Risk Evaluation for 1,3,4,6,7,8-Hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta [g]-2-benzopyran (HHCB)
EPA designated 1,3,4,6,7,8-Hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta [g]-2-benzopyran (HHCB) as a high priority chemical in December 2019 and the chemical is currently undergoing risk evaluation.
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Background on HHCB
HHCB (CASRN 1222-05-5) is a viscous, or thick, liquid . The primary use of HHCB is as an odor agent for fragrances, for instance, air care products and cleaning products. Total production volume of HHCB in 2015 was between 1 million and 10 million pounds.
Uses of HHCB
In the final scope, EPA identified conditions of use associated with the manufacturing (including importing); processing; distribution in commerce; commercial and consumer uses; and disposal of HHCB, for example:
- Processing to incorporate HHCB into a formulation, mixture, or reaction products, and to incorporate HHCB into articles;
- In air care products (e.g., aroma chemicals, air fresheners in motor vehicles, scented candles, aerosols and spays);
- In cleaning and furnishing care products (e.g., all-purpose cleaners and bathroom cleaners);
- In laundry products (e.g., laundry detergent and fabric softener);
- In plastic and rubber products; and
- In paper products.
The above listed conditions of use are ways that a person or the environment could be potentially exposed to this chemical. However, when conducting a risk evaluation, EPA also considers the hazards (i.e. health effects or environmental impacts) that could occur from coming in contact with a chemical.
Recent Activities and Opportunities for Public Comment
In August 2020, EPA published a final scope document outlining the hazards, exposures, conditions of use, and the potentially exposed or susceptible subpopulations the agency expects to consider in its risk evaluation. The agency released the draft scope in April 2020 and took public comments on the draft document.
- Read the final scope of the risk evaluation for this chemical and EPA’s response to comments on the draft scope.
- View the docket for this chemical, EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0430 on www.regulations.gov.
As EPA continues to move through the risk evaluation process there will be additional opportunities for public comment, including a public comment period on the draft risk evaluation. In addition to public comment periods, EPA will continue to engage with stakeholders as it refines the risk evaluation and stakeholders should reach out to EPA via the staff contact to engage with the agency.
Review of HHCB Prior to the Lautenberg Act
Prior to the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, EPA completed a risk assessment for HHCB and published the following information: