Below is information on EPA actions to manage risks from the cyclic aliphatic bromide cluster (HBCD). HBCD is primarily used as a flame retardant in building materials like insulation, solder paste, recycled plastics, and automobile replacement parts.

On this page:

• Managing risks found in the 2020 final risk evaluation
• Opportunities for public and stakeholder engagement

On other pages:

• Learn how EPA manages unreasonable risks from chemicals currently on the market.
• View a list of all chemicals undergoing risk evaluation, including docket numbers and agency points of contact.

Managing Risks Found in the 2020 Final Risk Evaluation

In September 2020, EPA released the final risk evaluation for HBCD under amended TSCA. The final risk evaluation for HBCD shows that there are unreasonable risks to the environment for 6 out of 12 conditions of use. EPA found unreasonable risks to workers and occupational non-users from the use and disposal of HBCD in building and construction materials. EPA did not find unreasonable risks to the general population or consumers.

The next step in the process required by TSCA is addressing these risks. There are several actions EPA could take to address these risks, including regulations to prohibit or limit the manufacture, processing, distribution in the marketplace, use, or disposal of this chemical substance, as applicable. EPA is now in the process of developing ways to address the unreasonable risks identified and has up to one year to propose and take public comments on any risk management actions.

• Learn more about the unreasonable risks found in the final risk evaluation.
• Find information on ways to reduce exposure to this chemical as EPA works through the process required by TSCA to reduce or eliminate unreasonable risks from this chemical.

Opportunities for Public and Stakeholder Engagement

Environmental Justice Consultation on HBCD and Carbon Tetrachloride

EPA is holding two identical consultation webinars, one on February 2 and the other on February 18, to consult with environmental justice communities on risk management for HBCD and carbon tetrachloride. Find registration information.Exit

Other Engagement Opportunities

There will be additional opportunities for public and stakeholder engagement as EPA works through the risk management process for this chemical. Just like the risk evaluation process, there will also be opportunities for public comment as EPA works to propose and finalize risk management actions for the conditions of use of HBCD that EPA has determined present an unreasonable risk.

• View a list of all public and stakeholder engagement opportunities related to risk management.
• You can reach out to the EPA point of contact for this chemical, listed at the top, right of this page, for more information or to schedule a one-on-one meeting.
• You can also stay informed by signing for our email alerts or checking the public docket at www.regulations.gov. 

Past Meetings, Webinars, and Other Engagement Opportunities

On November 20, 2020, EPA held a webinar giving an overview of the TSCA risk managment process and the findings in the final risk evaluation for HBCD.​ View the meeting materials.

The deadline for self-nominations for the methylene chloride Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) panel was November 23, 2020. Learn more about the potential SBAR panel.