Californian regulators commence data call-in on carbon nanotubes
On the 22nd January 2009, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC/Department) published a letter announcing that the Department required ‘information regarding analytical test methods, fate and transport in the environment, and other relevant information from manufacturers of carbon nanotubes.’ The letter explains that ‘the term "manufacturers” includes persons and businesses that produce in California or import carbon nanotubes into California for sale.’
The gives a detailed description of the data DTSC is expecting to receive under the data-call in:
In the initial phase of data call-in, DTSC is requiring the following information:
- What is the value chain for your company? For example, in what products are your carbon nanotubes used by others? In what quantities? Who are your major customers?
- What sampling, detection and measurement methods are you using to monitor (detect and measure) the presence of your chemical in the workplace and the environment? Provide a full description of all required sampling, detection, measurement and verification methodologies. Provide full QA/QC protocol.
- What is your knowledge about the current and projected presence of your chemical in the environment that results from manufacturing, distribution, use, and end-of-life disposal?
- What is your knowledge about the safety of your chemical in terms of occupational safety, public health and the environment?
- What methods are you using to protect workers in the research, development and manufacturing environment?
- When released, does your material constitute a hazardous waste under California Health &Safety Code provisions? Are discarded off-spec materials a hazardous waste? Once discarded are the carbon nanotubes you produce a hazardous waste? What are your waste handling practices for carbon nanotubes?
DTSC notes that ‘this call-in also includes companies outside California who may export carbon nanotubes into the State. Initially, we have not included manufacturers who import products containing carbon nanotubes; however, we may expand the list of manufacturers in the future to include product manufacturers.’
The Department has published a list of manufacturers who produce or import carbon nanotubes in California, or who may export carbon nanotubes into the State.
Follow these links to find out more about the DTSC data call-in, to view the list of CNT manufacturers and exporters, or to download the DTSC letter.
Related Links:
Following an initial announcement in November 2008, in which the California Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) published a notice of intend for a ‘Chemical Information Call-in on Carbon Nanotubes’, the DTSC has reviewed the comments it received in response to the initial questions it posed to the producers of carbon nanotubes, and has updated its website with a list of next steps: [...] (23rd December 2008)
Registered NIA Members can download additional legal comment and background information on the DTSC’s Information Call-In from the ‘Members only’-area on the NIA website by following the respective link under ‘Topical Briefings’.