A manufacturers of chromium chemicals was ordered this week to pay a penalty of $2,571,800 for failing to disclose information about the substantial risk of injury to human health from exposure to hexavalent chromium, on workers in modern chemical production plants.
The US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) had filed the compliant with the Office of Administrative Law Judges, alleging TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) violations for failing to report the results of an industry-commissioned study that documented significant occupational impacts to workers in modern chemical plants. According to EPA, the study filled a gap in scientific literature regarding the relationship between hexavalent chromium exposure and respiratory cancer in modern chromium production facilities.
TSCA requires chemical manufacturers, processors, or distributors that obtain information demonstrating that a substance or mixture presents a substantial risk of injury to human health or the environment immediately inform the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This information allows EPA to understand and limit, when necessary, potential hazards associated with the manufacturing, use, and disposal of chemical substances.
This decision will become a final order 45 days following issuance unless the company chooses to appeal the decision to EPA’s Environmental Appeals Board.
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