By Ilana R. Morady, Eric E. Boyd, and Craig B. Simonsen
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Design for the Environment (DfE) program plans to post on its website in September a list of chemicals that are acceptable for use in DfE-labeled products.
EPA’s intention is that the list serve as a resource for product formulators and consumers, to increase understanding of the Safer Product Labeling Program and the types of chemicals in DfE-labeled products, and to enhance the dialogue on safer chemicals and products. EPA is compiling the list from the ingredients in DfE-labeled products, as well as from chemicals eligible for use in labeled products. Chemicals will be identified by their specific chemical name and Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) number and grouped by functional class—surfactants, solvents, etc. A color code will appear next to each chemical to indicate its safer chemical status. For instance, a green circle will appear next to chemicals that have met the DfE component-class criteria; a green/yellow square next to chemicals that have met the DfE criteria as adapted for their necessary functional characteristics, but are missing some experimental data on potential hazards; and a yellow triangle next to chemicals that have met the DfE criteria as adapted for their necessary functional characteristics, but have unresolved hazard profile issues.
EPA’s Design for the Environment Program (DfE) has allowed use of their logo on over 2,700 products. “These products are formulated from the safest possible ingredients and have increased the use of safer chemicals by hundreds of millions of pounds.”
On August 16, 2012, from noon to 1:00 eastern time, EPA will hold a webinar to provide program background and answer questions. Interested stakeholders may participate in the webinar by calling 866-299-3188, then 202-564-3821#, and going to https://epa.connectsolutions.com/dfesaferchem. Attendees are also encouraged to call or email Bridget Williams, at 202-564-8558, williams.bridget@epa.gov, if they plan to attend.