EPA Seeks to Limit NMP Use with New Restrictions
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues its work on evaluating potentially harmful chemicals under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), now proposing new restrictions on the solvent N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP). In a proposal released on May 5, the EPA recommends banning NMP use in automotive care, cleaning and degreasing, metal cleaning, and furniture-care products. The agency also seeks to cap NMP concentrations in glues and adhesives at 45%. Furthermore, it has introduced a workplace protection program to prevent direct skin contact with NMP in industries like semiconductor and lithium-ion battery manufacturing where the solvent remains in use.
Michal Freedhoff, Assistant Administrator for the EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, highlighted that this proposal is a key step in protecting public health from chemical exposure risks. Freedhoff noted that the suggested worker protection measures aim to keep people safe while ensuring the solvent’s continued use where necessary.
NMP is among the initial 10 chemicals listed by the EPA in 2016 for potential usage restrictions, with 20 more chemicals added to the list later. In April, the EPA enacted a ban on most uses of the solvent methylene chloride, and in March, it prohibited the use of chrysotile asbestos, primarily used in diaphragms for chlorine and caustic soda production. However, unlike methylene chloride and asbestos, the EPA acknowledges that NMP is a vital solvent in specific industries. The agency assumes that sectors like chip and battery manufacturing have already implemented required exposure controls. For other industries, such as paints, adhesives, and inks, the EPA proposes measures like concentration limits and the use of personal protective equipment.
In 2020, the EPA concluded that NMP-based paint strippers pose no consumer risk, and the current proposal does not restrict these products. Nevertheless, major retailers, including Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart, discontinued stocking both methylene chloride and NMP-based paint strippers several years ago.