Top 5 Regulated PBT Chemicals Every Business Should Know About

Are you aware of the harmful impact that certain chemicals can have on the environment and human health? One group of substances that is especially concerning is Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxic (PBT) chemicals. They can cause serious harm to wildlife, ecosystems, and even your business. Let us explore what PBTs are and why it is crucial to understand and manage their impact.

How PBT Chemicals Threaten Our Health and Ecosystem

Bioaccumulation is a phenomenon that occurs when a chemical substance accumulates in the tissues of an organism over time. When PBT chemicals are introduced into the environment, they can persist and bioaccumulate in living organisms for extended periods, eventually leading to severe damage to ecosystems and human health.

For example, when plankton absorbs chlorinated water, the concentration of chlorine in its system gradually increases. As animals consume the contaminated plankton, the PBT chemical accumulates and becomes more concentrated in the animals higher up the food chain. This process is known as biomagnification, and it can have devastating effects on the ecosystem and human health over time. Even if the initial concentration of the PBT chemical was low, its bioaccumulation can eventually reach dangerous levels, leading to:

Chronic illness
Cancer
Negative fetal development
Disruption of the reproductive, immune, and nervous systems

PBT Regulations and Compliance: What Your Business Needs to Know

Furthermore, regulations and compliance surrounding PBT chemicals are critical for businesses to understand. One of the regulated groups of PBTs is Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), which typically consist of halogenated organic molecules. These substances are bioaccumulative and highly volatile, meaning they can evaporate from soil and plants and travel long distances, even reaching remote areas like the Arctic. Moreover, it is essential for businesses to comply with regulations regarding PBTs to ensure their operations do not harm the environment and surrounding communities.

Contact Enviropass today for a free consultation to learn how we can make environmental compliance easy for your business.

Examining the Five PBT Chemicals Regulated Under TSCA

Additionally, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is a federal law that regulates the manufacture, distribution, and use of chemicals in the United States. Under TSCA, five Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxic (PBT) chemicals are heavily regulated due to their potential harm to human health and the environment.

Phenol: The first chemical on the list is commonly used in the production of resins, plastics, and detergents. Prolonged exposure to Phenol can lead to:

Respiratory problems
Skin irritation
Damage to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system.

Isopropylated phosphate 3:1 (PIP 3:1): The second chemical is often used as:

A flame retardant
An adhesive
Epoxy resin
Polyurethane foam
A lubricant
A Plasticizer

Indeed, PIP 3:1 is known to have harmful effects on the reproductive system, the liver, the lungs, and may impact thyroid function. Moreover, it poses great dangers to aquatic life.

Decabromodiphenyl Ether: This chemical is commonly used as a flame retardant in electronics, furniture, and other consumer products. Decabromodiphenyl Ether has been linked to developmental and reproductive issues, as well as thyroid dysfunction.
Pentachlorothiophenol is a pesticide that was once commonly used in the United States to treat wood products. Exposure to this chemical has been linked to skin irritation, respiratory problems, and damage to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system.
2,4,6-Tri-tert-butylphenol is a stabilizer used in various industrial processes. This chemical has been linked to developmental issues, skin irritation, and damage to the liver and kidneys.

To comply with TSCA regulations, businesses must accurately identify and report the presence of PBT chemicals in their products and take necessary steps to reduce or eliminate their use whenever possible. This includes:

Following proper handling and storage procedures.
Conducting regular safety audits.
Implementing effective disposal methods to minimize the risk of exposure to these harmful substances.

Environmental Compliance Made Easy: Recordkeeping for PBT Chemicals

If your business is involved in the manufacturing, processing, or distribution of any of the five PBT chemicals regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), it’s crucial to maintain proper records demonstrating compliance with regulatory requirements.

In fact, these records must be kept for at least three years and made available upon request within 30 days. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in costly fines and legal liabilities for your business.

At Enviropass, we understand the importance of environmental compliance and can help your business navigate complex regulations. Our team of experts can assist with recordkeeping, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and any other environmental compliance issues.

Finally, you are welcome to use the free Enviropass EPEC form. Ask your suppliers to fill in the Supplier’s information and TSCA tabs.

Any questions? Please contact Enviropass.