IC2's Officers
The IC2 Board of Directors recently elected the following officers:
Chair: Ken Zarker, WA Department of Ecology
Vice-Chair: Karl Palmer, CA Department of Toxics Substances Control
Secretary: Kerri Malinowski, ME Department of Environmental Protection
Treasurer: Catherine O'Dell, MN Pollution Control Agency
IC2 is privileged to have such a knowledgeable and hardworking group of leaders.
A big thank you to Beth Meer, NYS DEC, who has been the IC2 Chair for the past two years. She has been dedicated and has provided excellent leadership. Beth will continue to participate in IC2's Executive Committee throughout this year.
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 Spotlight on IC2's Chair The IC2's Board recently elected Ken Zarker from the Washington State Department of Ecology as its Chair for the next two years. Some of you may not know much about Ken, so we thought you might enjoy getting to know him. IC2: Tell us a little about yourself and your background. Ken: I am really excited for the IC2 and want to thank Beth Meer and the IC2 staff for their leadership and support for the organization. I've been actively engaged in the pollution prevention community for almost 25 years, both in Texas and now Washington State. I'm a founding member of the IC2 and have been serving as the Chair of the Governance, Outreach, and Recruitment Workgroup. It's a great Workgroup that is fundamental to the IC2. About five years ago, a group of states stepped forward to create IC2 to address the impacts of toxic chemical pollution. We work together as state environmental agencies, state health departments, local governments, and businesses to share chemical information and tools making our resources more effective. I've been fortunate to be involved with several other national organizations and hope to use this experience to support the IC2 in the next few years. I've had the opportunity to serve on several boards and committees, including the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) Cross Media Committee, the Green Chemistry in Commerce Council (GC3), and the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC). I'm also Acting Director of Northwest Green Chemistry. IC2: What is your job at the Washington Department of Ecology? Ken: My most recent focus has been on state chemicals policy to help advance alternatives assessment and green chemistry. I'm a Section Manager of a group of about 25 staff that work in our hazardous waste management, pollution prevention planning, sustainability, and green chemistry programs. IC2: What is your involvement in promotion of safer alternatives? Ken: It's been a growing area over the past several years. Simply put, an alternatives assessment is a process for identifying, comparing, and selecting safer alternatives to chemicals of concern. Last year, the IC2 published its Alternatives Assessment Guide as a national set of guidelines to give both government and business a workable framework to evaluate, assess, and implement alternatives. WA DoE led a collaboration of eight states and facilitated extensive stakeholder engagement to create the Guide's comprehensive framework, which offers options and flexibility for conducting an alternatives assessment. The Guide is designed for industry and government programs that have the technical resources and scientific expertise to conduct an effective alternatives assessment. It offers businesses a voluntary set of criteria to follow as they work to substitute chemicals of concern in their products. It also serves as a potential regulatory model to follow when manufacturers are charged with evaluating alternatives. Developing a flexible approach to assessing alternatives is a priority for many groups across the country. Another model was released late last year by the National Academies of Sciences. That framework is based on efforts by regulatory agencies, academic institutions, businesses, and the IC2. IC2: What do you like most about your job? Ken: One of the best things about my job is the opportunity to help create a toxics-free future. To do this, we need new tools and policies to tackle the growing concern about toxics in products. Engaging with the IC2, businesses, and other organizations to promote safer alternatives is an opportunity to advance product innovation that ultimately rewards safer chemistry efforts. Our goal should be to support a smooth transition to accelerate change in the marketplace. IC2: What is your vision for the IC2 over the next two years? What do you hope it will accomplish? Ken: My vision is to help build a world class organization that is a global resource for advancing cleaner products and processes. We can do this through the strategic directives outlined by the Board and by offering high-quality services to our members. A continued focus on data and information sharing, alternatives assessment implementation, and technical training will help us leverage our limited resources. I think we also need to focus some of our efforts on branding and marketing the organization to help position ourselves as leader in the field of chemicals management. It's also important to deliver a few key projects that create value to states, businesses, and organizations. I hope to help expand this conversation with our members and appreciate the opportunity to support the IC2. IC2: What is one fun thing that most people in IC2 don't know about you? Ken: I commute on my bike to work every day--rain or shine--in the Pacific Northwest! It's a great way to start and finish the day, plus get some exercise. I'm fortunate that we have a system that provides safe and effective transportation. |
Green Chemistry Connection
Green Chemistry Connection is going national. Members can use the site to network and share information and resources. Features include:
- Discussion Forum - share comments and ideas or post questions
- Blogs - share views, expertise, and experience
- News
- Events
- Groups - connect with others interested in a green chemistry topic
- Chat - connect in real-time with others logged-in to the site
- Library - post useful information, including links to websites, publications, videos, case studies, curricula and training materials, promotional materials, resource lists, and businesses
- Member Directory
- Social Media
 - Jobs Board
Join the conversation on the site!
