Chemicals Policy

Chemicals Policy

“Chemicals policy is a broad term, which encompasses a large number of elements, including:

Regulatory and voluntary measures, such as those that: obtain information on the properties and uses of chemicals substances; ensure information is transmitted to users of the chemicals; restrict certain chemicals or uses; or stimulate substitution of problem substances;

Policies within companies for determining what chemicals are used, and how they are used;

Fiscal policies, such as taxes on certain substances and financial responsibility measures;

Educational and labeling initiatives; and

Research, development, and technical support for safer chemicals and products.”

Chemicals Policy & Science Initiative, Lowell Center for Sustainable Production, University of Massachusettes, Lowell

The Local Hazardous Waste Management Program supports:

Local and State level chemicals policy reforms that:

Encourage toxic material use reduction;
Increase information availability of the chemicals in products, and related health and safety data;
Facilitate the purchasing of less toxic alternatives;
Promote green chemistry - the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances; and,
Promote extended producer responsibility for end of life management of toxics in consumer products.

EPA’s Essential Principles for Reform of Chemicals Management Legislation

Principle No. 1: Chemicals Should Be Reviewed Against Safety Standards That Are Based on Sound Science and Reflect Risk-based Criteria Protective of Human Health and the Environment;
Principle No. 2: Manufacturers Should Provide EPA With the Necessary Information to Conclude That New and Existing Chemicals Are Safe and Do Not Endanger Public Health or the Environment;
Principle No. 3: Risk Management Decisions Should Take into Account Sensitive Subpopulations, Cost, Availability of Substitutes and Other Relevant Considerations;
Principle No. 4: Manufacturers and EPA Should Assess and Act on Priority Chemicals, Both Existing and New, in a Timely Manner;
Principle No. 5: Green Chemistry Should Be Encouraged and Provisions Assuring Transparency and Public Access to Information Should Be Strengthened; and
Principle No. 6: EPA Should Be Given a Sustained Source of Funding for Implementation

LHWMP Chemicals Policy Project Areas

Northwest Product Stewardship Council’s Chemicals Policy Subcommittee (http://www.productstewardship.net/productsChemicals.html);

Promote green chemistry and chemicals policy discussions on local universities and colleges;

In partnership with local Fire Districts/Departments, create a database of business chemical inventories;

Consulting with local governments on less-toxic/green purchasing; and,

Supporting local, state, and federal chemical policy reforms legislation.