WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to protect consumers by requiring companies to report new uses of chemicals known as glymes in consumer products. EPAs proposed action is based in part on concerns that additional uses of these 14 chemicals in consumer products could lead to harmful reproductive and developmental health effects. Glymes are chemicals used in a wide array of applications including printing ink, paints and coatings, adhesives, household batteries and motor vehicle brake systems. This proposed action is part of Administrator Lisa P. Jacksons effort to strengthen the agencys chemical management program and ensure the safety of chemicals.

"This proposed rule would enable EPA to evaluate the use of these chemicals before Americans are subject to additional exposure to them in numerous consumer products" said Steve Owens, assistant administrator for EPAs Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. "We need to take a closer look at the potential health effects that additional exposure to these chemicals could have."

The proposed regulatory procedure is known as a significant new use rule (SNUR) under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The SNUR would ensure that, prior to the manufacture, import, or processing of these chemicals for a significant new use, EPA will have 90 days to evaluate potential risks, and prohibit or limit the activity if warranted.

About The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an agency of the federal government of the United States charged with protecting human health and the environment, by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress. The agency has approximately 18,000 full-time employees.