California has extended the comment period on its proposal to list spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation, containing unreacted methylene diphenyl diisocyanates (MDI), as a priority product under the Safer Consumer Products (SCP) programme.

Following extension requests from more than a dozen chemical manufacturers and polyurethane producers, the state’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) will now accept comments until 6 June. A hearing remains slated for 16 May – the original consultation closing date.

The SCP programme aims to reduce human and environmental exposures to substances of concern in consumer products.

In its consultation on MDI in SPF, the DTSC is requesting that manufacturers address two questions:

• is this chemical necessary?
• is there a safer alternative?

The department’s effort to designate the product chemical pair as an inaugural priority product under the SCP is expected to meet heavy opposition. The American Chemistry Council was among organisations to immediately speak out against the proposal, when the agency signalled its intent to move forward with it.

https://chemicalwatch.com/55620/california-extends-spray-polyurethane-foam-consultation