EPA bars manufacture of rubber compatibilising agent

Washington – The US Environment Protection Agency has placed a ban on domestic manufacture of a rubber compatibilising agent, pending further information about the safety of the product.

The additive, identified as ‘alkyldiene, polymer, hydroxy-terminated alkoxysilylalkylcarbamate’ improves the compatibility and dispersibility of inorganic fillers in industrial rubber formulations.

The EPA's ‘pre-manufacture notice’ is based on findings that the substance may present an unreasonable risk of injury to human health, according to a filing on 19 Oct.

The agency did not identify any company involved in the manufacture or supply of the additive, or planning to do so.

“Based on physical and chemical properties,” the EPA predicted “irritation and lung effects to unprotected workers from repeated inhalation and dermal exposures to the chemical.”

The restrictions on its manufacture, processing, distribution and disposal are to take effect from 18 Dec.

The ban will remain in place until the order is modified or revoked by EPA based on submission of relevant information, it stated.

The product is one of 29 chemicals covered by the agency’s 'significant new use rules' (SNURs) under the US toxic substances control act.