Chemical policies across the U.S. fail to adequately prevent health and environmental hazards, according to a Portland State University research paper released this week, but Oregon might lead the pack in pioneering a more effective policy framework and creating safer alternatives to toxic chemicals.
The study, funded by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, the Oregon Department of Human Services, the North American Hazardous Materials Management Association and Metro, explores the framework of chemical policy in the U.S. and Oregon. It also assesses Oregon’s challenges and opportunities in forging a chemical policy approach that fosters innovation and economic competitiveness and protects people and the environment.
“The paper examines significant gaps in management of toxic chemicals at the state and federal level and makes specific recommendations where Oregon can have an edge in the growing market for alternatives,” said co-author Jennifer Allen, a PSU Institute for Sustainable Solutions fellow, “given the state’s talent and reputation in sustainable industries, research and technology.”
Among the study’s recommendations for bolstering Oregon’s chemical policy approach and spurring innovation:
- Strengthen coordination and development of shared goals among agencies, and direct state agencies to develop a shared set of priorities and goals focused on moving upstream to prevent the use of chemicals of concern.
- Prioritize the most hazardous chemicals, the most vulnerable people and the most sensitive and most toxic environments.
- Provide incentives for identifying and developing safer alternatives to the most highly toxic chemicals. Also, align the priorities and resources of the state’s university-based research centers with the needs of Oregon’s leading industry sectors to help leverage the state’s competitive advantages.
- Promote education and workforce development to lay the foundation for long-term innovation, and expand interdisciplinary approaches to education, internships and workforce development.
The findings will help Metro and its public- and private-sector partners develop additional regional strategies to reduce human and environmental exposure to harmful chemicals.