Risk Management for Cyclic Aliphatic Bromide Cluster (HBCD)
Below is information on potential EPA actions to manage the unreasonable risk found to be presented by the cyclic aliphatic bromide cluster (HBCD). HBCD is primarily used as a flame retardant in building materials like insulation, and is also used in solder paste, recycled plastics, and automobile replacement parts.
On this page:
On other pages:
- Learn how EPA manages unreasonable risks from chemicals currently on the market.
- View a list of all chemicals undergoing risk evaluation, including docket numbers and agency points of contact.
Managing Risks From HBCD
In September 2020, EPA released a final risk evaluation for HBCD.
In June 2022, EPA released a final revised risk determination for HBCD. The revised risk determination is based on HBCD as a whole chemical substance and did not assume that all workers exposed to HBCD always or appropriately wear personal protective equipment. In the final revised risk determination, EPA determined that HBCD presents an unreasonable risk of injury to human health and the environment when evaluated under its conditions of use.
The next step in the process is for EPA to address the unreasonable risk HBCD presents to human health and the environment. There are several actions EPA could take to address these risks, including regulations to prohibit or limit the manufacture, processing, distribution in commerce, commercial use, or disposal of this chemical substance, as applicable. EPA is now in the process of developing ways to address the unreasonable risks identified.
- Learn more about the unreasonable risk determined in the final risk evaluation.
- Find information on ways to reduce exposure to this chemical as EPA works through the process required by TSCA to reduce or eliminate unreasonable risks from this chemical.
Opportunities for Public and Stakeholder Engagement
There will be additional opportunities for public and stakeholder engagement as EPA works through the risk management process for this chemical. Just like the risk evaluation process, there will also be opportunities for public comment as EPA works to propose and finalize risk management action for HBCD.
- View a list of all public and stakeholder engagement opportunities related to risk management.
- You can reach out to the EPA point of contact for this chemical, listed at the top, right of this page, for more information or to schedule a one-on-one meeting.
- You can also stay informed by signing up for our email alerts or checking the public docket at www.regulations.gov.
Past Meetings, Webinars, and Other Engagement Opportunities
EPA held two identical consultation webinars, on February 2, 2021, and February 18, 2021, to consult with communities on risk management for HBCD and carbon tetrachloride. Materials can be found in the public docket.
On November 20, 2020, EPA held a webinar giving an overview of the TSCA risk management process and the findings in the final risk evaluation for HBCD. View the meeting materials.
The deadline for self-nominations for the HBCD Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) panel was November 23, 2020. Learn more about the potential SBAR panel.