EPA to establish actions for chemicals of concern

WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the establishment of a list of four chemicals that raise high environmental and health concerns, as well as actions for these chemicals, according to a press release.

Phthalates, short-chain chlorinated paraffins, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and perfluorinated chemicals — all chemicals used in the manufacturing of a variety of products — all made the list of chemicals that raise concerns, the release stated.

Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said: "We will continue to use our authority under existing law to protect Americans from exposure to harmful chemicals and to highlight chemicals we believe warrant concern."

This is the first time the EPA has used the authority of the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act to list chemicals that may present an unreasonable risk of injury to health and the environment, the release added.