EPA completes risk assessment for n-methylpyrrolidone (NMP).

EPA has made more progress with its Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Work Plan with yesterday’s release of the agency’s final risk assessment for N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) or 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, a chemical commonly used in paint and coating removal products. NMP is estimated to be used at over 184 million pounds per year, in paint strippers, agricultural chemicals, electronic cleaning, and petrochemical processing. The risk assessment identifies developmental toxicity risks for pregnant women and women of child-bearing age who have high exposure to NMP, as either consumers or workers. Risks were identified for both acute and chronic exposures, although acute exposure risks could be mitigated by using chemical-resistant gloves and using NMP products for less than four hours a day.

EPA is considering a range of voluntary and regulatory actions to reduce risks from NMP exposure. This is the fifth final risk assessment completed under the TSCA Work Plan.