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The article focuses on retailer Walmart's sustainable chemistry initiative as of March 2014, noting that its aim is to reduce hazardous chemicals in consumer products that are sold at its stores. The article notes that Walmart has begun identifying cleaning products that are eligible for certification by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Design for Environment program. It also notes the remarks of Environmental Defense Fund official Sarah Vogel.

The article reports on the implications for chemical industries of a proposed rule of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which will regulate the emission of all hazardous air pollutants (HAP) in non urban areas. The Synthetic Chemical Manufacturers Association (SOCMA) says that the rule will increase the cost of operation. EPA has identified 70 area source categories to be regulated. Those categories of most concern to SOCMA include synthetic rubber, agricultural chemicals and pesticides.

The article reports that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently released a list of 73 proposed substances it plans to test for potential to disrupt the endocrine system, which is associated with some neurological and developmental health functions. According to EPA, the substances which include acetone, atrazine, chlorpyrifos, glyphosate, permethrin, and toluene, are among those that have the most potential for exposure.

Reports that the European Commission has proposed in January 2001 a priority list of substances that it wants phased out or more strictly controlled to meet with new water quality standards that were finalized by the commission in 2000. List of the priority hazardous substances; Statement issued by the commission.

Reports on the Chemical Manufacturers Association's (CMA) intention to have a meeting with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to work out differences over the regulatory treatment of hazardous materials that are recycled in chemical processes. EPA's draft report outlining guidelines for hazardous waste recycling; CMA's belief that the recommendations would lead to even less recycling.

Reports on efforts by environmental groups to uphold the toxics use reporting requirement of New Jersey. Toxics Release Inventory as only a partial picture of risks to the local community; Hopes of fending off the proposed emission thresholds.

Reports on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) release of a citizen right-to-know toxic substance list designed to prevent chemical release accidents. Issuance of third final rule pertaining to chemical accident prevention; Need for companies to provide facility-specific information on potential hazards; Need for companies handling substances above certain thresholds to prepare risk management plans.

Reports on the U.S. chemical industry's examination of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposal to expand the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). Focus on whether the additions are toxic chemicals that pose a threat to the public; Increase in the number of chemicals whose emissions must be reported to the federal government; Estimated additional compliance costs.

Reports on the proposed accidental release prevention rule of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Required public availability of worst-case accident scenarios; Effect on the chemical industry; Response of the Chemical Manufacturers Association.

Reports on the plan of the Danish Government to introduce regulations targeting hazardous chemicals. Plan to add more chemical products to the list of undesirable substances; Intention of the government to form a task force to increase the frequency of chemical site inspections.

Presents updates on federal regulations regarding brownfields and toxic substances in the United States. Planned revision of regulations governing brownfield cleanups while the Superfund is stalled in the Congress; Incentives offered by various states to have industrial properties cleaned up; Why California's Supreme Court will not review an appeal by The National Paints and Coatings Association regarding Proposition 65.

Provides information on the right-to-know law in New Jersey as reported by the environmental group Inform. Function of the right-to-know law; Comments of New Jersey state industry representatives in the Inform report; Toxics used in New Jersey state industry.

Reports on the European Parliament's issuance of a directive on the control of major accidents involving dangerous substances that replaces the 1982 Seveso directive.

Reports on the Environmental Protection Agency's raising of the threshold for reporting accidental releases of 202 extremely hazardous substances. Agency's elimination of four chemicals from the hazardous list; Proposed changes as part of government's reinventing of environmental regulations.

Reports on the European Union's deliberations to arrive at a compromise for new directives on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) and Major Accidents Involving Dangerous Substances. Revision of the Seveso directive.