Über die Autorin bzw. den Autor

PAUL T. ANASTAS, PhD, PAUL H. BICKART, PhD, and MARY M. KIRCHHOFF, PhD, are all in the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

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A guide to designing safer polymers based on the principles of green chemistry and the EPA's Polymer Exemption Rule

Green chemistry, the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances, is a powerful tool in designing safer polymers. By adhering to the principles of green chemistry, manufacturers can produce polymers that are better for the environment, and can do so in an economically sound manner.

The Polymer Exemption Rule delineates types of polymers that are expected to be of reduced risk. By following the guidelines contained within the Polymer Exemption Rule, manufacturers may decrease their regulatory requirements while designing polymers that are environmentally benign.

This valuable guide approaches the manufacture of polymers from two perspectives, incorporating the principles of green chemistry with the guidance of the Polymer Exemption Rule to design environmentally benign polymers. Designing Safer Polymers is an indispensable working resource for polymer scientists and engineers, as well as corporate decision makers working in the polymer and chemical industries.

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A guide to designing safer polymers based on the principles of green chemistry and the EPA's Polymer Exemption Rule

Green chemistry, the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances, is a powerful tool in designing safer polymers. By adhering to the principles of green chemistry, manufacturers can produce polymers that are better for the environment, and can do so in an economically sound manner.

The Polymer Exemption Rule delineates types of polymers that are expected to be of reduced risk. By following the guidelines contained within the Polymer Exemption Rule, manufacturers may decrease their regulatory requirements while designing polymers that are environmentally benign.

This valuable guide approaches the manufacture of polymers from two perspectives, incorporating the principles of green chemistry with the guidance of the Polymer Exemption Rule to design environmentally benign polymers. Designing Safer Polymers is an indispensable working resource for polymer scientists and engineers, as well as corporate decision makers working in the polymer and chemical industries.

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Designing Safer Polymers

By Paul T. Anastas Paul H. Bickart Mary M. Kirchhoff

John Wiley & Sons

Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-471-39733-5

Contents

PREFACE.............................................................................ixLIST OF TABLES......................................................................xiLIST OF FIGURES.....................................................................xi1 THE ROLE OF POLYMERS IN SOCIETY AND THE ENVIRONMENT...............................11.1 Introduction...................................................................11.2 From the Stone Age to the Polymer Age..........................................21.3 Characteristics of Polymers and the Associated Concerns........................31.4 Characteristics of Polymer Manufacture and Synthesis...........................51.5 Conclusion.....................................................................7References..........................................................................82 GREEN CHEMISTRY AND ITS ROLE IN DESIGNING SAFER POLYMERS..........................92.1 Background.....................................................................92.2 Principles of Green Chemistry..................................................122.3 Designing Safer Chemicals......................................................26References..........................................................................273 REGULATION OF POLYMERS UNDER THE TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT.....................313.1 Background.....................................................................313.2 New Chemical Responsibilities..................................................323.3 Authority for Exemptions.......................................................353.4 Outline of the Approach........................................................37References..........................................................................384 THE TSCA POLYMER EXEMPTION: PROVISIONS AND GUIDANCE...............................414.1 Background.....................................................................414.2 Definitions....................................................................424.3 Eligibility Requirements.......................................................424.4 Substances Excluded from the Exemption.........................................484.5 Meeting the Exemption Criteria.................................................524.6 Numerical Considerations.......................................................564.7 The Two Percent Rule and Chemical Identity.....................................654.8 Methods for Detection of Polymer Composition...................................734.9 Calculating Functional Group Equivalent Weight.................................754.10 Other Regulations and Requirements.............................................874.11 Frequently Asked Questions.....................................................89References..........................................................................108Index...............................................................................111

Preface

In 1984, the Environmental Protection Agency published a Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) section 5(h)(4) rule granting an exemption for the manufacture and importation of certain polymers. The Agency has reviewed thousands of polymers in the interim and has developed internal guidelines for identifying polymers that do not pose an unreasonable risk of injury to human health or the environment. The final rule (USEPA 1995) reflects the Agency's extensive experience in evaluating polymers and expands the 1984 exemption criteria to allow more low-risk polymers to qualify for exemption. The scope of this book extends beyond the polymer exemption rule itself. The fusion of green polymer chemistry with the regulatory provisions for polymers under TSCA provides a useful reference for industrial scientists and decision makers in the polymer industry. Research scientists in the polymer field will appreciate the diverse topics it addresses and the unique examples it offers.

This book is intended to assist those in the polymer industry in designing safer polymers, substances that adhere to the exemption criteria outlined in the polymer exemption rule. The first chapter recognizes the central role of polymers and plastics in society, while identifying some of the concerns associated with their use and manufacture. Chapter 2 focuses on green chemistry, the design of products and processes that eliminate or reduce the use and generation of hazardous substances. Industry can achieve substantive environmental gains by incorporating the 12 principles of green chemistry into process design and development. The third chapter examines the Toxic Substances Control Act and the exemptions permitted under this legislation, including the polymer exemption. Chapter 4 provides detailed guidance on meeting the polymer exemption criteria. In designing polymers that are exempt, industry is manufacturing products that are better for the environment while simultaneously reducing their regulatory obligations.

P.T.A. P.H.B. M.M.K.

Washington, DC

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