Government regulation Environmental Protection Agency

Protection of Environment, Code of Federal Regulations, Environmental Protection Agency, 40 Parts 260-299. Rockville MD Government Institutes Inc... 

The federal government develops regulations and recommendations to protect public health. Regulations can be enforced by law. Federal agencies that develop regulations for toxic substances include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

The federal government has developed regulations and advisories to protect individuals from the potential health effects of acrylonitrile in the environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that acrylonitrile levels in water not exceed 0.058 ppb. Any release to the environment of more than 100 lb must be reported to the federal government. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established a legally enforceable maximum limit of 2 ppm in workplace air for an 8-hour exposure over a 40-hour work week. 

In US, AF products need a registration both at federal and at state level. Registration/regulation of AF paints is governed by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act FIFRA (US, 2004) and administered by US Environmental Protection Agency. Extensive data packages need to be submitted by the biocide producers and the paint manufacturers. The decision for approval of products is based upon a risk benefit balance evaluation process. 

A guideline to protect human health, by limiting exposure to 1,2-diphenylhydrazine in water, has been issued by the federal government. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made recommendations to the concentration of 1,2-diphenylhydrazine in natural waters, such as takes and streams. The EPA has developed regulations to limit the release of 1,2-diphenylhydrazine by industries. Any release of 1 pound or more of 1,2-diphenylhydrazine must be reported to EPA. 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that the Federal Government be notified if more than 1 millicurie (3.7x10 Becquerels) of radioactivity from natural thorium is released into the environment. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued Maximum Permissible Concentrations (MPC) in air and water for workplace exposure to thorium. For more information on government regulations and guidelines, see Chapter 7. 

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