The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a new Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Test Order, marking the fifth such order under the agency's National PFAS Testing Strategy. This latest action, announced on October 9, is part of EPA's ongoing efforts to address contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals."
The companies affected by this order include Innovative Chemical Technologies, The Chemours Company, Daikin America, Inc., Sumitomo Corporation of Americas, and E.I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company. They are required to conduct testing on 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-tridecafluorooctyl prop-2-enoate—also known as 6:2 fluorotelomer acrylate or 6:2 FTAc—which is utilized in manufacturing plastics and textiles.
Michal Freedhoff from the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention stated that “PFAS in our air, water, and in our bodies cause serious health effects like cancer and heart and liver problems.” The aim is to gather information about these chemicals to better understand their environmental and human health impacts.
Studies have indicated potential risks associated with exposure to 6:2 FTAc including changes in blood cell counts and organ sizes in rodents. Its chemical structure suggests it may also be carcinogenic. Given these concerns along with its ability to accumulate in humans and the environment over time—even at low levels—the EPA considers it may pose an unreasonable risk.
Under this test order framework outlined by TSCA section 4 regulations—a tiered testing process—the involved companies can either perform specified tests or submit existing data that fulfills the requirements. To streamline efforts while minimizing redundant testing costs—and reducing animal use—EPA encourages collaborative testing among companies.
Results from initial tests are expected within one year for most first-tier assessments; hydrolysis as a function of pH must be completed within 390 days. These findings will guide further necessary evaluations which will be made publicly available unless confidentiality protections apply.
As part of its broader strategy aimed at understanding PFAS more comprehensively through categorization based on structural similarities lacking toxicity data so far—EPA continues refining methodologies incorporating stakeholder feedback prioritizing exposure potential considerations when mandating specific substance examinations via test orders across different industrial players worldwide striving toward greater transparency regarding company associations alongside related economic implications tied directly back into decision-making processes around these pervasive pollutants' regulatory oversight initiatives moving forward into future phases accordingly thereafter too ultimately thusly then therein thereby hereby henceforth forevermore always evermore finally eternally...
