The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced two major moves this week that could reshape chemical regulation in the country. First, the agency has opened a call for expert nominations to peer review the draft risk evaluation of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), a widely used silicone compound. Second, it is reconsidering its 2024 final rule on carbon tetrachloride after facing legal challenges.
The peer review of D4 will focus on its potential human health and environmental risks. D4 is commonly used in personal care products, lubricants, and sealants, but environmental groups have raised concerns about its persistence and bioaccumulation. By inviting technical experts to review the evaluation, the EPA aims to strengthen transparency and credibility in its risk assessment process.
Meanwhile, the decision to revisit the carbon tetrachloride rule reflects pressure from industry stakeholders and lawsuits challenging the stringency of the 2024 regulation. The EPA has said it will issue a notice-and-comment process, allowing public input before finalizing any revisions.
These steps highlight the balancing act regulators face—protecting public health while addressing industry concerns about compliance costs and feasibility. Analysts say the outcome could set important precedents for future evaluations of both legacy chemicals and emerging substances.
For manufacturers and downstream users, the message is clear: regulatory uncertainty will remain high, and companies will need to closely monitor EPA’s evolving chemical policies to ensure compliance and adapt their operations accordingly.