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US EPA plans to ban and limit the use of N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP)

Time：

2024-07-09

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends increasing the control and prohibition or restriction of N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP).

On June 17, 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) submitted Notice G/TBT/N/USA/2127 to the Technical Barriers to Trade Committee of the WTO, proposing to address the unreasonable risk of harm to human health caused by N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) under its usage conditions by updating the EPA's Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and increasing the control, prohibition, or restriction of NMP.

▶New material information added：

Material Name	CAS No.	EC No.	Common uses
N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP)	872-50-4	212-828-1	Manufacturing and production of electronic products such as semiconductors, plastics, petrochemical products, paints and coatings, and paint and coating removers

▶Introduction and Use of NMP：

N-methylpyrrolidone, molecular formula: C5H9NO, is a colorless and transparent oily liquid with a slight amine odor. Can be miscible with water, alcohols, ethers, esters, ketones, halogenated hydrocarbons, aromatics, and castor oil. Low volatility, good thermal and chemical stability, can evaporate with water vapor, has hygroscopicity, and is sensitive to light. NMP is a highly selective and stable polar solvent widely used in industries such as lithium batteries, polymer materials, electronics, cleaning agents, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, pigments, etc.

(1) Electronic industry

In the electronics industry, NMP is an important solvent for manufacturing electronic devices such as semiconductors, integrated circuits, and liquid crystal displays. It can dissolve electronic active materials such as metals, oxides, and polymers, thereby helping to complete processes such as electroplating, etching, and cleaning.

(2) Chemical production

In addition to the fields of electronics and medicine, NMP also has extensive applications in chemical production. It can serve as a solvent for polymerization reactions and be used to synthesize polymer materials. In addition, NMP can also serve as a diluent and solvent for products such as paints, inks, and adhesives, helping these products achieve better performance and stability.

(3) New energy research and development

With the continuous development of new energy technology, the application of NMP in the field of new energy is gradually increasing. For example, in the manufacturing process of lithium-ion batteries, NMP dissolves/swells PVDF and is used to dilute the slurry, with a concentration requirement generally above 99.9%. In addition, NMP can also be used as a cleaning agent and solvent in the manufacturing process of solar cells.

(4) Medical field

In the pharmaceutical industry, NMP also plays an important role. It is an ideal solvent for synthesizing drugs and drug intermediates, and the preparation process of some antiviral and anti-tumor drugs cannot be separated from the involvement of NMP. NMP can provide good solubility and stability, making the drug preparation process more efficient and safe.

▶New material hazards：

Irritating respiratory tract: N-methylpyrrolidone has certain toxicity. Inhalation through the nasal cavity can cause irritation to the nasal or pharyngeal mucosa, resulting in symptoms such as cough, sore throat, and sputum.

Skin damage: Long term contact with N-methylpyrrolidone can cause skin damage, resulting in symptoms such as redness, swelling, rash, and itching.

Damage to the gastrointestinal tract: If ingested accidentally, N-methylpyrrolidone can corrode the gastrointestinal tract, damage the gastrointestinal mucosa, and cause abdominal pain, bleeding, ulceration, and other conditions.

▶Draft requirements：

Regulatory action: Products containing NMP with a weight concentration below 0.1% will not be subject to prohibitions and restrictions

Prohibition of NMP manufacturing (including import), processing, commercial distribution, and industrial and commercial use for five occupational purposes
Container size limitations and labeling requirements for the manufacturing (including import), processing, and commercial distribution of NMP products for seven consumer uses
Require standardized control of seven occupational usage conditions, including exposure concentration limits and personal protective equipment;
Require specific concentration restrictions on NMP in imports, processing, and commercial distribution intended for single consumers; Establish requirements for record keeping and downstream notification.