Nov. 16 US: EPA finalizes significant new use rule for motor vehicle refrigerant

From: Search Auto Parts

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a significant new use rule (SNUR) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for the chemical substance identified as 1-Propene, 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro, also known as HFO-1234yf. The action requires persons who intend to manufacture, import or process the chemical substance for a use that is designated as a significant new use by this final rule to notify the EPA at least 90 days before commencing that activity.

In a letter to the U.S. EPA earlier this year, the Automotive Service Association (ASA) expressed concern with the substitution of HFO-1234yf because it poses some risk to those persons handling the product, particularly nonprofessionals or do-it-yourself (DIY) consumers.

The EPA significant new use rule states that the substance is to be used only as a refrigerant in new motor vehicles, and that any other use must first be approved by the EPA.

Click on the links for more information.