New Chemical Laws Could Mean Industry Changes
For the past 40 years, chemicals in the U.S. have been regulated by the Toxic Substances Control Act. Passed in 1976, this act was meant to give the Environmental Protection Agency the right to require chemical companies to provide accurate record keeping and give testing requirements for new compounds. According to the EPA, this law addressed substances such as lead-based paint and polychlorinated biphenyls. Now, lawmakers are seeking to reform the law and create stricter regulations on chemicals used in the U.S.
Problems with the old law
According to Scientific American, the TSCA granfathered in the majority of chemicals used before the law was passed. Some 62,000 chemical compounds were allowed continued use without much testing or regulation. In fact, since the inception of the law, only about 200 chemicals have been assessed and five banned. If passed, the new reforms would require testing of all chemicals currently on the market, the source reported.
What the new reform law means
American Chemistry detailed the consequences of the new law, stating that it would not only require new safety tests, but it would also improve the transparency of the process. Reporting policies and testing results won't stay behind closed doors. This could mean greater involvement of the scientific community as a whole. Moreover, the new bill will create timelines, so the involved industries and surrounding communities won't have to wait decades to see tangible changes. The hope behind the bill is that there will be more cooperation between state and federal regulators.
Environmental progress
The new bill means the scientific community will have more information than ever concerning the chemicals used every day in industrial, commercial and residential settings. Such information could be used to prevent future environmental disasters and even promote healthier habitats for humans and animals alike. Safety is now a top priority, as it should be. There are many advantages to using chemicals in modern settings, and they can improve our quality of life. Nevertheless, they must be treated with respect and scientific curiosity to ensure public safety.
As pointed out by the Environmental Defense Fund, this new reform represents a partnership between politicians on both sides of the aisle as while as industry leaders. When all parties involved recognize the need for reform and increased safety measures, everyone wins.
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About The Author
Susan Massie, Sales & Marketing Director, Greyhound Chromatography and Allied Chemicals Email: sue@greyhoundchrom.com
Susan Massie is the Sales & Marketing Director for Greyhound Chromatography and Allied Chemicals, affectionately known as 'Greyhound' in our scientific community. Greyhound was founded by Susan's husband Paul Massie more than 40 years ago, Susan hasn't been in the business for all of that time but has been involved with Greyhound for over 19 years. Greyhound continues to grow, expanding into new markets and taking on the challenges of our ever changing environment. It's heartwarming to witness the world waking up to the fact that we are damaging our planet on a daily basis. Every action we take has a direct effect on our planet and the world we leave behind for future generations. Susan is passionate about climate change and is happy to work in an industry that can have a direct effect on reducing the impact of our actions on the environment. All of the team at Greyhound take our responsibilities very seriously, the products that we supply are used by the world's leading scientists and chemists as they endeavour to monitor and repair the environment. All is not lost, if we all take responsibility for our actions, from reducing our waste and reusing or recycling our material collateral we can make a difference. The internet is full of useful advice and guidance, Susan is proud to contribute to that wealth of knowledge whenever she can.
Greyhound prides itself on personal service which provides prompt, efficient, cost-effective, safe delivery of all products. Greyhound provides technical advice and distribution of Certified Reference Standards and Materials, Laboratory Consumables, Solvents and Reagents across all scientific disciplines. Greyhound Chromatography offers over 1 Million products from its UK warehouse. The team at Greyhound are proud to support the work of the world's leading scientists and chemists as they challenge the abuse of our planet and try to make a difference to the world we leave behind for our ancestors.
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