Articles

Ever read a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) press release and say to yourself or others, “Gee, why is EPA pursuing that matter – there are a lot of other more important enforcement priorities?” Well, now is your chance to help shape EPA’s 2011- 2013 fiscal years enforcement priorities. EPA launched an online discussion forum on August 31 to receive input on future priorities for EPA’s National Enforcement Program....

This article describes green nanotechnology and discusses the reasons why traditional chemicals-assessment and management approaches may not be adequate in all cases in the near term when applied to nanomaterials. It outlines the reasons why green nanotechnology may serve as an alternative approach to chemicals assessment when applied to nanomaterials and suggests some measures to advance the goals of green nanotechnology....

If the National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) had to select a song today that best reflects a typical member’s profile, it would have to be “It’s Not Easy To Be Me”. Challenged commercially by the credit crunch, escalating energy, labor, and raw material costs, squeezed by market pressures spawned by a badly damaged economy, and reeling from legal and regulatory challenges that are mushrooming exponentially, NACD members really do need red capes emblazoned with...

The growth in green marketing is getting a lot of attention these days, especially from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the federal agency tasked with preventing unfair and deceptive trade practices. Mindful of potential false and misleading advertising, FTC has been revising its Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims, known as the “Green Guides.”...

Managing any business is tough. Managing a nanotechnology (nanotech) business is tougher than most. This article briefly discusses this new and rapidly expanding field of applied science, outlines key risk management issues that companies engaged in the manufacture of nanoscale materials and nanotechnology-enabled products confront, and reviews existing and proposed governance and risk management mechanisms intended to address potential nanotechnology risks....

Earlier this year, the International Council on Nanotechnology (ICON), Houston, launched the GoodNanoGuide, which is available online. To cater to all audiences, the guide provides basic, intermediate and advanced options to choose from to contribute to or search within the online forum. This innovative approach sets a new standard for creative, interactive, Internet-based product stewardship tools. This column explains why you may want to take a look at the GoodNanoGuide and consider the...

With a new Congress in town and a new administration in charge of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), 2009 promises to be an exciting and eventful year. This “Washington Watch” column provides a summary outlook on possible directional trends and developments in the regulation of key environmental issues over the coming months and years....

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued three important Federal Register notices April 15, 2009, laying the foundation for the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP), EPA’s next major data development initiative. This article focuses on those aspects of EPA’sFederal Register notices concerning how EPA will address joint data development, cost sharing, data compensation, and data protection under the EDSP (EDSP Policy Notice)...

As you may know, twice each year the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publishes a detailed listing of all matters on which it is working. The document is referred to as the Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, and is published each spring and fall. The most recent spring issue was published on May 11, 2009....

Congress is currently focusing on a key piece of legislation to reauthorize the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS), set to expire on October 4. This may lead to measures that are more far reaching and have a more significant impact upon the chemical industry....