EPA released the 2012 Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) information on more than 7,600 chemicals in commerce. The CDR database contains use and exposure information on the most widely used chemicals in the United States. This report is for calendar year 2011. EPA received reports on 7,674 chemicals, including 354 that were reported as used in children’s products. 1,704 chemicals were reported as used in consumer products and 3,073 were used in commercial applications or products. The remaining chemicals reported were for industrial use only. The CDR information includes data on chemicals that are used in children’s products such as toys, playground and sporting equipment, arts and crafts materials, and textiles and furniture.
The CDR rule was issued under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The rule requires companies that manufacture or import chemicals to report manufacturing and import data every 4 years when site-specific production volume exceeds 25,000 lb. In 2012, EPA required companies to substantiate confidentiality claims in order to ensure that as much information as possible is made available to the public. Also, companies are now required to provide information on chemicals used in children’s and other consumer products, along with reports on commercial applications and industrial uses of chemicals.
EPA has begun a process to identify potential chemicals for near-term review and risk assessment under TSCA. In 2012, the agency released a work plan of 83 chemicals for further review as part of its existing chemicals management program. From that list, seven chemicals were identified for risk assessment development in 2012 and 18 for assessment in 2013 and 2014. In January 2013, EPA released for public comment and peer review an initial set of draft risk assessments of five chemicals for particular uses found in common household products .