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Massachusetts
Four New Chemicals Designated as Higher Hazard Substances under TURA
The Massachusetts list of reportable substances (301 CMR 41.00) was amended to classify three chemicals and one chemical category as Higher Hazard Substances (HHS). The newly classified HHSs are cyanide compounds (TURA #1016), n-propyl bromide (CAS 106-94-5), dimethylformamide (CAS 68-12-2), and hydrogen fluoride (CAS 7664-39-3). The change will go into effect for chemical use in calendar year 2016. For more information on the designations, contact Rich Bizzozero, Massachusetts Office of Technical Assistance and Technology (OTA), (617) 626-1080.
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The Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse (IC2) is an association of state, local, and tribal governments that promotes a clean environment, healthy communities, and a vital economy through the development and use of safer chemicals and products.
The purpose of the IC2 E-Bulletin is to inform IC2 Members and Supporting Members and others of the activities of the Clearinghouse, its members, and related national and international programs. It is published approximately three times per year and is provided free. Funding for the E-Bulletin is provided by the IC2 membership. Previous issues are available.The IC2 is a program of the Northeast Waste Management Officials' Association (NEWMOA). NEWMOA provides management and staff support for IC2 and serves as its fiscal agent.
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If you work for an IC2 Member or Supporting Member, consider becoming active in one of the four IC2 Workgroups. These provide a great opportunity to work on critical projects and to collaborate with others that are insightful and dedicated to improving public health and the environment through the development and use of safer chemicals and products.
Alternatives Assessment Workgroup
The IC2 Alternatives Assessment Workgroup supports state and local development of alternatives assessment (AA) methods, coordinates with other organizations involved in AA activities, and makes resources, common protocols, and results available to the IC2 membership.
Database Workgroup
The IC2 Database Workgroup assesses the chemical data needs and priorities of the IC2 membership and develops IC2 data and information systems to address those priorities. The Workgroup has reviewed a variety of chemicals databases and has developed several online systems.
Governance, Outreach, & Recruitment Workgroup
The IC2 Governance, Outreach, and Recruitment Workgroup maintains the Clearinghouse's governance framework, including membership criteria, member contributions, Board structure, and overall goals and objectives. The Workgroup also leads member recruitment and outreach efforts.
Training Workgroup
The IC2 Training Workgroup plans informational and technical training sessions for the IC2 members. These trainings, in conference call and webinar formats, are presented approximately four times per year.
If you are interested in any of these groups, visit the IC2 website or write to Topher Buck.
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MembersSupporting MembersThe IC2 invites businesses, non-governmental organizations, academic researchers, consultants, and others to join the Clearinghouse. Supporting Members sign a Memorandum of Agreement demonstrating support for the principles of the Clearinghouse and provide annual dues to help fund baseline activities. All IC2 Supporting Members are eligible to participate in the IC2 Council, in IC2 Workgroups, and in webinars. For more information, contact Topher Buck, (617) 367- 8558 x309.
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Vermont
Last year Vermont enacted a law addressing toxic chemicals found in children's products. The law gives the Vermont Department of Health the authority to identify Chemicals of High Concern to Children. Act 188, relating to the regulation of toxic substances (2014), establishes a reporting protocol for manufactures who use certain chemicals in children's products. Beginning July 1, 2016, manufacturers that use chemicals designated by the State of Vermont as Chemicals of High Concern to Children, must disclose information about these chemicals to the Department of Health . "Chemical of high concern to children" means a chemical listed under the law or designated by the Department of Health as a chemical of high concern by rule. Vermont has published a List of Chemicals of High Concern to Children (available in PDF and Excel formats). The list is organized by chemical name and Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) registry number.
