Recommendations and solutions
Oregon is known for being an environmental leader. The presence of toxic chemicals in our environment threatens to tarnish this image and endangers the health of all Oregonians, especially our children. To prevent pollution in Oregonians, government should enact comprehensive safer chemicals policy at the state and federal level. Three actions are needed to close the gaps in our broken chemical system to ensure chemical safety, provide useful data, and promote innovative technology. Together, these reforms can provide an alternative to our toxic-dependent economy through the promotion and development of safer alternatives.
Close the Safety Gap
- Phase out the most harmful chemicals in favor of safer alternatives. Chemicals, such as phthalates and bisphenol A, where safer alternative already exist should be priorities.
- Substitute safer alternatives for all chemicals shown to be hazardous.
- Require that all industrial chemicals be proven safe, especially for children.
Close the Data Gap
- Honor the public’s right-to-know which hazardous chemicals are in what products.
- Require manufacturers to provide up to date and relevant health and safety data on all industrial chemicals.
- Require that chemical manufacturers test and prove the safety of all industrial chemicals in commerce.
Close the Technology Gap
- Invest in research and development of safer alternatives and green chemistry solutions that will boost the state’s economy. Green chemistry is an approach to the design, manufacture, and use of chemical products to intentionally reduce or eliminate chemical hazards.
- Establish a Green Chemistry Center for Sustainable Production within the Oregon University System to assess hazards and alternatives for harmful chemicals. The University of Oregon is currently a leader in educating green chemist, but additional resources are needed to fully utilize this local expertise.
- Chemical policy reforms at the state and federal level should allow the continued sale of products and production of chemicals only if these safety, data, and technology gaps are closed for toxic chemicals. These policies are critical to protecting the health of the most vulnerable among us.
- These reforms will not happen over night, but it is imperative that we begin the process now, to ensure a healthier environment for future generations. Making these changes will require leadership from Governor Kulongoski, the Oregon State Legislature, the Departments of Environmental Quality, Human Services, and Agriculture, and Oregon industry and business leaders. It is clear from this study that it is time to take bold, innovative steps to create a new common-sense chemical policy so that we can move from today’s Oregon pollution in people to state that truly safeguards the health of all Oregonians.
