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Background
OEHHA is the lead agency for implementation of Proposition 65. The CIC advises and assists OEHHA in compiling the list of chemicals known to the state to cause cancer within the meaning of the Act, as required by Proposition 65 (Health and Safety Code section 25249.8.). The CIC serves as the state’s qualified experts for determining whether a chemical has been clearly shown through scientifically valid testing according to generally accepted principles to cause cancer within the meaning of the Act (Health and Safety Code section 25249.8.).
A request for relevant information on the potential carcinogenicity of this chemical opened on July 7, 2023 and closed on September 18, 2023. Two submissions were received and are posted on the OEHHA website. OEHHA considered these submissions in preparing the hazard identification document.
In October 2024, California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) announced a forthcoming Carcinogen Identification Committee (CIC) meeting on December 19, 2024. The meeting will evaluate whether Vinyl Acetate should be classified as a carcinogen under Proposition 65, the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. OEHHA is accepting public comments on this issue until November 18, 2024.
Vinyl Acetate
CAS Number: 108-05-4
Synonym
Acetic acid vinyl ester; Acetic acid ethenyl ester; 1-acetoxyethylene; Ethenyl acetate; Ethenyl ethanoate; NSC 8404; VAC; VAM; Vinyl acetate monomer; Vinyl ethanoate; VYAC; Zeset t
Occurrence/Use
Precursor to polyvinyl acetate (polymer) and polyvinyl alcohol; chemical synthesis, production of resins, adhesives, paints, coatings, safety glass, packaging, acrylic fibers; component of tobacco smoke
Vinyl Acetate: A Widespread Utility with Underlying Risks
Vinyl Acetate, a chemical used in various industrial and consumer products, such as adhesives, paints, and food additives, has raised health concerns. Exposure can come from multiple sources including air pollution, cigarette smoke, and food packaging, potentially impacting public health through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact.
Studies have linked Vinyl Acetate exposure to an increased risk of breast cancer in women and tumor development in animals. These findings have prompted heightened scrutiny of Vinyl Acetate’s safety to protect public health.
Public Meeting and Public Comment Period
Vinyl acetate will be considered for possible listing under Proposition 65 for cancer, at a public meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 19, 2024. This meeting will be held in Sacramento and online, with the option of participating in person or via the internet. Participate in person at Sierra Hearing Room 1001 I St., Sacramento, CA or register online to participate via Zoom webinar. The meeting will begin at 10:00 am and last until all business is conducted or until 5:00 pm.
The meeting agenda and detailed instructions for providing oral comment will be provided in a future public notice published in advance of the meeting.
All written comments must be submitted to OEHHA by electronic submission, mail, or hand-delivery, by Monday, November 18, 2024. OEHHA strongly recommends that comments be submitted electronically through our website rather than in paper form. Alternatively, comments can be submitted in paper form, either by mail or delivered in person.
What’s Next?
The OEHHA meeting, taking place in Sacramento’s Sierra Hearing Room and via Zoom from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on December 19, 2024.