EPA Should Conduct New Residual Risk and Technology Reviews for Chloroprene- and Ethylene Oxide-Emitting Source Categories to Protect Human Health

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Date Issued

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Submitting OIG

Environmental Protection Agency OIG

Agencies Reviewed/Investigated

Environmental Protection Agency

Report Number

21-P-0129

Report Description

The EPA should conduct new RTRs for chloroprene- and ethylene oxide-emitting source categories to address elevated individual lifetime cancer risks impacting over 464,000 people, as found in a modeling tool, and to achieve environmental justice.

Report Type

Audit

Agency Wide

Yes

Number of Recommendations

Questioned Costs

Funds for Better Use

Report updated under NDAA 5274

Additional Details

https://www.epa.gov/office-inspector-general/report-epa-should-conduct-new-resi…

Open Recommendations

This report has 3 open recommendations.

Recommendation Number	Significant Recommendation	Recommended Questioned Costs	Recommended Funds for Better Use
2	No	$0	$0
Conduct new residual risk reviews for Group I polymers and resins that cover neoprene production, synthetic organic chemical manufacturing industry, polyether polyols production, commercial sterilizers, and hospital sterilizers using the new risk values for chloroprene and ethylene oxide and revise the corresponding National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, as needed.
3	No	$0	$0
Revise National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for chemical manufacturing area sources to regulate ethylene oxide and conduct a residual risk review to ensure that the public is not exposed to unacceptable risks.
4	No	$0	$0
Conduct overdue technology reviews for Group I polymers and resins that cover neoprene production, synthetic organic chemical manufacturing industry, commercial sterilizers, hospital sterilizers, and chemical manufacturing area sources, which are required to be completed at least every eight years by the Clean Air Act.