Course Description:
There is growing societal concern about persistent chemicals. These substances are slow to degrade in the environment, leading to greater exposure of people and organisms and accumulation that may be difficult to reverse. The issue of persistent chemicals has been highlighted by flagship issues such as plastic pollution and contamination of drinking water by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and is translating into significant developments both in policy and the market. But what does this issue mean for chemical businesses, what regulatory developments can be anticipated, and how should these be responded to? This session will explore the topic of persistence from a regulatory perspective, including chemical assessment, current implications, and the evolving policy landscape. The speaker will pay particular attention to developments in the European Union, where the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability is introducing major policy changes such as a restriction on all non-essential uses of PFAS and the introduction of a new hazard class for persistent, mobile, and toxic (PMT/vPvM) substances. The speaker will also cover how companies are already responding to these growing concerns.

Contact Hours:
0.75 Contact Hours

Presentation Date:
10/19/2022

Presenters:
Chris Hughes