Toxics use reduction
Encyclopedia
Toxics use reduction is an approach to pollution
prevention that targets and measures reductions in the upfront use of toxic materials. Toxics use reduction emphasizes the more preventive aspects of source reduction but, due to its emphasis on toxic chemical inputs, has been opposed more vigorously by chemical manufacturers.
In the United States, toxics use reduction programs were set up by some state legislatures during the early 1990s, e.g., Massachusetts, New Jersey and Oregon. Program elements may include mandatory reporting of toxic chemical use, reduction planning requirements, research and technical assistance. In the mid-1990s, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
considered toxics use reporting or materials accounting as an expansion of public right-to-know on toxic chemical use. The agency issued an advanced notice of proposed rule making in 1996 , though toxics use reporting was not adopted.
In Europe
, attention to toxics use reduction may be seen in the EU's new regulatory framework (adopted 2003) for the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH).
Pollution
Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into a natural environment that causes instability, disorder, harm or discomfort to the ecosystem i.e. physical systems or living organisms. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat or light...
prevention that targets and measures reductions in the upfront use of toxic materials. Toxics use reduction emphasizes the more preventive aspects of source reduction but, due to its emphasis on toxic chemical inputs, has been opposed more vigorously by chemical manufacturers.
In the United States, toxics use reduction programs were set up by some state legislatures during the early 1990s, e.g., Massachusetts, New Jersey and Oregon. Program elements may include mandatory reporting of toxic chemical use, reduction planning requirements, research and technical assistance. In the mid-1990s, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
United States Environmental Protection Agency
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is an agency of the federal government of the United States charged with protecting human health and the environment, by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress...
considered toxics use reporting or materials accounting as an expansion of public right-to-know on toxic chemical use. The agency issued an advanced notice of proposed rule making in 1996 , though toxics use reporting was not adopted.
In Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, attention to toxics use reduction may be seen in the EU's new regulatory framework (adopted 2003) for the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH).