The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released detailed information on the use of chemicals and chemical production in the United States in a February 11, 2013 Chemical Data Reporting (CDR). This public document contains data collected by the EPA in 2012 under the CDR Rule which requires manufacturers and importers to submit information about the chemicals produced or imported during in 2011.
A new feature of the EPA’s CDR requirements stipulates that companies substantiate the rationale to support the classification of confidential data. The EPA anticipated that these extensive substantiations would provide more access to the public of these records.
The 2013 CDR (issued under the Toxic Substances Control Act) contains information on more than 7600 chemicals, and details exposure and use information on the most common chemicals used in the United States. Of the reports submitted to the EPA, over 300 chemicals are used in children’s products, 1704 were reported in use in consumer products and 3073 were documented for commercial application. The remainder of the chemicals was reported as used in industrial applications only.
The stated goal of these rules is to help the EPA and other regulatory agencies and authorities assess potential hazards from chemicals and create a safer environment for workers and the public.
The EPA’s 2012 CDR information, data and fact sheets is available at on their website.
If you have any questions regarding chemicals and chemical production, or questions about the EPA's CDR Requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us.
