Focusing on Impact Chemicals

Successful toxic chemical use reduction programs target those chemicals that have the greatest potential toxic impact. Basing programs on total poundage of chemicals, versus a basis on toxicity, could result in reduction efforts focused on high-volume, low-toxicity releases. The program also sought to foster a P2 ethic, encouraging companies to consider and apply P2 approaches to reduce their environmental releases rather than traditional end-of-the-pipe methods for treating and disposing of chemicals in waste. The majority of the companies set measurable goals or pledges to reduce their releases and transfers of the 17 targeted chemicals, with the companies choosing which of the 17 chemicals they would reduce. Chemicals pose a quandary for the European Union. Production of chemicals is the third largest industry in Europe, employing 1.7 million people directly. The evaluation component of the program will require manufacturers or importers of chemicals to supply information on the toxicity of the chemicals.