EPA proposes rule on new chemical uses

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WASHINGTON, July 12 (UPI) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it is proposing rules to require companies to report new uses for glymes in consumer products.

Glymes are chemicals used in a wide array of applications, including printing ink, paints and coatings, adhesives, household batteries and motor vehicle braking systems. The proposed action is based on concerns additional uses of these chemicals in consumer products could lead to harmful reproductive and developmental health effects, an EPA release said Monday.

"This proposed rule would enable EPA to evaluate the use of these chemicals before Americans are subject to additional exposure to them in numerous consumer products," said Steve Owens, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.

"We need to take a closer look at the potential health effects that additional exposure to these chemicals could have."

The proposed regulation is known as a significant new use rule and would ensure that prior to the manufacture, import or processing of these chemicals for a significant new use, the EPA would have 90 days to evaluate potential risks, and prohibit or limit the activity if warranted, the agency's release said.