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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
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EPA Wants Cadmium Users|to Report Studies

WASHINGTON (CN) - New Environmental Protection Agency rules require makers and importers of cadmium used in consumer products to report health and safety studies about its uses.

Cadmium, a metal that can be used to make batteries, control neutrons in nuclear fission, and electroplate aircraft, is a probable human carcinogen, according to the EPA.

The EPA's classification of the chemical is based on studies that link chromium exposure to lung and kidney problems. Studies on animals have shown a link between long-term inhalation of cadmium and lung cancer.

"Due to the potential health effects of exposure to cadmium or cadmium compounds, EPA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission are concerned about the possible presence and bioavailability of cadmium or cadmium compounds in consumer products generally and especially those consumer products used by or around children," the agency wrote.

The EPA issued regulations Dec 3, requiring makers and importers of cadmium and cadmium compounds that will be used in consumer products to submit certain unpublished health and safety studies to the EPA.

By March 4, 2013, the cadmium manufacturers must also submit information about the amount of cadmium in their products and how much consumers would be exposed to.

The EPA estimated that the rule applies to more than 1,000 firms, and 28 firms will have relevant studies to submit.

Relevant parties have until Dec. 17 to request to withdraw a chemical from the regulation.

To learn more, click the document icon for this regulation and others.

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