left to grieve this terrible loss.”

 

OSHA investigators determined the company exposed employees to electrical hazards, when investigators found the employer:

 

In addition, OSHA found that the employer failed to inspect the worksite to identify possible hazards, before employees conducted repairs and maintenance in overhead power lines, an other than serious violation.

 

OSHA issued the employer seven serious violations, an other than serious violation, and proposed $84,789 in penalties.

 

Founded in 1982, Dexter Fortson Associates Inc. serves utility, manufacturing and coal mining industries with power and distribution system design and installation. Today, the Bessemer company offers large motor and high-speed drive system modifications, construction and repair of electric substations and power lines, as well as research, development and manufacturing for the information services industry.

 

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

 

 

The EPA is proposing its 8th rule under the new Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) process to protect workers from inhalation exposure to C.I. Pigment Violet 29 (PV29), a chemical that presents risk of lung damage. If finalized, the rule would require respiratory protections and cleaning programs in workplaces where PV29 is used in its dry powder form.

 

“We can keep people safe from exposure to this toxic chemical with commonsense workplace safety measures,” said Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff.

 

PV29 is a pigment manufactured as a powder, slurry or paste that can be used for a variety of commercial and consumer applications. It is used to create other pigments, watercolors and acrylic paints, merchant ink for commercial printing, and as a dye for paints, coatings, basecoats, plastics and rubber products, some of which are used by the automobile industry and for producing industrial carpeting.

 

EPA’s 2021 risk evaluation for PV29 concluded that it presents an unreasonable risk of injury to health under its conditions of use. Based on the risk evaluation, PV29 can cause lung toxicity effects that can make it harder for lungs to provide oxygen to the body. The proposed rule would put in place protections where dry powder PV29 is present and there is therefore a potential inhalation risk for PV29. EPA has concluded that PV29 already incorporated into paints, coatings or other materials no longer has the physical properties that make dry powder PV29 damaging to lungs.

 

To address these risks, EPA is proposing to establish minimum respiratory protection requirements for workers who may be exposed to dry powder PV29 and require cleaning of equipment and work areas where the chemical has been used. The rule would require these worker protections when working with dry powder PV29 in the following uses:

 

EPA encourages members of the public and stakeholders to read and comment on the proposed rule. The agency is especially interested in hearing perspectives from the public on the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed requirements for worker protections, including from workers and entities that would be required to implement the workplace protections.

 

 

A U.S. Department of Labor investigation into the drowning of a 27-year-old heavy equipment operator at a Leland worksite found the employer could have prevented the fatal incident by following established safety regulations.

 

An investigation by OSHA into the August 2024 incident found that a heavy equipment operator and a foreman with RIGID Constructors LLC were repositioning a pump at Cell-3 Eagle Island using an amphibious excavator. While attempting to exit the water-filled cell, the machine tipped over, trapping the equipment operator underwater. The crew and emergency responders could not revive equipment operator.

 

OSHA cited the Louisiana contractor with four serious violations for failing to train workers on operating a marsh hoe and for not providing or requiring employees to use personal protective and lifesaving equipment while they worked near the water-filled excavation site. The employer also failed to provide a skiff for workers to use immediately in the event of an emergency.

 

“RIGID Constructors’ failure to comply with federal safety and health standards resulted in a preventable tragedy,” said OSHA Area Director Kimberley Morton in Raleigh, North Carolina. “Safety cannot be just a marketing slogan or an afterthought, it must be a core commitment. Workplace safety isn’t optional, a privilege for some, or merely a recommendation; it is the law.”

 

OSHA has assessed the employer $50,703 in proposed penalties.

 

Based in Lafayette, RIGID Constructors is a privately held construction company and provider of heavy civil and marine construction services and has about 370 employees nationwide.

 

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

 

 

In January, the EPA recognizes National Radon Action Month and encourages Americans to test their homes for radon. Radon is an odorless, colorless, naturally occurring radioactive gas that, when left unaddressed, can build up inside a home. Over time, exposure to radon can cause lung cancer. The only way to know if your home has high levels of radon is to test for it.

 

“Radon is a serious public health risk that can be reduced using simple, proven techniques,” said Acting Director of EPA’s Indoor Environments Division, Sharon White. “During this year’s National Radon Action Month, we urge everyone to take the first but vital step of testing their home. This year’s theme of ‘Test Your Nest: Test, Fix, Save a Life,’ emphasizes that identifying and reducing radon exposure can decrease lung cancer risk and save lives. Together we can protect our families and communities from this invisible threat.”

 

Testing for radon is easy and inexpensive. Affordable do-it-yourself radon test kits are available for purchase online and at most home improvement and hardware stores. Some states and municipalities even provide at-home radon test kits for free. You can also hire a qualified radon professional to test your home. Contact your state or Tribal radon program to learn more about radon services in your area.

 

Millions of homes in the United States have elevated levels of radon. Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year, but many people don’t know about radon or the risks it can pose to their health.

 

If you haven’t tested your home for radon, National Radon Action Month is the perfect time to take this step to protect yourself and your loved ones. Tens of millions of homes have already been tested, and millions of homes with high radon levels have been fixed.

 

The EPA recommends taking action to fix your home if you discover radon levels above 4 picocuries per liter. If your home does have elevated levels of radon, a qualified professional can install a system to lower your indoor radon levels. For more guidance on how to address radon risks, see EPA’s radon website.

 

Test. Fix. Save a life.

 

Find a radon test kit.

 

 

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