How is the use of chlorine gas regulated?
Several Federal Agencies and offices within EPA are involved with regulating the uses of chlorine gas. EPA s Office of Water regulates chlorine in drinking water supplies, in coordination with its Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), since chlorine serves as a biocide when added to drinking water. EPA s Office of Pesticide Programs also regulates occupational exposures associated with the pesticidal uses of chlorine. Some aspects of chlorine handling are also covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. EPA s Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics has regulatory authority over chlorine s non-pesticidal, chemical reactant uses (such as the manufacture of plastics). The use of chlorine gas as a food contact surface sanitizer on food, meat, or poultry processing premises and equipment is under the Food and Drug Administration s (FDA s) regulatory jurisdiction. This sharing of regulatory responsibility across offices and agencies makes coordination crucial. The Office of
