United States. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking steps to protect consumers from new uses and imports of harmful chemicals from toluene diisocyanates (TDI).
These chemicals are widely used in residual quantities in the production of polyurethanes and consumer products, such as coatings, elastomers, adhesives, sealants and can already be found in products used in and around homes or schools. Diisocyanates are well-known skin and inhalation sensitizers in the workplace and can cause asthma, lung damage, and in severe cases, death.
The proposed decision would give the EPA the opportunity to evaluate the use of the chemical, and if necessary, take steps to ban or limit all products containing more than 0.1% of the chemical, including imported products making their way into the United States.
EPA's proposed action on toxic substance control requires manufacturers (including importers) to notify EPA at least 90 days before initiating or resuming new uses of these chemicals in consumer products at levels above 0.1% by weight. EPA would then have the opportunity to evaluate the proper use of the chemicals and, if necessary, take steps to prohibit or limit the activity.
