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CHEMICALS POLICY

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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.