Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse

1
Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse

• Alex Stone, Sc. D.
• Safer Chemical Alternative Chemist
• Washington State Department of Ecology

2
Background

• Early stages yet so objectives and aims may
  change as it develops
• Group of 10 states concerned about chemicals
  policy and the ability of states to address toxic
  chemicals

California Minnesota
Connecticut New Jersey
Maine New York
Massachusetts Oregon
Michigan Washington
3
Concerns

• Consumers, businesses and state policy makers
  concerned about the safety of chemicals used in
  consumer products
• Lack of accessible and transparent information on
  the chemical content of consumer products
• Need for increased access to hazard and exposure
  data

4
Concerns

• Many states are phasing out specific chemicals
  and moving toward a comprehensive chemical policy
• Increased importance of safer alternatives to
  toxic chemicals
• Increased duplication and inefficient use of
  resources

5
Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse(IC2)

• May provide the opportunity for states to work
  together to address chemical concerns
• Structure and duties of clearinghouse not
  finalized

6
IC2-General Goals

• Reduce duplication and enhance efficiency
• Building capacity to identify and promote safer
  chemicals and products
• Provide ready access to high quality and
  authoritative data, information and assessment
  methods
• Create agreements with other organizations such
  as the EU, Canada, etc.

7
IC2-General Goals

• Safer Chemical Alternatives Methodology
• Several states working on a common protocol
• Using WIKI site to solicit input
• Once a state conducts an alternative assessment
  using methodology, will be acceptable to all
  member states

8
IC2-Current Status

• Some states providing funding to investigate
  roles and responsibilities
• Determine needs
• Evaluate what services can be provided
• Determine how the services will be provided
• Conducted survey of possible member states

9
IC2-Survey

• Strong agreement between states on needs
• Access information electronically through the web
• Create database with information to assist in
  determining Safer Chemical Alternatives
• Will be used to flesh out scope and structure of
  the IC2

10
IC2-Future

• Finalize scope and structure
• Publicize IC2 and seek additional involvement
  (states, business, NGO)
• Begin collecting data and providing a center for
  cooperation and resource sharing

11
Contacts

• Ken Zarker
• Pollution Prevention Section Mgr
• WA State Department of Ecology
• [phone]
• kzar461_at_ecy.wa.gov
• Ken Geiser
• Co-Director
• Lowell Center for Sustainable Production
• [phone]
• Ken_Geiser_at_mul.edu

• Carol Kraege,
• Toxics Coordinator
• WA State Department of Ecology
• [phone]
• ckra461_at_ecy.wa.gov
• Alex Stone
• Safer Chemical Alternative Chemist
• WA State Department of Ecology
• [phone]
• alst461_at_ecy.wa.gov