Cinnaminson, New Jersey, February 5, 2025
Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the agency had finalized a rule to protect workers from exposure to carbon tetrachloride (CTC). The final rule protects against exposure risks to this solvent through the requirement of robust worker safety programs and banning some uses.
According to the EPA:
Today’s final rule closes the door on discontinued uses of CTC that EPA found present unreasonable risk, like for metal recovery and as an additive in fuel and plastic components used in the automotive industry. For most uses that continue, the rule requires measures to ensure workers are protected. Some uses prohibited by the proposed rule will be allowed to continue under the final rule, because public comments and supporting information demonstrated both that the uses were ongoing and that the workplace protections could be implemented.
CTC uses allowed to continue under the Workplace Chemical Protection Program (which includes inhalation exposure limits and dermal protections) include:
- Incorporation into formulation, mixture, or reaction products in agricultural products manufacturing, vinyl chloride manufacturing (originally proposed to be prohibited), and other basic organic and inorganic chemical manufacturing.
- Repackaging for use as a laboratory chemical.
- Use as a processing aid to manufacture agricultural products.
- Use as a processing aid to manufacture vinyl chloride (originally proposed to be prohibited).
- Use in the elimination of nitrogen trichloride in the production of chlorine and caustic soda, and the recovery of chlorine in tail gas from the production of chlorine.
- Import, recycling, disposal, and domestic manufacture of CTC.
- Processing as a reactant in the production of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), and perchloroethylene (PCE).
“The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned the use of CTC in consumer products way back in 1970,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “This was due to the fact that exposure to CTC is known to cause serious health risks, such as liver toxicity and cancer. As reported by EPA in their December announcement, companies have 36 months to fully implement the Workplace Chemical Protection Program, which provides sufficient time to refine test methods to measure the new inhalation exposure limits.”
Dedicated to assisting businesses that utilize CTC are the industrial hygiene, material, and environmental testing experts at EMSL Analytical. They offer laboratory testing services for CTC and many other industrial chemicals. EMSL also provides sampling supplies, and a wide range of respirators and other personal protective equipment to mitigate exposure hazards. These resources protect workers and the public, while also helping companies comply with health and safety regulations.
To learn more about carbon tetrachloride testing or other industrial hygiene, environmental, health, and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com.
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.