Trends Newsletter | Spring 2016

Spring 2016 - Alternatives Assessment

In this issue of Trends, we discuss alternatives assessment (AA). AA offers a structured approach for comparing the hazards associated with different chemicals and products, and thus for informing the design of products and processes of minimal hazard and optimal sustainability.

The first article describes the GreenScreen® for Safer Chemicals assessment method and how it can be used as a tool for evaluating chemical hazards. Our second article looks at the broader process of AA, and how it can be used to determine the best chemical ingredients for a consumer product. The third article reviews issues associated with attempts to unify the way chemical hazards are classified and communicated internationally under the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

Gradient contributors to this issue include Ms. Kim Reid, Dr. Joel Cohen and Dr. Tom Lewandowski, and Ms. Jiaru Zhang. Joining us with a guest editorial on fostering sustainable green chemistry solutions in the Northwest U.S. are Dr. Lauren Heine and Dr. Amelia Nestler from Northwest Green Chemistry.