The new consumer advocates for safer chemicals: mandating healthy products

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a variety of rationales for adopting a proactive posture related to removing chemicals of concern from consumer products.

The author’s methodology included reviewing existing and proposed international and domestic legislation. The author also reviewed topical literature and numerous scientific studies related to chemicals in consumer products, and undertook a comprehensive review and summary of current advocacy work.

The pace of change legislatively and in the marketplace is rapid in the area of chemicals of concern in consumer products. Companies could mitigate and manage a myriad of risks more effectively by contemplating a proactive approach to removing chemicals of concern from consumer products.

Affected industries could maintain or increase market share and reputation by recognizing and responding to growing consumer demand and legislative and supply chain pressures.

Society could experience health benefits from a reduction or elimination of chemicals of concern. Consumer–corporate relationships could also be strengthened by adoption of the approach suggested.

This paper is original in its assessment of the myriad risks facing industry in regards to chemicals of concern. It is also original in proffering a multi-faceted argument which includes viewing the suggested rationales through a gender-based, ethical, legal and market framework.