16
A Program to Reduce
Toxic Chemical Use
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we propose a program for reducing the use of toxic chemicals. This
program is an initial proposal that builds on the existing Toxics Release Inventory
(TRI) program, and utilizes lessons learned from this program; similar programs
overseas; and other U.S. state-based toxic chemical use reduction programs aimed at
reducing the impacts of toxic chemicals.
The impetus and intention behind proposing the program in this book is to spur
thinking among other professionals, especially federal-level policy makers regarding
the next level of toxic chemical use reduction, with the ultimate goal of instituting
policy updates that build on and continue the success of the TRI and other associated programs. Regardless of how successful past programs have been, to continue
progress in any field, especially those concerning public health, it is the responsibility of professionals like us to reflect on what has worked and what needs to
be changed based on the world as it has evolved. Our proposal is certainly not set
in stone; in fact, we welcome healthy discussion and suggestions on our specific
proposed program elements and what modifications, if any, would maximize the
effectiveness of the next-level U.S.-based toxic chemical use reduction program. As
this is an initial proposal to generate a new way of thinking and move toward certain
toxic chemical use reduction policy adjustments, we also recognize that if select or
even all program elements proposed in this chapter are deemed appropriate, additional refinement of details will be required as part of actual program implementation to convert these ideas on paper into actual policy. Some thoughts regarding the
additional conceptual-level steps that could be taken toward this objective to further
refine our initial thoughts over time as part of a formal program, as warranted, are
also provided as part of this chapter.
Based on an evaluation of the various existing programs that have resulted in
reducing the use of and associated exposure to toxic chemicals, we suggest that the
following objectives be used to guide the development of the next-level U.S.-based
toxic chemical use reduction program:
1. A toxic chemical use reduction program should target those chemicals that
have the greatest adverse impact.
2. Users of products containing toxic chemicals should be made aware of, and
be made responsible for obtaining the information for, the chemicals being
used, the associated concentrations in the products, and the relative risks to
235
A Program to Reduce
Toxic Chemical Use
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we propose a program for reducing the use of toxic chemicals. This
program is an initial proposal that builds on the existing Toxics Release Inventory
(TRI) program, and utilizes lessons learned from this program; similar programs
overseas; and other U.S. state-based toxic chemical use reduction programs aimed at
reducing the impacts of toxic chemicals.
The impetus and intention behind proposing the program in this book is to spur
thinking among other professionals, especially federal-level policy makers regarding
the next level of toxic chemical use reduction, with the ultimate goal of instituting
policy updates that build on and continue the success of the TRI and other associated programs. Regardless of how successful past programs have been, to continue
progress in any field, especially those concerning public health, it is the responsibility of professionals like us to reflect on what has worked and what needs to
be changed based on the world as it has evolved. Our proposal is certainly not set
in stone; in fact, we welcome healthy discussion and suggestions on our specific
proposed program elements and what modifications, if any, would maximize the
effectiveness of the next-level U.S.-based toxic chemical use reduction program. As
this is an initial proposal to generate a new way of thinking and move toward certain
toxic chemical use reduction policy adjustments, we also recognize that if select or
even all program elements proposed in this chapter are deemed appropriate, additional refinement of details will be required as part of actual program implementation to convert these ideas on paper into actual policy. Some thoughts regarding the
additional conceptual-level steps that could be taken toward this objective to further
refine our initial thoughts over time as part of a formal program, as warranted, are
also provided as part of this chapter.
Based on an evaluation of the various existing programs that have resulted in
reducing the use of and associated exposure to toxic chemicals, we suggest that the
following objectives be used to guide the development of the next-level U.S.-based
toxic chemical use reduction program:
1. A toxic chemical use reduction program should target those chemicals that
have the greatest adverse impact.
2. Users of products containing toxic chemicals should be made aware of, and
be made responsible for obtaining the information for, the chemicals being
used, the associated concentrations in the products, and the relative risks to
235