EPA Takes Action on Two Potentially Harmful Chemicals

EMSL Analytical provides testing services to identify the presence of dangerous chemicals to protect people and the environment.

Cinnaminson, NJ

Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced actions on two chemicals to reduce harm to people. Under the Toxic Substance Act the EPA, “has released action plans to address the potential health risks of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), toluene diisocyanate (TDI), and related compounds. Americans may be exposed to these chemicals when they are used in certain applications such as spray foam insulation, sealing concrete or finishing floors.”

“There has been an increase in recent years in promoting the use of foams and sealants by do-it-yourself energy-conscious homeowners, and many people may now be unknowingly exposed to risks from these chemicals,” said Steve Owens, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. “EPA is working to protect the health of the American people and the environment.”

Diisocyanates are used to make polyurethane polymers. Some products, including some adhesives, coatings and spray foam, continue to react while in use, and may contain uncured diisocyanates. These chemicals may cause an exposure risk to people and they have been shown to cause skin and breathing problems, including asthma, in workers exposed to their presence. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates worker exposures and the EPA intends to investigate exposure to the general public from products containing these chemicals.

EMSL Analytical, one of the nation’s largest indoor environmental and consumer products testing laboratories, provides occupational exposure testing as well as product testing for TDI and MDI. “The fact that permissible exposure limits exist in the workplace certainly raises eyebrows to the fact that continued off-gassing of these chemicals in homes, schools and other locations could be a major concern,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL. “EMSL’s state of the art laboratory can test indoor air quality, or IAQ samples, as well as individual products for these chemicals,” he continued.

To learn more about TDI or MDI testing please visit www.ConsumerProductsTesting.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of food, environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President, Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

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