Certified Safer Chemicals: The EPA Giveth & Taketh

The EPA has taken some significant steps that will impact consumer chemical regulation in California and beyond.

THE GIVETH

First, the EPA added ten chemicals to its Safer Chemical Ingredients List. This is a list of chemicals with many uses specific to cleaners and disinfectants with the goal of showcasing ingredients that are considered safe for human use and some companies seek its certification, particularly custodial and housecleaning companies. According to the EPA, the idea is that this list "helps consumers, businesses and purchasers find products containing ingredients that are safer for human health and the environment". This certification can be a big deal in the industry and certain trade groups are big fans of the program, which was all but dormant in the prior administration. For those interested, the newly added chemicals are listed below. Note that fats and vegetable oil are now considered safe. Why they were not considered safe may be a head