PROTECTING ACCESS TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

RTKnet: Chemicals

explanation of types, classifications, listings, PBT, etc

New Bill to Study Risks of Nanotechnology (Sen. Mark Pryor (D-AR))

Senators Mark Pryor (D-AR) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) introduced the Nanotechnology Safety Act of 2010, which would establish a program within the FDA to assess the health and safety implications of nanotechnology in everyday products and develop best practices for companies who employ nanotechnology.

(28 Jan 2010)

Bite Taken Out Of Chemical Secrecy (OMB Watch)

The EPA announced on Jan. 21 a new practice that will prevent chemical manufacturers from hiding the identities of chemicals that have been found to pose a significant risk to environmental or public health.

(27 Jan 2010)

Chemical Secrecy Increasing Risks to Public (OMB Watch)

Excessive secrecy prevents the public from knowing what chemicals are used in their communities and what health impacts might be associated with those substances, according to a recent analysis of government data by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG).

(25 Jan 2010)

EPA Releases Analysis of 2008 TRI Data (U.S. EPA)

The EPA released its "National Analysis" of Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data. This is the earliest release and analysis of the data in the history of the TRI program. The "National Analysis" replaces what used to be known as the Public Data Release (PDR). Both the number of facilities reporting and the amount of releases declined in 2008.

(08 Dec 2009)

"Split Estate" Exposes Damage From Gas Drilling (Split Estate)

The new documentary, Split Estate, maps a tragedy in the making, as citizens in the path of a new drilling boom in the Rocky Mountain West struggle against the erosion of their civil liberties, their communities, and their health. The film will air again on Planet Green on January 16 and 17, 2010.

(08 Dec 2009)

BPA, Toxic Chemicals Found in Infant Cord Blood (Environmental Working Group)

Laboratory tests commissioned by EWG have, for the first time, detected bisphenol A (BPA), a plastic component and synthetic estrogen, in umbilical cord blood of American infants. The report's findings constitute hard evidence that each child was exposed to a host of dangerous substances while still in its mother’s womb.

(02 Dec 2009)

EU Requires Labeling of Nanomaterials in Cosmetics (Royal Society of Chemistry)

A new European regulation will require cosmetics manufacturers to list any nanoparticles contained in products marketed within the European Union. The regulation states that all nanomaterial ingredients should be clearly indicated in the list of ingredients by inserting the word 'nano' in brackets after the ingredient listing.

(01 Dec 2009)

Lessons of Bhopal: 25 Years Later, U.S. Chemical Laws Need Strengthening (OMB Watch)

Dec. 3 marks the 25th anniversary of the most catastrophic industrial accident in history: the leak of poisonous gas from a pesticide plant in the Indian city of Bhopal. Twenty-five years after the tragedy, much progress has been made, but much remains to be done to provide a minimum level of protection against chemical releases.

(01 Dec 2009)

Public Pressure, Policies Drive Innovation, Safer Products (Green Chemistry & Commerce Council)

Public demand for information on product ingredients helps drive development of greener products, according to three case studies of Nike, S.C. Johnson, and Hewlett-Packard, conducted by the Lowell Center for Sustainable Production.

(01 Dec 2009)

Mercury at Unsafe Levels in Half of U.S. Lakes, Reservoirs (Environmental Protection Agency)

A new EPA study shows concentrations of toxic chemicals in fish from lakes and reservoirs in nearly all 50 U.S. states. This follows a USGS study that found similar widespread contamination.

(19 Nov 2009)