NEWS

U.S. EPA Rejects OEHHA's Glyphosate Listing Calling It False and Misleading

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has instructed producers of pesticide products containing the active ingredient glyphosate to ignore a California determination that the substance is carcinogenic.

Pesticide Regulator Moves to Limit Use of Carbaryl

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) has proposed tightening use of the pesticide carbaryl. 

California Counties, Cities Reach $305 Million Deal to Address Lead Paint Problem

A group of California counties and cities have reached a $305 million settlement with three paint companies they alleged were liable for damages stemming from lead paint contamination in homes.

Ninth Circuit Upholds Berkeley Cell Phone Warning Ordinance

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has rejected a requested injunction against an ordinance adopted by the City of Berkeley requiring cell phones retailers to post signs informing purchasers that carrying a cell phone may expose a user to radio-frequency radiation that exceeds Federal Communication Commission (FCC) guidelines.

California AG Leads Effort to Force EPA to Provide Better Data on Asbestos

California Attorney General Xavier Beccera and Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Headley are leading a coalition of eleven state Attorneys General in filing a lawsuit accusing U.S. EPA of failing to collect adequate data on the presence of asbestos in the United States.

Judge Dismisses Prop. 65 Case Despite Defendant's Objections

A Federal District Court Judge in Los Angeles has granted a motion by a attorneys for several plaintiffs to voluntarily dismiss their Proposition 65 lawsuit against the giant consumer company Johnson & Johnson (J&J).

OEHHA Announces Plan to List Six Prop. 65 Carcinogens

The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment has announced its intent to list six chemicals as Proposition 65 carcinogens. Each of the six proposed listings are based on findings by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

OEHHA Adopts Updates Warning Regulations for Rental Vehicles

The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has adopted revised regulations governing Proposition 65 warnings for exposures from rental vehicles. The regulations will go into effect on Oct. 1, 2019.

EPA Releases Two Draft Risk Evaluations for Chemicals Pursuant to TSCA

U.S. EPA has released draft risk evaluations under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for 1,4-dioxane and cyclic aliphatic bromide cluster (HBCD). The drafts conclude that neither chemical poses an "unreasonable risk" for exposed individuals or the environment.

EPA Proposes Rule to Limit Exposures to Five PBT Chemicals

On June 21 U.S. EPA issued a proposed rule that would reduce exposures to five chemicals that are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT). The proposed rule complies with a mandate imposed on the agency under the 2016 amendments to the Toxic Substances Control. Act, known as the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act.

OEHHA Modifies Its Proposed Changes to Its Regulation Calculating Prop. 65 Exposure Levels in Food

Last October the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) proposed to modify two of its regulations to change the way that concentrations of Prop. 65-listed reproductive toxicants are calculated for determining exposure levels for foods. The agency has now proposed modifications to its October proposal based on comments it received.

OEHHA Lists PCBTF Over Objections of Coating Associations

OEHHA has listed p-chloro-a,a,a-trifluorotoluene (para-Chlorobenzotrifluoride, PCBTF) as a carcinogen under Proposition 65. The listing was effective as of June 28.

OEHHA Symposium on Synthetic Food Dyes

The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) will hold a scientific symposium in September to discuss the potential neurobehavioral effects on children of exposure to synthetic food dyes.

Coffee Rule Finalized But Challenges Remain

A regulation that will shield purveyors of brewed coffee from Proposition 65 liability will become effective on October 1 of this year. However, the validity of the regulation remains the subject of ongoing litigation, which has yet to be resolved nearly ten years after its commencement.

Ars Technica Magazine Gives a Close Look at CERTs History

The Council for Education and Research on Toxics (CERT) has been in the news recently over the court case in CERT v. Starbucks and the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessments' final rule on acrylamide in coffee.

Annual Pesticide Use Report Generates Opposite Conclusions from CDPR and Activists

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) has released its latest annual pesticide use report.

EDF Blasts Trump Administration's Implementation of New TSCA Law

The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)—unlike several other mainstream environmental groups—supported the 2016 amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

DTSC Looking at Controlling 1-4 Dioxane Creation in Cleaning and Personal Care Products

As part of its Safer Consumer Products  program (SCP) the Department of Toxic Substances Control is looking at possible actions to limit the production of 1,4-Dioxane during the manufacture of personal care and cleaning products.

Petition to Add Zinc in Tires As Priority Product Moves Forward

The Safer Consumer Products regulations permit interested parties to submit petitions to DTSC asking the agency to add a particular product-chemical combination as a Priority Product.

EPA Awards Green Chemistry Challenge Awards for 2019

U.S. EPA has named four researchers as winners of its 2019 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards for creating new technologies that will enable businesses to reduce costs and open up new markets for cleaner and safer products.