美環保署將明列有疑慮的化學品 未來將加以管制 | 環境資訊中心
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美環保署將明列有疑慮的化學品 未來將加以管制

2010年01月04日
摘譯自2009年12月28日,ENS美國,華盛頓報導;王茹涵編譯;蔡麗伶審校

美國環保署將首次建立一個「有疑慮的化學品」(Chemicals of Concern)清單,並開始一連串工作,未來可能對降低化學品風險措施進行規範,以保護人類健康和環境。

環保署正針對四類化學品採取行動。環保署長麗莎傑克森表示,這些化學品引發「嚴重的健康和環境疑慮。」

這是首次環保署藉由現有的「有毒物質管制法案(TSCA)」 的管轄權力,明列出「存有可能傷害健康和環境的不合理風險」的化學物質。

環保署長同時表示,1976年制定的「有毒物質管制法案」不合時宜,需要改革。

環保署正列入清單的化學品有以下四類。

第一種是鄰苯二甲酸(Phthalates),通常作為聚氯乙烯(PVC)增塑劑的。接觸該化學品最敏感的健康議題,即是該物質對實驗動物的雄性生殖系統發育有不良影響。

第二種是短鏈氯化石蠟(Short-chain chlorinated paraffins) – 在200多種工業應用配方中皆有使用,如阻燃劑、增塑劑、添加劑,金屬加工液;並添加於密封劑、油漆和塗料、粘合劑和防漏劑。這些化學物質具持久性,生物蓄積性,即使是低濃度也對水生生物具有毒性。

第三種是多溴聯苯醚(PBDEs) - 用於多種產品的阻燃劑,包括建材、電器、家具、汽車、飛機、塑料、聚氨酯泡沫,和紡織品。這次列入清單的舉動,將加強美國至2013年年底,將自願性削減所有生產、進口、和銷售十溴二苯醚產品。多溴聯苯醚同樣具持久性、生物蓄積性,並對人體和環境具有毒性。

最後一種是全氟化物,包括用於製造不沾鍋塗層的全氟辛酸(PFOA)。其他的全氟化物則見於日常用品,如食品包裝、農藥、服裝、室內裝潢、地毯和個人護理產品。全氟化對實驗動物和野生動物皆具毒;在實驗測試中,造成生殖、發育和系體性影響。

一旦這些化學品列入清單,化學公司如果想證明其化學品並不會構成不合理風險,可向環保署提供化學品的相關資訊。

U.S. EPA Will List, Possibly Regulate, Chemicals of Concern
WASHINGTON, DC, December 31, 2009 (ENS) -

For the first time, the U.S. EPA intends to establish a Chemicals of Concern list and is beginning a process that could lead to regulations requiring risk reduction measures to protect human health and the environment.

The agency is taking action to control four groups of chemicals that EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson says raise "serious health or environmental concerns."

This is the first time the EPA has used the authority of the existing Toxic Substances Control Act, TSCA, to list chemicals that "may present an unreasonable risk of injury to health and the environment."

At the same time, Jackson says the 1976 law is both outdated and in need of reform.

The four chemical groups EPA is addressing now are:

Phthalates - used as plasticizers in polyvinylchloride, PVC, products. Adverse effects on the development of the reproductive system in male laboratory animals are the most sensitive health outcomes from phthalate exposure.

Short-chain chlorinated paraffins - over 200 formulations are in use for industrial applications, such as flame retardants and plasticizers, as additives in metal working fluids, and in sealants, paints and coatings, adhesives and caulks. These chemicals are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic to aquatic organisms at low concentrations.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, PBDEs - used as flame retardants in a wide array of products, including building materials, electronics, furnishings, motor vehicles, airplanes, plastics, polyurethane foams, and textiles. This listing reinforces a voluntary phaseout of all production, importation, and sales of decaBDE in the United States by the end of 2013. PBDEs are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic to both humans and the environment.

Perfluorinated chemicals, including perfluorooctanoate, PFOA, which is used in the manufacture of cookware with non-stick coating. Other perfluorinated chemicals are used in everyday items such as food packaging, pesticides, clothing, upholstery, carpets and personal care products. Perfluorinated chemicals are toxic to laboratory animals and wildlife, producing reproductive, developmental, and systemic effects in laboratory tests.

Once listed, chemical companies can provide information to the agency if they want to demonstrate that their chemical does not pose an unreasonable risk.

全文及圖片詳見:ENS

作者

蔡麗伶(LiLing Barricman)

In my healing journey and learning to attain the breath awareness, I become aware of the reality that all the creatures of the world are breathing the same breath. Take action, here and now. From my physical being to the every corner of this out of balance's planet.