It is entirely appropriate to consider how REACH may influence reconsideration of the U.S. chemical regulatory environment, and the report provides some critical insights. But REACH is not the only consideration — Canada’s Chemical Management Plan should be considered as well. Further, REACH should be considered from a practitioner’s, not an academic’s, perspective to learn lessons relevant to U.S. chemicals management 

The Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) database of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stirred debate for years. EPA has vowed to reform its ways, and soon may be strongly urged to do so, as a result of an underway review mandated by Congress. Specifically, the measure directs the National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to review certain IRIS assessments. This article describes IRIS and the process underway to restore IRIS dossiers to credible sources of hazard information.

In July, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) released proposed Safer Consumer Products regulations, the newest iteration of the much-anticipated regulatory implementation of the state’s Green Chemistry Initiative.

The dual national goals of reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil and greening the economy converge in biobased chemicals, the promising and rapidly evolving field of technology that produces commercial chemicals from renewable feedstocks. Although biobased chemicals have a long history, increasing sensitivity to reliance on nonrenewable feedstocks and the environmental impact of petroleum-derived chemicals have hastened the commercialization of biobased chemicals, and today they are in production as never before. According to one estimate, biobased chemicals’ share of the global chemical industry is expected to grow from 2% in 2008 to 22% by 2025. Lux Research reports that biobased chemicals capacity will double in market potential to $19.7 billion in 2016.

On August 22, 2012, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted a final rule implementing Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. This important and sweeping rule is effective for products manufactured in 2013, and the first annual reports are due May 31, 2014, and on May 31 every year thereafter. It obligates companies using minerals that might have come from conflict zones to disclose their use. Because such minerals are utilized in catalysts or directly in production, the rule will impact many industrial sectors, including chemical manufacturing, electronics, paints and coatings, and automotive. Further, as the list of “conflict” minerals expands, others industries will be brought in under the scope of the rule.

NRDC challenges EPA’s FIFRA registration of nanosilver.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has taken some bold steps recently to strengthen its authority over existing chemicals -- using its expansive, but much maligned, authority under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). TSCA is an old statute, and believed by many to be out of date. But in “repurposing” its interpretation of its TSCA authority, US EPA has confirmed that the statute is more than a paper tiger

EPA's recent proposals to apply its Significant New Use Rules (SNUR) authority under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to “articles” raises legal and policy issues, and presents challenges to EPA and industry. Here is why.

In July, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) released proposed Safer Consumer Products regulations, the newest iteration of the much anticipated regulatory implementation of California's Green Chemistry Initiative. Below is a summary of the core elements of the proposed regulations -- chemicals of concern (COC), priority products (PP), alternative analysis (AA), and regulatory responses.

The FDA issues two new draft guidance documents on nanotechnology in food substances and cosmetics.