Learn the Issues
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Forklift batteries
EPCRA section 311(e)(3) exempts from the definition of hazardous chemical any substance to the extent is used for personal, family, or household purposes, or is present in the same form and concentration as a product packaged for distribution and use by the general public ( 40 CFR 370.13(c)(1) ). Does…
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Does MSHA have jurisdiction over inactive mine facilities?
The owner of a coal mine is maintaining one bulk anhydrous ammonia tank and satellite ammonia tanks because of an agreement with the State pursuant to environmental regulations concerning acid mine drainage. Ammonia is used to treat surface water runoff (raise the pH of the effluent). The mine is no…
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Consumer product exemption and batteries
Sections 311 and 312 apply to owners or operators of any facility that is required to prepare or have available a material safety data sheet (MSDS) for an OSHA defined hazardous chemical present at the facility at any one time in amounts equal to or greater than established thresholds. Facility…
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Can a lease agreement exempt a facility owner from Tier II reporting?
An owner leases a facility to another person. The lease agreement states that "in its use and occupancy of the facility and in its use of the leased equipment, the lessee shall abide by and comply with all governmental laws, regulations and requirements." Does this contractual language exempt the owner…
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Are there any exemptions under Sections 311 and 312?
There are five exemptions under Sections 311 and 312. These exemptions are provided in Section 311(e) in the following order: Any food, food additive, color additive, drug, or cosmetic regulated by the Food and Drug Administration; Any substance present as a solid in any manufactured item to the extent exposure…
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Macroinvertebrates Data and Major Findings
This page will provide data on the Great Lakes coastal wetland monitoring program.
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Laboratory Services and Applied Science Division
The state-of-the-art laboratory is occupied by by the Region 4 Science and Ecosystem Support Division (SESD).
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Green Power Purchases at EPA
This page contains Information about renewable energy certificates.
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TSCA Statement of Interpretation and Enforcement Policy; Notification of Substantial Risk
This action states EPA's interpretation of, and enforcement policy concerning, section 8(e) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
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Final Risk Evaluation for Methylene Chloride
Materials supporting and explaining initial risk determination for methylene chloride.
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An Office Building Occupant's Guide to Indoor Air Quality
This guide is intended to help people who work in office buildings learn about the factors that contribute to indoor air quality and comfort problems and the roles of building managers and occupants in maintaining a good indoor environment.
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Improving Your Indoor Environment
This infographic shows helpful tips on ways to improve your indoor air quality (IAQ).
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Basic Information about the Indoor Air Quality Tribal Partners Program
IAQ Tribal Partners Program. This website aims to further empower champions of healthy IAQ in tribal communities with tools for networking, sharing programs and practices, and by serving as a reservoir of the best available Tribal-specific IAQ information.
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Frequent Questions about Indoor Air and Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Frequent questions on indoor air related to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
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What is a DIY air cleaner, and can it help protect homes from COVID-19?
Do-it-yourself (DIY) air cleaners are indoor air cleaners that can be assembled from box fans and square HVAC (or furnace) filters. A variety of designs exist, using a single fan and one to five air filters. In its simplest form, a single filter is attached to the front or back…
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Can air cleaning devices that use bipolar ionization, including portable air cleaners and in-duct air cleaners used in HVAC systems, protect me from COVID-19?
Bipolar ionization (also called needlepoint bipolar ionization) is a technology that can be used in HVAC systems or portable air cleaners to generate positively and negatively charged particles. Provided manufacturers have data to demonstrate efficacy, manufacturers of these types of devices may market this technology to help remove viruses, including…
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Where can professionals who manage school, office, and commercial buildings get information on ventilation and filtration to respond to COVID-19?
Professionals who operate school, office, and commercial buildings should consult the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) guidance for information on ventilation and filtration to help reduce risks from the virus that causes COVID-19. In general, increasing ventilation and filtration is usually appropriate; however, due to the…
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How can I increase ventilation at home to help protect my family from COVID-19?
Ensuring proper ventilation with outside air is a standard best practice for improving indoor air quality. However, by itself, increasing ventilation is not enough to protect people from COVID-19. When used along with other best practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, increasing ventilation can be part…
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Is ventilation important for indoor air quality when cleaning and/or sanitizing for COVID-19 indoors?
When cleaning and disinfecting for COVID-19, ventilation is important. Using EPA-registered cleaning and disinfecting products according to their label instructions is the best way to ensure that any indoor air pollution risks are reduced while still maintaining the effectiveness of the disinfecting product. In particular, follow any label precautions that…
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Will running an evaporative cooler (sometimes known as a "swamp cooler") or whole-house fan help protect me and my family from COVID-19?
Both evaporative coolers (or "swamp coolers") and whole-house fans can help protect people indoors from airborne transmission of COVID-19 because they increase ventilation with outside air to cool indoor spaces. Evaporative coolers are used in dry climates. They use water to provide cooling and increase relative humidity indoors. When operating…