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Assessing and Managing Chemicals under TSCA

Risk Evaluation for 4,4'-(1-Methylethylidene)bis[2, 6-dibromophenol] (TBBPA)

EPA designated 4,4'-(1-methylethylidene)bis[2, 6-dibromophenol] (TBBPA) as a high priority chemical in December 2019 and the chemical is currently undergoing risk evaluation.

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Background on TBBPA

TBBPA (CASRN 79-94-7) is a white crystalline solid. The primary uses for TBBPA are as a reactant for flame retardants in plastic material and resin manufacturing and as a flame retardant incorporated into electrical equipment. Information from the 2016 Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) for TBBBPA indicates the reported production volume is between 50 million and 100 lbs/year.

Uses of TBBPA

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

  • As a flame retardant in plastic material and resin, electrical equipment, appliance and component, computer, and transportation equipment manufacturing;
  • In adhesive manufacturing; and
  • As a flame retardant in electrical and electronic products, batteries, and fabric, textile and leather products, laboratory chemicals, and building/construction materials for commercial and consumer uses.

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.