Risk Evaluation for Tris(2-chloroethyl) Phosphate (TCEP)
EPA designated tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) as a high priority chemical in December 2019 and the chemical is currently undergoing risk evaluation.
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Background on TCEP
TCEP (CASRN 115-96-8) is a colorless liquid. The primary use for TCEP is as a flame retardant in paint and coating manufacturing. Information from the 2016 Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) for TCEP indicates the reported production volume was 39,682 lbs/year.
Uses of TCEP
In the final scope, EPA identified conditions of use associated with the importing; processing; distribution in commerce; industrial, commercial and consumer uses; and disposal of TCEP, for example:
- As a flame retardant in paint and coating manufacturing, polymers, and articles;
- In industrial and commercial aircraft interiors and aerospace products;
- For laboratory chemicals; and
- In commercial and consumer products, including paints and coatings, fabric and textile, products, foam seating, and construction materials.
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.
- Read the final scope of the risk evaluation for this chemical and EPA’s response to comments on the draft scope.
- View the docket for this chemical, EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0476 on www.regulations.gov.
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.