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Reassessment of PCB Use Authorizations

This presentation provides an overview of the background on polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), the current stage of rulemaking development, and the EPA's rulemaking process. It discusses the health effects of chronic PCB exposure and the EPA's re-examination of PCB use authorizations, particularly in fluorescent light ballasts (FLBs). The presentation also suggests potential options for PCB FLBs and outlines the steps in the rulemaking process.

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Reassessment of PCB Use Authorizations

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  1. Reassessment of PCB Use Authorizations PCB-Containing Fluorescent Light Ballasts AASA Legislative Advocacy Conference July 8, 2014

  2. Presentation Overview • Background on polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) • Current stage of rulemaking development • Overview of EPA rulemaking process

  3. PCBs Background • PCBs are a group of chemicals used extensively in industrial applications because of their persistence, heat resistance, elasticity to plastics and low electrical conductivity. • Chronic exposure to PCBs can lead to health effects on the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, endocrine system and can cause cancer.

  4. PCBs Background • The Toxic Substances Control Act or TSCA banned the manufacture of PCBs in 1977. • Under TSCA, EPA issued use authorizations in 1979 for existing PCBs based on a finding at the time of “no unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment.” • One of the use authorizations was for PCBs in small capacitors including those within fluorescent light ballasts (FLBs). • EPA is now re-examining some of the PCB use authorizationsincluding for FLBs.

  5. PCB Small Capacitors in FLBs • We have learned from incidents in schools that PCB FLBs are still in use and often leak. • Particularly prevalent in New York City schools. • Court mandate to remove PCB FLBs by December 31, 2016. • EPA research shows that even PCB FLBs that are not leaking still off-gas, resulting in PCB exposures.

  6. Potential PCB FLB Options • Phase-out near or at estimated natural attrition date (2020). • Public outreach campaign targeting schools and other public and commercial buildings to encourage the removal of PCB FLBs. • Considering different regulatory universes (schools, daycares, hospitals, public housing).

  7. Rulemaking Steps • Proposed Rule • Consultations (Federalism, Tribal consultations, Small Business Advocacy Review Panel) • Internal EPA review • Office of Management and Budget (OMB) interagency review period • Administrator signature • Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in Federal Register (Proposed Rule comment period) • Final Rule • Incorporate comments received • Internal EPA review • OMB interagency review period • Administrator signature • Final Rule published in Federal Register

  8. Rulemaking Process Next Steps • Notice of Proposed Rulemaking– May 2015

  9. Questions?Robert Courtnagecourtnage.robert@epa.gov

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