EPA: Chemical Shouldn’t Be Regulated as Ozone Precursor

A chemical used for cleaning medical devices and electric components should no longer be regulated as a volatile organic compound under the Clean Air Act, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

The agency, in a direct final rule scheduled for publication Aug. 1, said 1,1,2,2-Tetrafluoro-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy) ethane can be exempted from the definition of volatile organic compound because it makes a “negligible contribution” to the formation of ground-level ozone. The chemical, also known as HFE-347pcf2, is used as a precision cleaning agent that is used to remove oil and contaminants from a variety of items, including jewelry, film and aircraft guidance ...