EPA Prepared to Issue TSCA Section 8 Rule to Obtain Data

On July 22, 2008, Jim Willis stated that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is prepared to issue a rule under Section 8 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to obtain data regarding nanoscale materials. Under the Nanoscale Materials Stewardship Program (NMSP) Basic Program, EPA asked companies to report data voluntarily on the engineered nanoscale materials they manufacture, import, process, or use. As of July 22, 2008, manufacturers of approximately 60 nanoscale materials had responded to EPA that they would participate in the NMSP. Willis stated that he hoped more companies would participate, so that data on about 100 nanoscale materials would be provided. The deadline for submissions under the Basic Program is July 28, 2008.

EPA invites companies that manufacture, import, process, or use nanoscale materials for commercial purposes to join the NMSP, including those who:

• Manufacture or import engineered nanoscale materials;
• Physically or chemically modify or process an engineered nanoscale material;
• Physically or chemically modify or process a non-nanoscale material to create an engineered nanoscale material; or
• Use engineered nanoscale materials in the manufacture of a product.

EPA also invites others, including researchers who develop or study engineered nanoscale materials, to participate. Any participation in the NMSP is voluntary.