California Green Chemistry Initiative Identifies Categories

Sacramento, CA, Sept. 17, 2014 -- As part of California’s Green Chemistry Initiative, a three-year workplan has been drafted to begin evaluating chemicals in three broad product areas.

The Safer Consumer Products program is the most prominent segment in the Green Chemistry Initiative. "It is the vehicle to achieve the policy recommendation to accelerate the quest for safer products,” according to the work plan.

In October 2013, the SCP regulations went into effect and in March 2014 the proposed first three priority products were identified.

Building products, which includes chemicals widely used in flooring for things such as coatings and dyes, are included, along with beauty and hygiene products and household and office furnishings.

The SCP Program, according to the document, "is designed to encourage market shifts toward a green economy."

The plan identifies "potential" candidate chemicals. In the building products category they include brominated or chlorinated organic compounds and organophosphates; isocyanates; metals, such as chromium VI; dyes and pigments;
perfluorinated compounds; phthalates; and volatile organic compounds.

"Priority Products will be identified from these categories only after stakeholder engagement, information exchange with industry experts, and robust scientific review," the plan says.