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ARTICLE · 06 OCTOBER 2025

EPA Releases Draft Risk Evaluation For Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane

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On 17 September 2025, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a draft risk evaluation for octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4).

United StatesEnvironment
K&L Gates
K&L Gates
Neil Scott
Neil Scott

On 17 September 2025, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a draft risk evaluation for octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4). Although EPA risk evaluations are based on theoretical and conservatively modeled conditions that are often criticized, the draft evaluation demonstrates a shift in the EPA's position as it relates to D4. For the first time, the agency has concluded that D4 may pose an unreasonable risk to human health and the environment under certain circumstances. The EPA found that D4—a chemical precursor widely used to produce various silicone chemicals and an ingredient in certain personal care products—presents unreasonable risk to human health via several potential exposure pathways that are covered under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Key findings include:

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