ChemFORWARD Initiates First Pilot: Safer Plasticizers
ChemFORWARD Initiates First Pilot: Safer Plasticizers
ChemFORWARD has selected its first pilot program, assessing alternatives for ortho-phthalates of concern. Phthalates are used as plasticisers in materials from vinyl flooring to food-service gloves. The pilot will assemble a portfolio of full hazard assessments viewable in multiple hazard formats including the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals and the Cradle to Cradle Material Health Methodology. The portfolio will offer manufacturers the first repository of comparable information to make decisions about their use. The pilot also features a secure platform to access the information and a fair, equitable structure for sharing the expense of comprehensive assessments to reduce overall cost.
This portfolio aims to provide information on plasticizer alternatives that offer inherently safer chemistry and comparable performance to known hazardous ortho phthalates. Alternatives for this portfolio were selected with regard to hazard assessments, industrial performance requirements, and chemistry type. Recommendations were taken from research funded by the Washington State Department of Ecology and performed by Northwest Green Chemistry. The portfolio is expected to grow over time as suppliers propose safer alternatives. The assessments are performed by expert toxicologists and subsequently verified by outside toxicology experts to ensure that the classifications are comprehensive and based on best practices. The verification process also helps to ensure consistency and quality when multiple assessors contribute data to the platform.
Phthalates are the most widely used plasticizers, appearing in products from textiles and building supplies to electronics and glue, but some have been found to cause developmental toxicity. We expect this portfolio to provide the evidence base to help move multiple industry sectors toward safer alternatives and thereby create safer products for consumers.
The pilot represents ChemFORWARD’s first steps in not only assessing alternatives, but using a cloud-based platform to enter chemical-hazard assessment data for individual chemicals, verify the information with independent toxicologist and offer results for review in multiple formats suitable for a variety of users and industries.
Two further pilots will follow this year with an additional 18 projects scheduled for 2020. Once posted, you can gain access to the portfolio on www.chemforward.org.
