California Looks to Expand Regulation of Microplastics and PPD Derivatives

California Looks to Expand Regulation of Microplastics and PPD Derivatives

California has begun the public process for a potential regulatory proposal expanding the list of chemicals that may be regulated under its Safer Consumer Products Program (SCP). The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), part of the California Environmental Protection Agency, has proposed adding microplastics and para-Phenylenediamine (PPD) derivatives to its Candidate Chemicals List (CCL) in an attempt to control their impact on human health and the environment.

In June and July, the DTSC will hold public workshops to help evaluate its potential regulatory proposal. While the addition of a chemical to the CGL does not directly or immediately create new law, it does allow the DTSC to select products containing listed chemicals (“Chemicals of Concern”) for evaluation and regulation as a Priority Product under the SCP Program. But manufacturers of products so regulated must thoroughly evaluate the impacts of potential replacement chemicals before beginning to use them in place of the regulated chemicals.