Toxics Across America map info window notes
In the information window that appears upon clicking a site “dot,” the details on up to three MTS List chemicals manufactured and/or imported at that site in the following order: Those chemicals with reported processing and use information appear first, after which chemicals are listed in order of production volume. If more than three MTS List chemicals are manufactured and/or imported at a site, their names and Chemical Abstract Services Registry Numbers (CAS #s) are listed at the bottom of the information window so the user can identify them on EPA’s website, using the link provided.
In a few cases, site location was disclosed by a company in the 2012 CDR results, but specific latitude and longitude points were not provided. To map these sites, we searched for the site address and used the most accurate latitude and longitude available. Additionally, a few sites on the map have multiple companies operating at the site. In order to display information separately for each of the companies operating at the same site, we adjusted their coordinate points slightly to separate their “dots” on the map. To view all information windows at such a site, full zoom must be used on the map. We have noted such cases in the information windows.
Entry details
Company name — As reported in the 2012 EPA Chemical Data Reporting database.
Site — Site name and address as reported in the 2012 EPA Chemical Data Reporting database.
# of MTS List chemicals at site in 2011 — Other chemicals that are not on the MTS List of chemicals may be produced/imported at the site; these are not included on the map. Clicking on the link provided to EPA’s website in the information window will provide a list of all chemicals produced/imported at a given site, not just those on the MTS List.
Chemical (CAS #) — The chemical name provided is that used in our report. Due to different naming conventions, a different name may be used for the same chemical in EPA’s database. In such cases, the CAS # is the same and provides a unique identifier that should be used for searching EPA’s database.
In our report, the entries for toluene diisocyanate (TDI), methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) are commercial mixtures or other substances for which we have combined data for multiple CAS #’s under a single CAS # and chemical name. In order to allow for translation between the chemicals listed on our map and those in EPA’s database, we have separately presented each substance’s CAS # in the information window. If a CAS number does not directly appear on our MTS List of chemicals in the report, we have denoted that the chemical is part of the TDI, MDI or SCCPs.
Hazard Concern(s) — The hazard concern(s) listed are those indicated for the substance on the MTS List. A “*” next to a hazard characteristic indicates that this CAS # is for a related substance corresponding to an entry on the MTS list of chemicals. For these substances, the hazard characteristic listed is that of the related chemicals that were the basis for their inclusion on the MTS List.
(Activity) at this site — Indicates whether a chemical was manufactured and/or imported at the site during calendar year 2011. Activity may also be listed as claimed to be confidential business information (CBI).
National Production Volume — The total reported production volume for a given chemical for 2011, aggregated across all sites of production and import.
For the following three entries in the information window, if there are multiple reported elements (e.g., uses) for a given chemical they are separated by a “/”:
- Consumer/ Commercial — Indicates whether a reported product category represents a consumer or commercial use, or both. For the purposes of the CDR, “consumer use” refers to “the use of a chemical or a mixture containing a chemical (including as part of a manufactured item, or article, such as furniture or clothing) when sold to or made available to consumers for their use.” “Commercial use” refers to “the use of a chemical or a mixture containing a chemical (including as part of an article) in a commercial enterprise, such as dry cleaning.” For more information, see page 2 of EPA’s “Fact sheet on Top Uses of Chemicals: A Snapshot of the Data”.
- Product category(ies) — Indicates any reported commercial and consumer product categories for a given chemical. Under the CDR, companies were given the option of selecting “other (specify)” if their specific product category was not listed; although these specifications were provided to EPA, they are not currently available in the online CDR database. Companies can also report product categories as either CBI or “not known or reasonably ascertainable” (NKRA), which we have so indicated.
- Used in products intended for children? — Indicates if a given chemical, for a specific consumer or commercial product category, was reported as being present in a product intended for use by children, which EPA defines to mean that the chemical is used in or on a product that is specifically intended for use by children age 14 or younger. For additional information, see section 28.19 of EPA’s FAQs on the CDR, “How is “intended for use by children” defined for purposes of CDR?”. Manufacturers and importers were also able to claim this information either CBI or “not known or reasonably ascertainable” (NKRA), which we have so indicated.