Proposed National Action Plan for Hexachlorobenzene; Notice of Availability and Solication of Public Comment

EPA has developed a draft National Action Plan to promote further voluntary reductions of releases and exposure to Hexachlorobenzene (HCB). This Notice announces the availability of the draft HCB National Action Plan for public review and comment. Hexachlorobenzene is currently formed as an inadvertent by-product at trace levels in the production of chlorinated solvents, pesticides, and in other chlorinated processes. This chemical is a persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic halogenated compound that persists in the environment and bioaccumulates in animal tissue. It is considered a probable human carcinogen and is toxic by all routes of exposure. The general population appears to be exposed to very low concentrations of HCB, primarily through ingestion of meat, dairy products, poultry and fish. The strategic approach of the Agency, therefore, will involve voluntary initiatives to reduce releases and minimize media transfers, collect information to verify sources and sinks, and increase involvement with and assistance to international groups and other countries to reduce atmospheric deposition in the United States. This plan was developed pursuant to the Agency's Multimedia Strategy for Priority PBT Pollutants.