Risk Management for n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP)
Below is information on EPA actions to manage the unreasonable risk from n-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) and protect public health. NMP, also known as n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, or 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, is a chemical that is widely used during the manufacture and production of petrochemicals, electronics and plastic material and resin manufacturing. NMP is used for solvent cleaning and surface treatment of metals, textiles, resins and plastics. In the commercial sector, NMP is used for producing and removing paints, coatings and adhesives. Common consumer uses include paints and coatings, glues and adhesives, paint and adhesive removers, lubricants, and automotive care products.
On this page:
On other pages:
- Learn how EPA manages unreasonable risks from chemicals currently on the market.
- View a list of all chemicals undergoing risk evaluation, including docket numbers and agency points of contact.
Managing Risks from NMP
In December 2022, EPA released a final revised risk determination for NMP. The final revisions to the risk determination were made in accordance with the path forward for the first 10 risk evaluations under TSCA laid out by EPA in June 2021. The final revised risk determination is based on NMP as a whole chemical substance and does not assume that all workers exposed to NMP are always provided or appropriately wear personal protective equipment. The consideration of information on use of personal protective equipment, engineering controls, and other ways industry protects its workers as potential ways to address unreasonable risks will be part of the risk management process.
In the final revised risk determination, EPA determined that NMP presents an unreasonable risk of injury to human health under its conditions of use.
The next step in the process is for EPA to propose and take public comments on risk management actions to address the unreasonable risk identified in the risk evaluation, as updated by the final revised risk determination. There are several actions EPA could take to address the unreasonable risk, including regulations to prohibit or limit the manufacture, processing, distribution in the marketplace, commercial use, or disposal of this chemical substance, as applicable. EPA is now in the process of writing a proposed rule to take action to regulate NMP so that it no longer presents an unreasonable risk to health.
Opportunities for Public and Stakeholder Engagement
There will be additional opportunities for public and stakeholder engagement as EPA works through the risk management process for this chemical. Just like the risk evaluation process, there will also be opportunities for public comment as EPA works to propose and finalize risk management actions for the conditions of use of NMP that EPA has determined present an unreasonable risk.
- View a list of all public and stakeholder engagement opportunities related to risk management.
- You can reach out to the EPA point of contact for this chemical, listed at the top right of this page, for more information or to schedule a one-on-one meeting.
- You can also stay informed by signing for our email alerts or checking the public docket at EPA-HQ-OPPT-2020-0744 at www.regulations.gov.
Past Meetings, Webinars, and Other Engagement Opportunities
EPA held environmental justice consultations regarding the development of risk management actions for NMP on July 7, 2021, and July 13, 2021. These consultation sessions provided an overview of the TSCA risk management requirements, the findings from the final risk evaluations, the tools available to manage the unreasonable risks from NMP, and an opportunity for input on environmental justice concerns. The environmental justice consultation period will extend through August 27, 2021. View materials from the consultation sessions.
On February 24, 2021, EPA held a public webinar on risk management process under TSCA and the findings in the 2020 risk evaluation for NMP.