The Chemicals of Concern identified by the U.S. EPA

Chemicals of Concern

The EPA has announced their proposed criteria for expanding their list of chemicals of concern that require action to reduce exposure. Check out the chemicals below for a guide to the known concerns and major uses of each chemical.

Benzidine Dyes

Known Concerns*: Cancer; PBTs**
Higher Risk Populations: Babies and children; Workers
Major Uses: Dyes
Some Consumer Product Uses: Clothing, textiles, footwear, leather products, paper, ink

Bisphenol A (BPA)

Known Concerns: Harm to reproduction; harm to brain and behavioral changes; pervasive human and environmental exposure
Higher Risk Populations: Developing fetuses, infants, and children; aquatic organisms
Major Uses: Polycarbonate plastic, epoxy resins, thermal paper, flame retardant
Some Consumer Product Uses: Reusable food and drink containers, canned foods, cash receipts, circuit boards

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD)

Known Concerns: High aquatic toxicity; harm to reproduction, development, and nervous system; PBTs
Higher Risk Populations: Aquatic life; developing fetuses, infants, and children; workers
Major Uses: Flame retardant for polystyrene foam boards
Some Consumer Product Uses: Thermal insulation boards

Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI)

Known Concerns: Asthma; lung damage; skin irritation; harm to immune system; chemical sensitivity
Higher Risk Populations: Workers; do-it-yourself consumers; self-employed
Major Uses: Polyurethane foams and resins
Some Consumer Product Uses: Spray foam insulation, coatings, sealants and adhesives

Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI)

Nonylphenol(NP) and Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs)

Known Concerns: Extreme aquatic toxicity; skin and eye irritation; harm to reproduction and development; PBTs
Higher Risk Populations: Fish, aquatic invertebrates, and aquatic plants; developing fetuses, infants, and children
Major Uses: Surfactants
Some Consumer Product Uses: Industrial laundry detergents; cleaners; indoor pesticides; food packaging; cosmetics

Long-Chain Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFCs)

Known Concerns: Harm to reproduction and development; PBTs
Higher Risk Populations: Developing fetuses, infants, and children
Major Uses: Coatings that resist oil, stains, grease, and water; fire resistance; surfactant
Some Consumer Product Uses: Fabric treatment: furniture, clothing, carpets, and footwear; food packaging; non-stick cookware

Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs)

Known Concerns: Harm to the brain; behavioral changes; ecotoxicity; PBTs
Higher Risk Populations: Developing fetuses, infants, and children; wildlife
Major Uses: Flame retardant for plastics, foams, and fibers
Some Consumer Product Uses: Plastics in electronic equipment and appliances; wiring and cables; foam cushions in couches, chairs, and vehicle seats; carpets and drapes

Phthalates

Known Concerns: Harm to reproduction and development; pervasive human and environmental exposure
Higher Risk Populations: Developing fetuses, infants, and children
Major Uses: Added to soften polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic
Some Consumer Product Uses: Flexible PVC plastic products, including shower curtains, bags, vinyl flooring, office supplies; medical IV tubing and blood bags

Short-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (SCCPs)

Known Concerns: Aquatic toxicity; skin and eye irritation; harm to liver, thyroid, and kidneys; cancer (suspected); PBTs
Higher Risk Populations: Aquatic organisms; workers
Major Uses: Lubricant and coolant for metal cutting and forming; plasticizer and flame retardant
Some Consumer Product Uses: PVC plastic products; rubber, paints, coatings, sealants, and adhesives

*Known concerns are those that have been identified from either animal or human studies.
**PBTs are chemicals that are Persistent (long-lived in the environment), Bioaccumulative (building up to high levels in the food chain), and Toxic (harmful to life).
U.S. EPA has issued Chemical Action Plans for these ten Chemicals of Concern. To access the Chemical Action Plans for each chemical, along with scientific and technical references, visit the EPA's Existing Chemical Action Plan.