EPA Defends Landmark TSCA Reporting Penalty, Citing 'New' Risk Data

摘要

In a case that could clarify reporting requirements under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), EPA is defending a high-profile $2.5 million penalty levied against a chemical manufacturer for failing to disclose a study on the risks of hexavalent chromium (Cr6) arguing that even though the industry study backed a similar EPA finding, it still contained "new" data showing lung-cancer risks at different exposure levels than a key agency study. In a Feb. 24 brief to the Environmental Appeals Board (EAB) opposing industry's appeal, EPA contends that although a prior agency study found that Cr6 exposure at modern facilities causes lung cancer, the risk was not well-established and that the industry-funded study addressed limitations and uncertainties in the agency's earlier study. The brief in opposition is available on InsideEPA.com.