Applauding the EPA’s Bold Move: A Deep Dive into Their Review of Five Toxic Chemicals

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is starting a formal review of five toxic plastic chemicals, including vinyl chloride. This substance gained attention following the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, where it was involved in a fire.

Vinyl chloride is mainly found in PVC pipes and packaging, but it poses serious health risks, including cancer and flammability. For decades, efforts to regulate it have faced pushback from the industry, which has often downplayed its dangers. Judith Enck, president of Beyond Plastics and a former EPA official, called this review “one of the most important chemical review processes ever undertaken.”

The EPA classifies vinyl chloride as a known carcinogen. It can cause severe health issues like liver damage and neurological problems. Alongside vinyl chloride, the agency is also reviewing four other chemicals: acetaldehyde, benzenamine, acrylonitrile, and MBOCA. Like vinyl chloride, these chemicals are recognized or suspected carcinogens and are linked to various health concerns, including anemia and kidney damage.

The risks of vinyl chloride became glaringly apparent after an incident in February 2023, when a train derailed in East Palestine. Some tankers were carrying vinyl chloride, and in response to a potential explosion, officials conducted a controlled burn. Unfortunately, this burning process produced dioxins, highly toxic substances that can contaminate soil and air. In fact, dioxin levels following the incident were found to be significantly above safe exposure levels established by the EPA.

This kind of transport carries risks. A recent report indicated that over 3 million Americans live close to railroad tracks used for vinyl chloride transport. Experts are worried about the potential for more accidents in the future. The Vinyl Institute, which represents manufacturers, has minimized the risks, labeling public fears as mere “publicity stunts.”

The EPA’s review comes after an extensive period of gathering input from various stakeholders under the Toxic Substances Control Act. They will now spend the next three months collecting more information to decide if vinyl chloride should be classified as a high-priority substance. If so, it will lead to a comprehensive study to assess the risks vinyl chloride poses to human health and the environment.

This evaluation could take up to three years, followed by the establishment of new regulations. However, the review could face challenges, especially with incoming political shifts that may obstruct proposed rules regarding PVC and other materials that have widespread applications in everyday products, from medical devices to household items.

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