The Biden administration solidified its approach to new chemical reviews, eschewing calls from both sides for major changes.
EPA’s final rule is the framework the new chemicals program follows when making a determination on if a chemical poses any health or environmental risks before it’s introduced for use in products. It also makes “forever chemicals,” or PFAS, “categorically ineligible” for any low-volume or low-exposure exemptions, deemed a “loophole” by environmental health advocates.
“EPA’s review of new chemicals should encourage innovation, while also making sure that new chemistries can be used safely before they are allowed to enter commerce,” Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff said in a statement.
“Today, we’ve modernized our chemical reviews and continued to protect people from unsafe new PFAS,” she added.
