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Press Room
VI Comments on Possible TSCA Prioritization of Vinyl Chloride
October 13, 2023 – Washington, D.C. – The Vinyl Institute today responded to the possibility that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may select vinyl chloride for TSCA prioritization and risk evaluation. Below is a statement to be attributed to Ned Monroe, president and CEO of the Vinyl Institute:
“Vinyl chloride is one of 15 substances that EPA is considering for review under TSCA’s existing chemicals program. This is not a surprise because vinyl chloride has been part of EPA’s work plan since 2014.
“EPA is required to review all existing chemicals that were listed on the TSCA Inventory in 2016, and the Vinyl Institute is already supporting that process for other substances being reviewed by EPA. As the agency has noted, selection for prioritization is not a finding that an unreasonable risk is presented, but the start of a multi-year review process to assess potential risks.
“Should the Agency decide to prioritize vinyl chloride, an extensive body of research and data will support the prioritization and risk evaluation process. We welcome the process as an opportunity to correct misunderstanding about the regulation of vinyl chloride manufacturing and the safety of PVC products.
“We welcome EPA’s review, which will further assure that production of vinyl chloride and PVC products are safe. Manufacturers of vinyl chloride adhere to some of the most stringent safety and environmental regulations in the chemical industry.
“The greatest potential for vinyl chloride exposure is for workers at vinyl chloride monomer and PVC production facilities. In the mid-1970s, the industry implemented closed-loop technology and both OSHA and EPA enacted regulations to effectively protect American workers, and downstream users of American-made PVC.”