ChemFORWARD Updates Chemical Hazard Repository to Align With EPA's SCIL 2024 Revisions
DURHAM, NC - February 21, 2025 - ChemFORWARD has updated its Chemical Hazard Data Trust to reflect the recent changes to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Safer Chemical Ingredients List (SCIL).
The SCIL, a key resource for manufacturers seeking safer chemicals primarily in the cleaning sector, underwent significant revisions in 2024 to enhance transparency and better reflect the current state of the science. These updates included the addition of 27 chemicals, the removal of fragrances, and adjustments to the status of 23 existing chemicals.
ChemFORWARD's Chemical Hazard Data Trust houses Chemical Hazard Assessments (CHAs). These assessments are conducted by qualified toxicology firms using a Globally Harmonized (GHS) based methodology and are peer-reviewed by independent experts, ensuring their accuracy and reliability. In addition to CHAs commissioned specifically for the ChemFORWARD platform, ChemFORWARD also reports Hazard Bands for chemicals that are listed on the EPA SCIL list via “proxy” scores.
SCIL assessments are conducted by a third-party toxicology firm, similar to ChemFORWARD, and are subsequently submitted to the Safer Choice Program for thorough review to ensure compliance with the Safer Choice Criteria and quality standards. While the SCIL list is designed to help manufacturers find safer chemical alternatives that meet the criteria of the Safer Choice Program, the SCIL does not offer detailed human health or environmental endpoint-specific information or classifications. Safer Choice functional-use class criteria can vary, which may limit the applicability of SCIL-ratings to other sectors or use-cases. ChemFORWARD is thus prioritizing commissioning full CHAs on “Green Half-Circle” and “Yellow Triangle” chemicals to provide more comprehensive hazard profiles and identify strong leads for safer alternatives across other sectors.
Summary of Key Changes to the ChemFORWARD Repository based on the SCIL Updates
The analysis conducted by Gabby Rigutto, ChemFORWARD’s Research and Data Quality Specialist highlights the key changes.
Addition of new chemicals to SCIL: ChemFORWARD has added 27 Hazard Bands to chemicals previously assigned “?” based on their updated SCIL classifications. These include 16 chemicals with a B Hazard Band due to a "Full Green Circle" SCIL rating, indicating low concern for human health and the environment, and 10 chemicals with a C Hazard Band due to "Green Half-Circle" SCIL rating, suggesting they are expected to be of low concern based on available data.
Reclassification of existing chemicals: ChemFORWARD has updated the Hazard Bands of 23 chemicals previously assigned a SCIL proxy score in its repository to align with their revised SCIL classifications. This includes reclassification of 20 solvents from "Full Green Circle" or "Yellow Triangle" to "Green Half-Circle" and one solvent, propyl acetate, from "Full Green Circle" to "Yellow Triangle." Additionally, ChemFORWARD has updated the status of ethyl lactate to reflect its delisting from SCIL; however, a Hazard Band update was not required (see below). This chemical, previously rated as "Green Half-Circle," has been demoted to a "Grey Square" and may not be acceptable for use in Safer Choice-labeled products.
Removal of fragrances: Following SCIL's removal of fragrances, ChemFORWARD has removed the proxy-scores for 22 fragrance chemicals in its repository. These chemicals now have a "?" hazard band, indicating the need for further assessment.
Specifics can be found in this detailed memo.
ChemFORWARD CHAs: Leading the Way in Chemical Hazard Assessment
Importantly, in several instances, ChemFORWARD's CHAs have preempted SCIL listings (or changes made to the listings), demonstrating the platform's proactive approach to chemical hazard assessment. For example, ChemFORWARD had already assigned a "C" hazard band to methyl acetate, which was later added to the SCIL's Yellow Triangle list. Similarly, ChemFORWARD's assessment of ethyl lactate, which was delisted from SCIL, aligned with its "D" hazard band, indicating it is not considered safer chemistry. These examples showcase how ChemFORWARD's comprehensive assessments can provide early insights into emerging chemical hazards and inform product certification eligibility for programs like EPA's Safer Choice.
ChemFORWARD remains committed to providing accurate and up-to-date chemical hazard assessments, supporting manufacturers in making informed decisions about safer chemical alternatives. Moreover, it is critical to protect this high-quality, shared data resource. We call on the US EPA Safer Choice program to become a partner in the non-profit, science-based chemical hazard data trust to protect and grow its visionary program.
Related News: ChemFORWARD Implements New Maintenance Process for Chemical Hazard Data
About ChemFORWARD
ChemFORWARD is a science-based, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing safer chemistry through the development and dissemination of high-quality CHAs. Its Chemical Hazard Data Trust serves as a valuable resource for various industries, including consumer electronics, beauty and personal care, and plastic additives.
