EPA Seeks Comments on Study Comparing Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes and decaBDE Flame-Retardant Coatings
EPA has announced a 60-day public comment period for the external review draft document titled, “Nanomaterial Case Study: A Comparison of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes and Decabromodiphenyl Ether Flame-Retardant Coatings Applied to Upholstery Textiles” (EPA/600/R-12/043A). The draft document is being issued by the National Center for Environmental Assessment (NCEA) within EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD). According to the EPA, the draft does not draw conclusions regarding potential environmental risks or hazards of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) but aims to identify what is known and unknown about MWCNT to support future assessment efforts. EPA has also announced a Public Information Exchange Meeting to receive comments and questions on the draft and to provide information on the draft EPA nanomaterial case study and the workshop process that the draft document will be used in for identifying and prioritizing research gaps that could support future assessment and risk management efforts for MWCNT. The public comment period began July 2 and ends August 31, 2012. http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-07-02/html/2012-16137.htm