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EPA/OCSPP RIN: 2070-AJ46 Publication ID: Spring 2011 
Title: Mercury; Regulation of Use in Certain Products 
Abstract: Mercury is well-documented as a toxic, environmentally persistent substance that demonstrates the ability to bioaccumulate and to be atmospherically transported on a local, regional, and global scale. In addition, mercury can be environmentally transformed into methylmercury which biomagnifies and is highly toxic. EPA has conducted a preliminary analysis via the Risk-Based Prioritization of Mercury in Certain Products. By compiling data pertaining to the stated costs, advantages, and disadvantages associated with mercury-free alternatives to certain mercury-containing products, EPA made a preliminary judgment that effective and economically feasible alternatives exist. These products include switches, relays/contactors, flame sensors, button cell batteries, and measuring devices (e.g., barometers, manometers, and psychrometers/hygrometers). Therefore, EPA is evaluating whether an action (or combination of actions) under Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is appropriate for mercury used in such products. As appropriate, such an action(s) would involve a group(s) of these products. Specifically, EPA will determine whether the continued use of mercury in one or more of these products would pose an unreasonable risk to human health and the environment. 
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 
Major: Undetermined  Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined 
CFR Citation: 40 CFR 750   
Legal Authority: 15 USC 2605   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  01/00/2012    
Additional Information: SAN No. 5312
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined  Government Levels Affected: Undetermined 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses  Federalism: Undetermined 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
International Impacts: This regulatory action will be likely to have international trade and investment effects, or otherwise be of international interest.
RIN Information URL: http://www.epa.gov/mercury/  
Sectors Affected: 325188 All Other Basic Inorganic Chemical Manufacturing 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Thomas Groeneveld
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Mail Code 7404M,
Washington, DC 20460
Phone:202 566-1188
Email: groeneveld.thomas@epa.gov

Robert Courtnage
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Mail Code 7404T,
Washington, DC 20460
Phone:202 566-1081
Email: courtnage.robert@epa.gov