Toluene Diisocyanates (TDI) in the Cross Hairs: US EPA Proposes Rule to Protect Consumers from Harmful Chemicals Found in Homes and Schools
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January
8, 2015
WASHINGTON – Today, EPA is taking action to protect consumers from new uses and imports of the harmful chemicals Toluene Diisocyanates (TDI).
What Is TDI?
Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is a chemical used in the production of polyurethanes, primarily for flexible foam applications including furniture, bedding and carpet underlay, as well as packaging applications. TDI is also used in the manufacture of coatings, sealants, adhesives and elastomers. In transportation applications, TDI helps produce lighter automobile parts, saving weight, which leads to improvements in fuel efficiency and thus energy conservation.
From a technical perspective, TDI is obtained by nitration of toluene. The hydrogenation of dinitrotoluene is then obtained to produce toluenediamine (TDA), which is in turn reacted with phosgene to form TDI.
These chemicals are currently widely used in residual amounts in the production of polyurethanes and consumer products, such as coatings, elastomers, adhesives, and sealants and can be found in products used in and around homes or schools. Diisocyanates are well known dermal and inhalation sensitizers in the workplace and can cause asthma, lung damage, and in severe cases, death.
The proposed decision would give EPA the opportunity to evaluate the use of, and if necessary, to take action to prohibit or limit all products containing over 0.1 percent of the chemical including imported products that make their way into the United States.
EPA’s proposed action, a Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), would require manufacturers (including importers) to notify EPA at least 90 days before starting or resuming new uses of these chemicals in consumer products at levels above 0.1 percent by weight. EPA would then have the opportunity to evaluate the intended use of the chemicals and, if necessary, take action to prohibit or limit the activity.
Additional information on the proposed SNUR on TDI and related compounds and how to provide comments can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/actionplans/tdi.html