April 9, 2010

EPA Posts Fact Sheet on Determining If a Cleaning Product Is a Pesticide

In a March 2010 fact sheet, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes how to determine whether a cleaning product is a pesticide under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Under FIFRA, pesticide products must be registered if they are considered to be intended for a pesticidal purpose. EPA states that products are considered to be for a pesticidal purpose “if the person who distributes or sells them claims, states or implies that...
April 8, 2010

EPA Reassessing Authorizations for PCB Use and Distribution in Commerce

More than 30 years have passed since the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its initial set of regulations on the use and distribution in commerce of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and PCB items. Now with three decades of experience and information on PCBs and PCB items, EPA has decided to exercise its authority under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and reassess the regulations governing PCB use authorizations and distribution in commerce. On April 7,...
April 6, 2010

Industry Pushes EPA Away From ‘Adverse’ Nano Reporting For Pesticides

The April 6, 2010, issue of InsideEPA.com’s Toxics Regulation News reports on a recent NanoBusiness Alliance Federal Roundtable, where Lynn L. Bergeson asked whether the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is willing to meet with stakeholders to discuss a “less injurious” way for EPA to obtain the data it believes it needs concerning nanoscale materials in pesticides....
April 1, 2010

Monthly Update for April 2010

TSCA/FIFRA/NTP EPA To Increase Restrictions On Flea And Tick Products: On March 18, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it will begin reviewing labels to determine which pesticide products for flea and tick control need revised labeling statements. 75 Fed. Reg. 13125. EPA intends to develop more stringent testing and evaluation requirements for both existing and new products, and expects these steps will help prevent adverse reactions. Following the 2008...
March 30, 2010

EPA Announces BPA Action Plan

On March 29, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its action plan on bisphenol A (BPA). In its press release, EPA states that the BPA action plan “focuses on the environmental impacts of BPA and will look to add BPA to EPA’s list of chemicals of concern and require testing related to environmental effects.” EPA notes that, in January 2010, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it had some concerns about...
March 26, 2010

Lynn L. Bergeson Participates in Public Forum about the Emerging Field of Nanotechnology

On April 3, 2010, the Lemelson Center for Study of Invention and Innovation, with support from the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Net), will host a public forum about the emerging field of nanotechnology. Lynn L. Bergeson is among the panel of experts that will provide an introduction to nanotechnology....
March 26, 2010

African Governments Adopt Resolution Urging Safe Handling of Nanomaterials

The January 25-29, 2010, African regional meeting on the implementation of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) included a workshop on nanotechnology. During the meeting, 53 governments adopted a resolution that calls for a ban on the shipment of waste containing nanomaterials to countries that cannot adequately manage them; legal provisions to ensure the safe use and disposal of nanomaterials; and bio-monitoring for people exposed to...
March 25, 2010

Strategic Alliance with ENTRIX, Incorporated

Alliance Will Strengthen Acta’s and Acta EU’s Ability to Provide REACH and Related Chemical Management Services Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C), The Acta Group, L.L.C. (Acta), and The Acta Group EU, Ltd (Acta EU) are pleased to announce each has entered into a strategic alliance with ENTRIX, Incorporated (ENTRIX), one of the largest scientific environmental and natural resource management consulting firms in the United States. The alliance will provide additional scientific...
March 23, 2010

UK Publishes Nanotechnology Strategy

On March 18, 2010, the United Kingdom (UK) Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) announced publication of UK Nanotechnologies Strategy: Small Technologies, Great Opportunities, which sets out how the government intends to take action to ensure that everyone safely benefits from the societal and economic opportunities that these technologies offer, while addressing the challenges that they might present. The Strategy includes the following key actions:...