Let the public know more about chemicals Chemical industry releases bulk chemicals information

On October 31st, the American Chemical Industry Committee (ACC), the Soap and Cleaning Agents Association (SDA) and the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association (SOCMA) jointly announced that in order to increase public understanding of chemicals, the three parties will promote a Bulk chemicals expansion program (EHPV). Through the implementation of the EHPV program, the US chemical industry will release more information on the health and environmental aspects of chemicals to the public.
So-called bulk chemicals refer to chemicals that produce more than 1 million pounds per year in the United States. As early as 1998, the US chemical industry and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency jointly launched the "HPV Challenge Program." More than 400 chemical manufacturers collected safety information for 2,222 bulk chemicals, which account for over 90% of total US chemical production.
It is reported that the proposed EHPV program complements the original HPV program: First, the scope of chemicals has been expanded by 574 species. The 574 chemicals, which were originally unable to reach the threshold, have entered the threshold of bulk chemicals after years of development. The second is that the data provided by the EHPV program on safety and environment is more comprehensive. In addition, test data on the environmental protection and application of all bulk chemicals should also be provided to facilitate the environmental protection department and the public to have a deeper understanding of the chemicals.
Jack Gerard, chairman of ACC, said, “The chemical industry's implementation of the EHPV program is to enable the government, industry, and consumers to understand more about the chemicals that are produced and used every day.” According to Joseph Acker, Chairman of SOCMA, and Ernie Rosenberg, Chairman of SDA, this move will allow the public to increase their understanding of chemicals and strengthen cooperation between chemical manufacturers and relevant national agencies.
ACC, SDA and SOCMA require its members and industry manufacturers to voluntarily conduct data testing and collection of related products. It is hoped that the work will begin in 2006-2009 and the entire program will be completed in 2010. At that time, all information on the health and safety data of chemicals passed through the “HPV Challenge” and “EHPV Program” will be placed on the website of the US Environmental Protection Agency, the International Federation of Chemicals Associations, and the UN Environment Programme.