HCFC-141b Designated 'Unacceptable' for Use as Foam Blowing Agent

摘要

In a September 30, 2004 final rule (69 FR 58269-58280), EPA designated hydrochlorofluoro-carbon-141b (HCFC-141b) as unacceptable for use as a foam blowing agent under the agency's significant new alternatives policy (SNAP) program. CAA Section 612(c) requires that EPA publish a list of acceptable substitutes for ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and substitutes found to be unacceptable for specific uses. EPA maintains such lists of acceptable and unacceptable substitutes under the agency's SNAP program, codified at Part 82, Subpart G. The September 30, 2004 final rule prohibits the use of HCFC-141b as a foam blowing agent, effective January 1, 2005. However, existing stocks of foam systems that contain HCFC-141b can continue to be used until June 30, 2005. The final rule exempts the use of HCFC-141b for space vehicle, nuclear, and defense foam applications from the unacceptability determination. Use of HCFC-141b for laboratory research and development applications for foreign customers is also exempt from the unacceptability determination.