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Washington
Ecology Honors Safer Chemistry Champions
In October, the Washington State Department of Ecology honored five Washington businesses as "Safer Chemistry Champions" for their leadership in reducing the use of toxic chemicals and finding safer alternatives. The awards were presented during the Northwest Green Chemistry Roundtable. The winners were:
WaferTech LLC - This Camas semiconductor manufacturer reduced its hazardous waste generation by 94 percent over the past 10 years.
Redhook Ale Brewery - The popular Woodinville craft brewer replaced its steel bottling line with a plastic system, reducing its use of water and the surfactant used as a lubricant, cutting its use of antimicrobial disinfectants, and eliminating the chemicals needed to treat wastewater.
Eco Chemical - A Seattle-based specialty coatings manufacturer, Eco Chemical makes water-based, low-VOC, nontoxic paints and coatings for the treated wood industry and athletic fields.
Earth Friendly Products - This Company's Lacey facility manufactures a range of cleaning and household products that are free of formaldehyde, phosphates, caustics, chlorine bleach, and other toxics.
Floral Soil Solutions - This new Everett Company developed a bio-based alternative to the green petroleum- based foam florists typically use to hold flower arrangements. Floral Soil is made out of algae and coconut husks and is entirely compostable.
Ecology Releases Washington-specific AA Guide
The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) has formulated a state-specific alternatives assessment (AA) guidance document based upon the IC2's AA Guide (IC2 Guide). After completion of the IC2 Guide, Ecology assembled a group of stakeholders to work on a Washington-specific guide for small and medium businesses with limited resources and technical expertise. After several meetings and comments on draft versions, Ecology recently completed and published the Washington Guide (WA Guide). The WA Guide parallels the IC2 Guide closely and calls upon the IC2 Guide for much of the details on how to conduct an AA. The WA Guide requires implementation of the four recommended modules (i.e., hazard, performance, cost and availability, and exposure) and the Sequential Framework identified in the IC2 Guide. It emphasizes that an AA is a hazard-based approach and requires the hazard module to be done first in any AA. The WA Guide deviates slightly from the IC2 Guide, however, as it allows the assessor to decide which of the remaining modules should be done next. The Guide also encourages assessors to do more than the minimum AA and to include other considerations, such as life cycle, materials management, and social impact issues in their AA. It also allows other frameworks to be used as long as the requirements identified in the IC2 Guide are met. The WA Guide emphasizes the flexibility inherent in the IC2 Guide, while providing more detailed guidance for smaller companies less familiar with the AA process.
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Supporting Member Updates
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The field of alternatives assessment has grown significantly over the last decade because of increasing regulatory, marketplace, and consumer demands to substitute chemicals of concern in consumer products and manufacturing processes. This two-day international symposium will provide a collegial forum for governmental agency staff, university researchers, industry sustainability professionals, and advocates to:
- Understand gaps in knowledge and methods confronting the use of alternatives assessment;
- Identify elements of a research agenda for alternatives assessment and a process for moving it forward; and
- Advance and support the growing community of practice for alternatives assessment.
The symposium will include a discussion about the needs and opportunities to advance alternatives assessment by a panel of U.S. federal agency leaders including:
- Linda Birnbaum, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
- John Howard, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
- Jim Jones, Environmental Protection Agency
- David Michaels, Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Space is limited, so don't wait to register.
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Business-NGO Working Group (BizNGO)
New Tool Measures Corporate Progress towards Safer Chemicals
A group of corporate and NGO leaders have developed a new tool for assessing leadership in corporate chemicals management. The Chemical Footprint Project (CFP) provides the first-ever common metric of its kind for publicly benchmarking corporate chemicals management and profiling leadership companies. Many business leaders are moving to avoid chemicals of high concern to human health or the environment in their products and supply chains. They are meeting the needs of customers, large and small, that are concerned with toxic chemicals in products. In addition, socially responsible investment firms can use the new tool to evaluate companies on their chemical management. For more information, visit: http://chemicalfootprint.org. |
EcoValuate
Alternatives Analysis Software Tool - Beta Testing
Beta testing begins early this year on the EcoValuate alternatives analysis software tool. The software is designed to help users visually compare multiple alternatives when greening their products or conducting any other type of environmental, economic, and/or social impact assessment. The tool is highly customizable, yet is also populated with evaluation criteria and categories identified in guidance and best practices for conducting alternatives assessments. The software assists in project management, decision-making, innovation, and communication of complex information. For further information on the tool or to become a beta tester, contact Joanna Malaczynski.
