Hazardous Waste > Pollution Prevention > Assessing the Safety of Chemical Alternatives

Assessing the Safety of Chemical Alternatives

As part of its Reducing Toxic Threats Initiative, Ecology is working to eliminate toxic chemicals by identifying safer alternatives and working with companies to replace toxic chemicals in their products.  A number of tools exist on how to assess alternatives to toxic chemicals.  Ecology has three primary tools to help with this process.

Alternatives Assessment Guidance Document
Ecology is working with seven other member states of the Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse to create an alternatives assessment guidance document.  The document will help to provide background information on what is found in and how to conduct an alternatives assessment.  Ecology is also seeking stakeholder input into this development process.  If you are interested in reviewing progress on the guidance document and providing input, more information can be found here.

Hazard Assessment Using the GreenScreen™ Methodology
After reviewing many different methods to evaluate the impacts chemicals have upon human health and the environment, Ecology selected the GreenScreenTM methodology as its primary tool to conduct a hazard assessment.  The GreenScreenTM methodology is based upon the process developed by EPA’s Design for the Environment Program.  It was developed by a non-government organization, Clean Production Action.  Ecology used this method in their alternative assessment evaluating alternatives to a specific class of brominated flame retardants and by a number of businesses to find alternatives to toxic chemicals used in their products.  More information on the GreenScreen™ can be found here.

Hazard Assessment Using the Quick Chemical Assessment Tool (QCAT)
Although the GreenScreenTM is the method selected by Ecology to conduct a hazard evaluation, concerns have been raised about its complexity and whether it can be used by small and medium companies with fewer resources and expertise.  Because of these concerns, Ecology has developed the QCAT.  Although QCAT is not intended as a replacement for the GreenScreenTM, it can prove useful to companies that find the GreenScreenTM too complicated and expensive to implement.  It can also function as an introduction to the hazard assessment process and has been used to prioritize chemicals for a more detailed review.  More information on the QCAT can be found here.

Related information
The Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse (IC2) is an association of state, local, and tribal governments that promotes a clean environment, healthy communities, and a vital economy through the development and use of safer chemicals and products.
Design for the Environment (DfE), An EPA Partnership Program: The DfE Program reviews and recognizes best-in-class wet chemical-based formulations and products.