In June 2023, EPA announced the dates for the 2024 submission period for information required under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) rule. The information is collected every four years from manufacturers and importers of certain chemicals in commerce, generally when production volumes for those chemicals are 25,000 pounds or greater in a given reporting year. The 2024 submission period runs from June 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024.
Continue Reading EPA Announces Submission Period for 2024 Chemical Data Reporting
United States Supreme Court to Weigh in on Consent-by-Registration Theory of Personal Jurisdiction
On April 25, 2022, the United States Supreme Court agreed to hear the plaintiff’s appeal in Mallory v. Norfolk Southern Railway Company, 266 A.3d 542 (Pa. 2021), in which the Pennsylvania Supreme Court struck down the increasingly contentious “consent-by-registration” theory of personal jurisdiction. The theory deems corporate defendants to have consented to general personal jurisdiction (also known as “all-purpose” jurisdiction) in a forum based solely on its registration to conduct business there.
Continue Reading United States Supreme Court to Weigh in on Consent-by-Registration Theory of Personal Jurisdiction
EPA Draws Link Between Low-Dose Formaldehyde Exposure and Cancer
On April 14, 2022, the United States Environmental Protection Agency released an updated draft risk assessment for formaldehyde, in which it links long-term, low-dose inhalation of the common chemical to leukemia and various cancers involving the head and neck. EPA has also identified potential links to non-cancer health outcomes, including sensory irritation, respiratory problems, reproductive and developmental toxicity, and nervous system effects. The risk assessment associates these potentially adverse health effects with lifetime doses even lower than those identified by EPA in its 2010 draft, which EPA had agreed to revisit after the scientific community and industry stakeholders criticized its methodology.
Continue Reading EPA Draws Link Between Low-Dose Formaldehyde Exposure and Cancer
“Safer Beauty” Bill Package Targets PFAS, Phthalates, Formaldehyde, and Other Common Chemicals in Cosmetics
A group of Democratic representatives led by Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) have introduced a “Safer Beauty” bill package that would ban certain chemicals in cosmetics and require more ingredient transparency in the supply chain.
Continue Reading “Safer Beauty” Bill Package Targets PFAS, Phthalates, Formaldehyde, and Other Common Chemicals in Cosmetics
CPSC Proposes Clarifications for New Furniture Flammability Regulation
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has proposed a Direct Final Rule implementing the new federal upholstered furniture flammability standard. The Direct Final Rule, published by the CPSC on April 9, 2021, would codify California’s TB 117-2013 flammability standard as mandated by Congress, but with the following significant clarifications:
Continue Reading CPSC Proposes Clarifications for New Furniture Flammability Regulation
ASTM Releases New Voluntary Safety and Performance Standard for Face Coverings
In response to industry and consumer demand created by the COVID-19 pandemic, ASTM International (ASTM) has released a new voluntary standard for the design, labeling, testing, and performance of face coverings.
Continue Reading ASTM Releases New Voluntary Safety and Performance Standard for Face Coverings
Asbestos Reporting and Regulation to be a TSCA Focal Point for EPA in 2021
A flurry of asbestos-related activity in the last weeks of 2020 will require the United States Environmental Protection Agency to devote significant regulatory attention to asbestos in 2021.
Continue Reading Asbestos Reporting and Regulation to be a TSCA Focal Point for EPA in 2021
National Flammability Standard for Upholstered Furniture to Take Effect in June 2021
Congress has passed a law mandating nationwide compliance with California’s flammability standard for upholstered furniture.
Continue Reading National Flammability Standard for Upholstered Furniture to Take Effect in June 2021
CPSC Issues COVID-19 Guidance on Personal Protective Equipment Intended for Consumers
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has released COVID-19 guidance confirming that certain personal protective equipment must comply with CPSC regulations, including testing, certification, labeling, and recordkeeping requirements.
Continue Reading CPSC Issues COVID-19 Guidance on Personal Protective Equipment Intended for Consumers
EPA Releases Final Risk Evaluation Scope Documents for Next 20 High Priority Chemicals
On September 4, 2020, the United States Environmental Protection Agency released the final scoping documents for the next 20 chemicals it has designated as “high priority” for risk evaluation under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
Continue Reading EPA Releases Final Risk Evaluation Scope Documents for Next 20 High Priority Chemicals