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Oregon Environmental Council (OEC)
Expanding Oregon's Advantage in Sustainable Chemistry & Materials
The Oregon Environmental Council (OEC) released a Report in December, "Inspired Innovation: Expanding Oregon's Advantage in Sustainable Chemistry and Materials", that presents a plan for "strategic investments by Oregon's public and private sectors in the next five years ... to foster innovation and generate significant value for new and existing businesses in Oregon." The plan outlines five actions, including increasing funding for strategic initiatives, particularly education and research; raising awareness among decision-makers about green chemistry; forging strategic partnerships, particularly between the business and research communities; reforming relevant revenue streams; and strengthening demand through public procurement of safer, less hazardous products.
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Green Chemistry & Chemical Stewardship Certificate
The University of Washington Professional & Continuing Education online Certificate in Green Chemistry & Chemical Stewardship is now open for enrollment. There will be three online courses in the certificate, but participants can sign up for a single course on a space-available basis:
January 5 - March 13, 2015: Sustainability, Toxicology, and Human Health
March 30 - June 5, 2015: Principles of Green Chemistry
June 22 - August 28, 2015: Assessment Tools for Safer Chemical Decisions
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The Business Case for Knowing Chemicals in Products and Supply Chains
A webinar presented by Clean Production Action & the American Sustainable Business Council
Tuesday, February 10th, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
Mark Rossi, Co-Director, Clean Production Action, and Kevin Munn, Programme Officer, UNEP
Consumers, retailers, and brands all want to know more, driving companies to disclose information about the hazardous chemicals in their products and to make safer choices. A new report, The Business Case for Knowing Chemicals in Products and Supply Chains, highlights the benefits to companies when they invest in an "active strategy" for chemicals management, one in which they proactively manage the chemicals in their products and supply chains to stay ahead of regulatory and market demands. More information and registration
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Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Institute
Webinar: Identifying Safer Solvents Using Hansen Solubility Parameters
Friday, February 20, 2015
10:00 - 11:00 AM EST
Understanding solubility is fundamental to dealing with the safety implications of chemicals and their replacements. A safe plasticizer is no use if it is not compatible with the polymer. A safe solvent replacement is no use if its solubility properties are very different. A safe dispersing agent is no use if it cannot compatabilise. The Hansen Solubility Parameter approach to all such problems is tried and tested, and using the HSPiP software package makes it easy to address complex solubility problems for safety and formulation purposes. Professor Steven Abbott, one of the authors of HSPiP, will present this webinar using the software to show some of it and to address common applications like finding a solvent blend to replace a current solvent, identifying plasticizers that are more compatible with a given polymer, using smart "read-across" between chemicals, and making rational choices about protective gloves. There will be time for an on-line Q&A session. Registration
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Modern Toxicology Workshop Sponsored by Northwest Green Chemistry & MoDRN
Join Northwest Green Chemistry and the Molecular Design Research Network (MoDRN) on April 23 - 24 in Troutdale, Oregon for a two-day workshop, Design of Safer Chemicals and Products: the Nexus of Toxicology and Chemistry. The workshop aims to introduce chemists, toxicologists, and material scientists engaged in material selection and product design to systematic decision making about design and selection of safer commercial chemicals. Registration.
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NPPR Safer Chemistry Challenge Program
The National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NPPR) 2025 Safer Chemistry Challenge Program (SCCP) is designed to motivate, challenge, and reward facilities that reduce the use of chemicals, especially hazardous chemicals, through source reduction measures. As part of this program, companies are encouraged to partner with state and local technical assistance programs. Join by taking the steps to participating in the challenge program.
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Rule to Protect Consumers from Harmful Chemicals Found in Homes & Schools
EPA has taken action to protect consumers from new uses and imports of Toluene Diisocyanates (TDI). These chemicals are widely used in residual amounts in the production of polyurethanes and consumer products. Diisocyanates are well known dermal and inhalation sensitizers in the workplace and can cause asthma, lung damage, and in severe cases, death. EPA's proposed decision would give the Agency the opportunity to evaluate and if necessary, to take action to prohibit or limit the use of the chemicals at greater than 0.1 percent in coatings, adhesives, elastomers, binders, and sealants in consumer products, including imported consumer products. For all other uses in consumer products, EPA would have the opportunity to evaluate the use of the chemicals at any level.
