Isophorone is used as a solvent in the formulation of paints, varnishes, printing inks, and adhesives. It also is used as an inert ingredient in certain herbicides. It is a preferred solvent for many natural and synthetic polymers, resins, fats, and oils. Isophorone is also used as a leveling aid for polyacrylates, alkyds, epoxy, and phenol-formaldehyde resins.
Residue Tolerance Exemption
In March 2005, the panel submitted a request to amend the existing tolerance exemption for isophorone as an inert ingredient of pesticides. On August 9, 2006, EPA issued a final rule approving the panel’s request and granting the exemption for establishing a tolerance on residues of the use of isophorone as a pesticide inert on beets, ginseng, rice, spinach, sugar beets, and Swiss chard. In approving this exemption, EPA concluded with reasonable certainty that no harm will result to the general population, infants, or children from aggregate exposure to isophorone residues.
EPA Endocrine Screening Program
EPA published in June 2007, a draft list of 73 pesticide active ingredients or HPV/pesticide inert chemicals for initial Tier I screening as endocrine disruptors. As a pesticide inert chemical, isophorone is included on this list. EPA is requesting comments on the draft list by February 11, 2008. The panel is drafting a submission to EPA to address the listing of isophorone.