Acrylamide and N-methylolacrylamide Grouts; Withdrawal of Proposed Ban

Résumé

EPA is hereby withdrawing a proposed rule that would have prohibited the manufacture, importation, distribution, and use of acrylamide and N-methylolacrylamide (NMA) grouts. In 1991, EPA proposed the rule in order to protect grouters from neurotoxic and carcinogenic risks arising from significant dermal and inhalation exposure to the acrylamide and NMA in these grouts. EPA found that grouters were exposed when using these grouts, even while wearing the best practical personal protective equipment (PPE) available at the time the rule was proposed. EPA has found that there is now affordable PPE that provides adequate protection from exposure to the acrylamide and NMA in these grouts. EPA has determined that as long as appropriate PPE is used during grouting operations, it is no longer necessary to prohibit the use of these grouts to protect the health of grouters.