Green Chemistry

The State of California passed two new laws to begin implementation of a green chemistry program. AB 1879 (Feuer, Chapter 559, Statutes of 2008) mandates that a regulatory process be established for identifying and prioritizing chemicals of concern in consumer products and to create methods for analyzing alternatives to existing hazardous chemicals. SB 509 (Simitian, Chapter 560, Statutes of 2008) establishes the Toxics Information Clearinghouse, with the goal of increasing public knowledge about the toxicity and hazards of thousands of chemicals used in California every day. OEHHA is required by January 1, 2011 to “evaluate and specify the hazard traits and environmental and toxicological end-points and other relevant data that are to be included in the clearinghouse.” The hazard traits, endpoints and other characteristics specified by OEHHA for the Clearinghouse must be included by the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) in developing criteria to evaluate chemicals and their alternatives.

In fulfilling the legislative mandate of SB 509, OEHHA will be holding a series of public workshops to obtain input on hazard traits, endpoints and other chemical characteristics that can be used to identify and prioritize chemicals of concern with regard to toxicity and exposure potential. OEHHA will also consult with other state agencies, the federal government and other nations. OEHHA will also be providing consultation to DTSC in the development of the regulatory process for identifying and prioritizing chemicals of concern in consumer products, as mandated by AB 1879. OEHHA is committed to informing the public of its findings through online resources and community outreach.