EPA's action, a Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), would require manufacturers (including importers) to notify EPA at least 90 days before starting or resuming these new uses in consumer products. EPA would then have the opportunity to evaluate the intended use of the chemicals and, if necessary, take action to prohibit or limit the activity. For additional information on the proposed SNUR on TDI and related compounds, visit: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/index.html.
EPA has issued SNURs to protect the public from certain chemicals, including the following:
- Most uses of certain benzidine-based dyes, which can be used in textiles, paints, and inks and can be converted in the body into a chemical that is known to cause cancer;
- Most uses of the phthalate DnPP, which can be used in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics and has been shown to cause developmental and/or reproductive effects in laboratory animals; and
- Alkanes C12-13, chloro, short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCP), which can be used as industrial lubricants; are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic to aquatic organisms at low concentrations; and can be transported globally in the environment.
Some of these chemicals have previously been used in consumer products but are not used in the market today. These SNURs allow EPA to review any efforts by manufacturers, including importers, to introduce these chemicals into the market and take appropriate action to ensure that human health and the environment are protected.
For more information, visit: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/managechemrisk.html#current.
Fact sheet on benzidine-based dyes: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/actionplans/benzidinefaq.html.
Fact sheet on DnPP: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/actionplans/dnppfaq.html
Fact sheet on Alkanes: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/actionplans/sccpsfaq.html
EPA is further evaluating related medium-chain (MCCPs) and long-chain chlorinated paraffins (LCCPs) as part of the TSCA Work Plan for Chemical Assessments.
EPA has added several phthalates to the TSCA Work Plan for Chemical Assessments. If a TSCA Work Plan assessment indicates a potential risk, the Agency would determine if risk reduction actions should be taken.
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Updated DfE Flame Retardant Assessment
EPA has released an updated draft of the Report "Partnership to Evaluate Flame Retardants in Printed Circuit Boards" for public comment. The draft Report was first released in 2008 and is being released for a second public comment period because of a large amount of information that was added. This timing created the need for updated hazard profiles that align with the 2011 Design for the Environment (DfE) Hazard Assessment criteria. This new draft assessment provides updated human health and environmental information for flame retardant alternatives for circuit boards that contain tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA). The Report describes combustion by-products from burning printed circuit boards at temperatures simulating uncontrolled recycling or incineration. In parallel with this draft assessment, industry trade groups tested alternative non-halogenated flame retardants and found that they function equally as well as TBBPA-based circuit boards for certain products.
The updated draft Report can be found at http://epa.gov/dfe/pubs/projects/pcb. Comments are due by February 15, 2015 to regulations.gov, docket number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2014-0893.
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Restrictions on PFOA & Similar Chemicals
The EPA has proposed measures to ensure that perfluorinated chemicals (PFOA) that have been phased out do not re-enter the marketplace without review. EPA has taken several actions since 2006, including reaching an agreement with companies to phase-out the chemicals by the end of 2015. Participating companies are on track to phase-out the chemicals by the end of the year and have successfully developed over 150 alternatives.
These chemicals are used in a wide range of industrial applications and consumer goods, including cleaners, textiles, carpet, leather, paper and paints, fire-fighting foams, and wire insulation. They are toxic, persist in the environment, and can accumulate in people and animals.
EPA has proposed a Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) for Long-Chain Perfluoroalkyl Carboxylate chemicals in part in anticipation of this 2015 phase-out deadline. In 2013, EPA issued a final Significant New Use Rule for use of perfluorinated chemicals in carpets and carpet aftercare products. EPA has also issued other SNURs on perfluorinated chemicals, including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFAS) that were voluntarily phased-out of production.
The Agency's proposal requires that anyone who intends to import these perfluorinated chemicals, including in products, or domestically produce or process these chemicals for any new use submit a notification to EPA at least 90 days before beginning the activity. This notice will provide the Agency with an opportunity to evaluate the new use and, if necessary, take action to prohibit or limit the activity.
For information on the proposed rule, visit: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/actionplans/pfcs.html.
For information on progress on the 2010/2015 PFOA Stewardship Program, visit: http://epa.gov/oppt/pfoa/pubs/stewardship/index.html.
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Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse (IC2)
129 Portland Street, Suite 602
Boston, MA 02114-2014
617-367-8558 x309
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