Glymes proposed Significant New Use Rule
Novolyte received notification that EPA is soliciting comments about a proposed rule to limit the use of certain glymes in new consumer applications. The proposed Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) would require new consumer uses of glymes to be reviewed and approved by EPA. A consumer use is defined in 40 CFR 721.3 as "a chemical substancethat is directly, or as part of a mixture, sold or made available to consumers for their use in or around a permanent or temporary household or residence, in or around a school, or in recreation.." A more detailed explanation of the SNUR can be found at the following link: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/final_glyme_snur.pdf
Novolyte intends to work with EPA in the comment period, which ends on September 9th, to clarify existing uses of glymes, and to identify toxicity data that EPA can use to determine which glymes, if any, should be subject to the rule for future new consumer applications. It is important to note that industrial uses and existing consumer uses are excluded in the proposed rule.
Identified existing consumer uses would not be covered by the SNUR. Companies wanting to identify existing consumer uses of glymes or who may otherwise be affected by the rule are encouraged to submit comments by September 9, 2011 directly to the EPA at their website, www.regulations.gov, under docket ID EPA–HQ–OPPT–2009–0767.