EPA Proposes New Rule on Glymes over Toxicity Concerns

glymes. Glymes have many commercial uses, including applications in building products such as adhesives, industrial paints and coatings, paint strippers, refrigerant lubricants, and lithium-ion batteries. They are also used in some cotton dyes and as a solubilizing agent for plastics and textiles in manufacturing processes.

The proposed rule would focus on new uses of glymes, requiring 90 days’ notice before they are manufactured, imported, or processed for a new use. The delay gives EPA time to evaluate the proposed use for potential harm to humans or the environment. Of the 14 glymes, monoglyme, diglyme, and ethylglyme are of particular concern because of their adverse effects on reproductive and developmental health. However, EPA is also concerned by exposure and toxicity information pertaining to the other 11 glymes.

For more information, visit www.epa.gov.