October 22, 2009
Lead - EPA responded to a stakeholder petition on lead, and agreed to revisit the current lead dust hazards standard and to work with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to modify the definition of lead-based paint in its regulations. EPA is also proposing to expand coverage of its 2008 Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule as part of its ongoing commitment to eliminate lead poisoning. The proposed rule would eliminate an exemption from the RRP rule.

October 19, 2009
EPA sent a report to Congress on mercury compounds that identifies sources of mercury compounds in the United States and reports quantities in imports, exports, and uses of these compounds in products and processes. Required by Congress under Section 4 of the Mercury Export Ban Act of 2008 (MEBA, the report also assesses the potential for key mercury compounds to be exported for reprocessing into elemental mercury.

September 29, 2009
EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson released a set of essential principles for reform of chemical management legislation to help inform efforts underway in Congress to reauthorize and significantly strengthen the effectiveness of TSCA, and announced a comprehensive approach to enhancing chemical management under existing laws. The Agency posted information on hazards posed by 100 additional high production volume (HPV) chemicals. Looking for information on existing chemicals? Check out EPA's updated existing chemicals Web site .

September 25, 2009
PCBs in Caulk - EPA has announced a series of steps building owners and school administrators should take to reduce exposure to PCBs that may be found in caulk in many buildings constructed or renovated between 1950 and 1978. The Agency is also conducting research to better understand the risks posed by caulk containing PCBs.

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September 21, 2009
Pollution Prevention Week is September 21-27 Next year is the 20th anniversary of the Pollution Prevention Act, which made P2 the option of first choice for reducing air emissions, water discharges, preventing health and environmental exposures to harmful substances, and the generation of wastes. Celebrate P2 Week with Us! -- Respond to EPA's Question of the Week, "What are you doing to reduce pollution?"

September 11, 2009
EPA is requesting comment on its proposal to require 90 days notice prior to U.S. manufacture, import or processing of elemental mercury for use in flow meters, natural gas manometers, and pyrometers. Read about the proposal.

August 26, 2009
EPA has announced a series of steps to increase protections against and raise awareness of lead-based products in our environment and communities, particularly to prevent lead poisoning in children. The steps are: additional proposed requirements to protect children from lead-based paint, a new effort to ban the manufacture of lead in tire weights, and, a lead poisoning prevention video contest, asking people to submit videos demonstrating steps that can be taken to prevent childhood lead poisoning. Create a video to help prevent lead poisoning .

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Previous announcements and recent additions.