EPA Moves to Safeguard Workers and Consumers from Toxic Solvent NMP Exposure

Proposed Rule for NMP Safety

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced a proposed regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) aimed at protecting workers and consumers from the hazardous effects of the solvent n-methylpyrrolidone (NMP). According to the EPA's 2020 risk evaluation, NMP poses significant health risks, including miscarriages, reduced fertility, and damage to the liver, kidneys, immune system, and nervous system. The proposed rule seeks to limit NMP concentrations in certain consumer and commercial products, enforce stringent workplace health controls for numerous NMP applications, and ban unsafe uses where alternatives are available.

"We’re making great strides in our efforts to protect people’s health from exposure to chemicals like NMP," stated Michal Freedhoff, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. "Our proposed commonsense worker protections would keep people safe while also ensuring that NMP could continue to be used, as needed."

NMP Applications and Risks

NMP is widely used in manufacturing electronics, polymers, agricultural chemicals, and petrochemical products. It is integral to producing specialized electronics, such as semiconductors, magnet wire, and lithium-ion batteries, which are essential in aerospace and various electronic devices. NMP also features in numerous industrial, commercial, and consumer products, including adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, paint removers, lubricants, automotive care products, degreasers, and cleaning and furniture care products.

Consumer Protection Measures

To shield consumers from NMP exposure in glues and adhesives, the EPA proposes a concentration limit of no more than 45%. Additionally, the regulation would set container size limits and labeling requirements for other consumer products to prevent their use in commercial settings where frequent exposure could be hazardous.

Workplace Chemical Protection Program (WCPP)

The EPA is also advocating for a Workplace Chemical Protection Program (WCPP) to safeguard workers from NMP exposure across nearly all industrial and commercial uses. This program would include measures to prevent direct skin contact with NMP, to be enforced one year after the rule is finalized. The EPA anticipates that many sectors, including semiconductor and lithium-ion battery manufacturing, have already implemented necessary exposure controls, such as enclosed and automated tools and clean rooms, which would comply with the new requirements. For other uses of NMP, such as in paints, adhesives, inks, coatings, and soldering materials, the EPA proposes specific workplace controls, including concentration limits and personal protective equipment mandates.

Highlights

• EPA proposes new rule to limit NMP exposure under TSCA.
• NMP linked to serious health risks: miscarriages, reduced fertility, and organ damage.
• Rule aims to limit NMP in products, establish workplace controls, and ban unsafe uses.
• NMP used in electronics, polymers, agricultural and petrochemical products.
• Consumer protection measures include a 45% concentration limit for glues and adhesives.
• Workplace Chemical Protection Program (WCPP) to prevent worker exposure across various industries.