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Assessing and Managing Chemicals under TSCA

Risk Evaluation for 1,1,2-Trichloroethane

EPA designated 1,1,2-trichloroethane as a high priority chemical in December 2019 and the chemical is currently undergoing risk evaluation.

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Background on 1,1,2-Trichloroethane

1,1,2-Trichloroethane (CASRN 79-00-5) is a colorless liquid, with a sweet odor, and it is highly flammable. The primary use of 1,1,2-trichloroethane is in plastic and petrochemical manufacturing. Information from the 2016 Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) for 1,1,2-trichloroethane indicates the reported production volume is between 100 and 250 million lbs/year.

Uses of 1,1,2-Trichloroethane

In the final scope, EPA identified conditions of use associated with the manufacturing (including importing); processing; distribution; industrial, commercial and consumer uses; and disposal of 1,1,2-trichloroethane, for example:

  • In plastic, petrochemical, and other chemical product and preparation manufacturing;
  • In industrial adhesives and sealants; and
  • As a laboratory chemical.

The above listed conditions of use are ways that a person or the environment could be potentially exposed to this chemical. However, when conducting a risk evaluation, EPA also considers the hazards (i.e. health effects or environmental impacts) that could occur from coming in contact with a chemical.

Recent Activities and Opportunities for Public Comment

In August 2020, EPA published a final scope document outlining the hazards, exposures, conditions of use, and the potentially exposed or susceptible subpopulations the agency expects to consider in its risk evaluation. The agency released the draft scope in April 2020 and took public comments on the draft document.

As EPA continues to move through the risk evaluation process there will be additional opportunities for public comment, including a public comment period on the draft risk evaluation. In addition to public comment periods, EPA will continue to engage with stakeholders as it refines the risk evaluation and stakeholders should reach out to EPA via the staff contact to engage with the agency.