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POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

Ethylbenzene levels in Drinking Water

 

The current EPA regulation for ethylbenzene in drinking water is 30 mg/liter for 24 hours or 3 mg/liter for 10 days. The lifetime exposure to ethylbenzene is 0.7 mg/liter qualifies as not causing any harmful human effects.

 

We propose that the EPA reduces the lifetime exposure to ethylbenzene to 0.5 mg/liter to qualify as not causing any harmful human effects.

Ethylbenzene Levels in Surface Water

 

Populations that reside near water and have a diet based on marine species have a higher possibility for ethylbenzene exposure, since they are exposed by water intake and fish consumption. Consuming fish and surface water should contain no more than 0.53 mg/liter of ethylbenzene. 

 

We propose the EPA creates a lifetime exposure for fish consumption and drinking water from a body of water. In addition to a lifetime exposure limit, the EPA should regulate companies better to enforce the 0.53 mg/liter level for ethylbenzene.

Ethylbenzene levels in Workplace Air 

 

The current OSHA regulation is a legal limit of 100 ppm of ethylbenzene in average air for an 8 hour work day. This rate is particularly relevant for high risk workplaces, like gas station attendants.

 

We propose the EPA to implement stricter reporting guidelines for high risk industries with monitoring meters. A monitoring system that reads higher than the lawful limit will automatically charge the business owner with a fine. If there is continual negligence, the business will be put on a probationary period until federal regulations are met. 

Ethylbenzene levels in Food Packaging  

 

Only 2% of ethylbenzene is man-made, but almost all man-made production is used for styrene, which can be a harmful substance used for plastic packaging.

 

We propose the EPA partner with the FDA to regulate the amount of ethylbenzene in food packaging made with styrene and for canned fish foods. While the canned fish food may not be made with styrene, it could still have harmful levels of ethylbenzene based on previous recommendations. 

Ethylbenzene levels in Paint/Lacquers  

 

We propose the EPA limits the risks for skin exposure to paints, lacquers, and inks containing more than 10% ethylbenzene based on several recent European risk assessment reports. Exposure limits should be capped at 120 mg/person per day. Limiting ethylbenzene dermal risks will also reduce or mitigate other similar toxicities.

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