Toxic Chemicals

Excerpted from the American Sustainable Business Council on Toxic Chemicals:

Today’s business leaders are concerned about the health and business impacts that could arise if the products they use or sell contain toxic chemicals, as well as the toxic chemical exposures that may occur as a result of their supply chains.

Yet, by themselves, downstream users of chemicals can only make but a small dent in a huge problem.  Due to a lack of data, businesses are often unable to identify the chemicals in their products, what hazards they may pose and whether safer alternatives are on the market.  The result is a serious market barrier to the development and use of safer chemicals and products.

The main federal law that ensures the safety of chemicals has not changed since 1976, and there is a strong business case for comprehensive TSCA reform including:

• Leveling the playing field, by requiring existing chemicals to meet the same testing requirements as new chemicals.
• Expanding markets for safer and greener products.
• Creating a more predictable regulatory system.
• Reducing the costs and risks, especially product liability (for example, asbestos), associated with managing toxic chemicals in products across supply chains.
• Lowering expenses from chemically induced employee illness and enhancing productivity from improved employee health.
• Identifying the presence of chemicals of high concern in products.
• Increasing consumer confidence and trust among employees, communities, and investors, leading to a more positive business environment.
• Improving transparency and communication throughout the supply chain, leading to increased confidence for downstream users and reduced risks from supply chain interruptions.
• Creating a more competitive, innovative and economically sustainable chemical industry in the U.S.

Click here to learn more and take action.