EPA Proposes Rule Curbing Use of Toxic Solvent N-methylpyrrolidone
An EPA proposed rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) would restrict the use and handling of the solvent n-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), which is used in the manufacturing and production of electronics, polymers, agricultural chemicals and petrochemical products, the agency said in a June 5 news release.
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EPA said the chemical can cause serious health effects, including miscarriages and reduced fertility, as well as damage to the liver, kidneys, immune system and nervous system. The agency also said that NMP is used in the production of specialized electronics, such as semiconductors and magnet wire, as well as lithium-ion batteries used in applications such as aerospace vehicles and electronic devices.
The proposed rule would set limits on the concentration of NMP that would be allowed in some consumer and commercial products, as well as place workplace controls in the handling of the substance. It would also ban the commercial use of NMP in automotive care products, cleaning and degreasing products, metal products and cleaning and furniture care products “because EPA believes these uses cannot safely continue,” according to the June 5 announcement.
The agency will be seeking public comment on the proposed rule once it has been published in the Federal Register. More information on the proposed rule can be found via docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2020-0744 on Regulations.gov.