EPA’s New Rules for the Use of Carbon Tetrachloride

by | Jan 16, 2025

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized new rules (40 CFR Part 751 Subpart H: Carbon Tetrachloride) to protect workers from exposure to carbon tetrachloride (CTC), a chemical that is known to deplete the ozone layer and for its toxicity to human health. CTC was originally targeted for phaseout in the 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act.

The phaseout of CTC in refrigerants, aerosols, fire extinguishers, pesticides, and cleaning and degreasing fluids was completed in 1996. However, the use of this chemical in other industries has continued. The most recent push to limit CTC is driven in part by the 2016 Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

 

What Will Change Under the New Rules?

Under EPA’s new rules, industrial and commercial uses of CTC determined by EPA to pose unreasonable risks, such as CTC use in metal recovery or as an additive in fuel and plastic components in the automotive industry, will no longer be permitted after June 16, 2025. Refer to 40 CFR 751.705 for a detailed listing of the prohibited CTC uses.

The following uses of CTC will still be permitted:

  • Processing aid in the manufacture of agricultural products
  • Processing aid in the manufacture of vinyl chloride
  • Processing as a reactant in the production of HCFCs, HFCs, HFOs, and PCE
  • Laboratory use

For continued use of CTC, the rule requires worker protection measures to be implemented. A Workplace Chemical Protection Program (WCPP) will need to be in place in order to continue the use of CTC. This program must include inhalation exposure limits, monitoring, exposure control, and dermal protections. By December 3, 2027, each owner and operator of facilities utilizing CTC must establish and implement the WCPP and exposure control plan.

Laboratory use of CTC will require prescriptive workplace controls that align with current OSHA standards. Owners and operators will need to attest that their engineering controls comply with inhalation exposure limits and do not increase their outdoor emissions of CTC.

If you need assistance writing or updating a WCPP or designing or revising your engineering controls, call Walden at 516-559-6976. Our experienced consultants can help you keep your employees safe and ensure you are in compliance with the new regulation.

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Work with Walden to ensure that the appropriate engineering controls and worker protections are in place to keep you in compliance with EPA’s CTC rules. Contact us for assistance at 516-559-6976.