EPA Introduces New Restrictions on Certain Textile Dyes

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is issuing a Significant New Use Rule, also known as a SNUR, under the Toxic Substances Control Act ("TSCA"). This SNUR requires manufacturers (including importers) and processors of nine benzidene-based chemical substances used in textiles, paints and inks to notify EPA at least 90 days before starting or resuming new uses of these chemicals in any products, except for use certain limited laboratory uses. This notification allows EPA the opportunity to evaluate the intended use and, if necessary, to prohibit or limit that activity.

This SNUR amends a preexisting SNUR by adding the following nine chemical substances:

1. 1,3-Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, 7-hydroxy-8-[2-[4'-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)diazenyl][1,1'- biphenyl]-4-yl]diazenyl]-
2. 1,3,6-Naphthalenetrisulfonic acid, 8-hydroxy-7-[2-[4'-[2-(2-hydroxy-1-naphthalenyl)diazenyl][1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl]diazenyl]-, lithium salt (1:3)
3. 2,7-Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, 5-amino-3- [2-[4'-[2-(7-amino-1-hydroxy-3-sulfo-2- naphthalenyl)diazenyl][1,1'-biphenyl]-4- yl]diazenyl]-4-hydroxy-, sodium salt (1:2)
4. 2,7-Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, 4-amino-5-hydroxy-3-[2-[4'-[2-[2-hydroxy-4-[(2- methylphenyl)amino] phenyl]diazenyl][1,1'- biphenyl]-4-yl]diazenyl]-6-(2- phenyldiazenyl)-
5. 2,7-Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, 4-amino-5- hydroxy [[[(substituted phenylamino)] substituted phenylazo] diphenyl]azo-, phenylazo-, disodium salt. (generic name)
6. 4-(Substituted naphthalenyl)azo diphenylyl azo-substituted carbopolycycle azo benzenesulfonic acid, sodium salt. (generic name)
7. 4-(Substituted phenyl)azo biphenylyl azo- substituted carbopolycycloazo benzenesulfonic acid, sodium salt. (generic name)
8. 4-(Substituted phenyl)azo biphenylyl azo - substituted carbopolycycle azo benzenesulfonic acid, sodium salt. (generic name)
9. Phenylazoaminohydroxynaphthalenylazobiphenylazo substituted benzene sodium sulfonate. (generic name)

To read more from the EPA CLICK HERE.