Abstract:This article analyses the role of different kinds of information for minimizing or eliminating the risks due to the production, use, and disposal of chemical substances and contrasts it with present and planned (informational) regulation in the United States and the European Union, respectively. Some commentators who are disillusioned with regulatory approaches have argued that informational tools should supplant mandatory regulatory measures unflatteringly described as ''command and control.'' Critics of this… Show more
“…The act does not require comprehensive environmental or health data on new chemicals prior to their introduction in the market, and the burden of proof to demonstrate health or environmental hazards rests with the EPA. 31 Two events in the 1970s were key to early concerns about chemical flame retardants. In 1973 bags of the flame retardant polybrominated biphenyls were inadvertently mixed with animal feed in Michigan, resulting in the widespread contamination of millions of farm animals and residents who consumed contaminated meat and milk or worked on contaminated farms.…”
Flame retardant chemicals, used in many furniture and electronic products to slow combustion, are an example of science and policy problems related to chemical usage. Drawing on a literature review and interviews with stakeholders, we argue that early warnings of the health hazards some flame retardants pose were not heeded as their use expanded to different products. Continued use of flame retardants coincides with their increased presence in people and adverse human health effects. We recommend policy changes applicable to oversight of chemicals in general: examining classes of chemicals rather than individual ones, assessing alternative methods and materials, product labeling, and stronger regulation.
“…The act does not require comprehensive environmental or health data on new chemicals prior to their introduction in the market, and the burden of proof to demonstrate health or environmental hazards rests with the EPA. 31 Two events in the 1970s were key to early concerns about chemical flame retardants. In 1973 bags of the flame retardant polybrominated biphenyls were inadvertently mixed with animal feed in Michigan, resulting in the widespread contamination of millions of farm animals and residents who consumed contaminated meat and milk or worked on contaminated farms.…”
Flame retardant chemicals, used in many furniture and electronic products to slow combustion, are an example of science and policy problems related to chemical usage. Drawing on a literature review and interviews with stakeholders, we argue that early warnings of the health hazards some flame retardants pose were not heeded as their use expanded to different products. Continued use of flame retardants coincides with their increased presence in people and adverse human health effects. We recommend policy changes applicable to oversight of chemicals in general: examining classes of chemicals rather than individual ones, assessing alternative methods and materials, product labeling, and stronger regulation.
“…These types of information are potentially helpful in identifying and reducing the risks of hazardous chemicals (Koch and Ashford, 2006). Similarly, the alternatives assessment methodology used for this study includes the collection and analysis of many different types of information.…”
Section: Phase III E Alternatives Assessmentmentioning
a b s t r a c tIn 2006 the Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Institute conducted a study to determine if states could identify safer alternatives to five chemicals of concern. The chemicals investigated included di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), formaldehyde, hexavalent chromium, lead and perchloroethylene. First, the Institute developed a methodology for assessing alternatives to these five chemicals that allowed it to quickly determine priority uses and alternatives to assess and to research the pertinent decision criteria, which included performance, technical, financial environmental and human health parameters. The methodology included important feedback from stakeholders in the state, which helped to focus and enhance the value of the work. Second, the Institute implemented the methodology over a ten month period. Based on the activities conducted by the Institute, safer alternatives were identified for each of the priority uses associated with the five chemicals studied. This report summarizes the methodology employed and provides examples of the results for one of the five chemicals, namely DEHP. The experience of the Institute and the information contained in this report indicates that alternatives assessment was a useful approach to organizing and evaluating information about chemicals and alternatives.Published by Elsevier Ltd.
“…Ashford and Koch argue for the use of innovation forcing informational policies in conjunction with complementary regulatory mechanisms to ensure that all risks due to production, use, and disposal of chemical substances are considered. Worker health and safety usually are not an integral part of these policies (Koch and Ashford, 2006).…”
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