The EPA proposes one-time reporting and recordkeeping requirements on nanoscale materials in the marketplace. The agency is proposing to use Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) to collect the existing exposure and health and safety information on chemicals currently in the marketplace when manufactured or proceed as nanoscale materials. This proposal will require one-time reporting from companies that manufacture or process chemicals substances as nanoscale materials.

The companies will report to the EPA the following in reference to nanoscale materials:

  • Specific chemical identity
  • Production volume
  • Methods of manufacture, processing, use, exposure, release information; and
  • Available health and safety data

This proposal is not intended to conclude whether nanoscale materials will cause harm to human health or the environment. Information is being gathered to determine if any further action under TSCA including additional information collection, is necessary.

Public comment on this proposed recordkeeping and reporting requirement is open to the public for 90 days after publication in the federal register. The EPA will also hold a public meeting during the comment period. The time and place of the meeting will be announced on EPA’s web page at: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/nano/

Additional information and a fact sheet on the specifics of the proposed rule and what constitutes a nanoscale chemical material can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/nano/

For more information please refer to the EPA press release http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/36465EC76A3B4EFD85257E13004E8C95