EPA Announces Styrene as High-Priority Substance for TSCA Risk Evaluation
On December 17th, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that styrene is one of five candidates for designation as High Priority Substances for Risk Evaluation under the agency’s Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) program for 2025.
The ACMA prepared a full statement on this issue: ACMA Statement on Styrene
ICPA, in partnership with the ACMA, is committed to keeping our members informed, prepared, and equipped to navigate the implications of this announcement.
Monitoring and assessing what action should be taken by the industry will be a priority for the association.
ICPA members can contact Kelly DeBusk at k_debusk@compositescompliance.com for help if EPA or OSHA visits your facility regarding Styrene testing or evaluation.
Or contact the ICPA Help Desk HERE
First thing will be to take steps to gather data regarding the use of styrene in our manufacturing process so that the EPA’s evaluation process has the best scientific data possible.
Though this process of risk evaluation can take several years, there are a few steps individual members can take now.
- Stay informed and updated on this issue. The ICPA leadership in partnership with the ACMA will work to keep our members up to date.
- Attend The Buzz in April in Atlanta as this topic will be discussed and a strategy for our industry will be developed with member input.
- Take part in the ACMA Fly-In in June. The ICPA will pay $1000 toward the costs of the trip to the first 8 members who want to attend. Contact Jennifer Towner for details.
- Do what you can now to use environmental controls to lower styrene exposure in your plant.
- Talk to your resin suppliers about where the industry is in producing a styrene-free resin and volunteer to test. Also if needed, volunteer to test the styrene levels in your plant.
- And finally, invite your local legislators to come to your plant. Most of them are not familiar with TSCA and the risk evaluation of styrene. Host a tour for them to come and become better educated on what our industry does and how important our product is and your business it is to the local economy. The ICPA and ACMA will help you with this, and offer guidance and a script for the visit.