From Reactive Chemicals Control to Comprehensive Chemicals Policy: An Evolution and Opportunity

Abstract

The present chapter provides an overview for the improvements in chemical information, assessment, and management and emphasizes the need of comprehensive chemicals policy that leads to more sustainable chemicals, materials, and products. For many years, there has been widespread public concern about human exposure to toxic substances and the lack of information on how chemicals are used and how these exposures might affect health. It has been realized that the amount of exposure is not the only factor that produces risks but also the timing of the dose, particularly during critical windows of developmental vulnerability. During the past two decades, governments, companies, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have identified significant limitations in existing structures for chemicals assessment and management. Many large users and producers of chemicals are now interested in developing sustainability policies that call for safer chemicals and products. The field of green chemistry and prevention through design (PtD) are contributing significantly in developing more sustainable chemicals management policies. There is a need for new chemical assessment and evaluation approaches that advance the development and adoption of safer alternatives and that do not shift risks to workers.

The Architecture of Chemical Alternatives Assessment

“…The President's Cancer Panel and the Centers for Disease Control's National Conversation on Chemical Exposures both note that while synthetic chemicals have contributed to modern society, they also have significant impacts on human health . Increasingly, government agencies at the state, federal, and international levels are restricting or requiring substitution of specific chemicals of concern in particular applications and products (such as phthalates and BPA in children's products) …”