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Globally Harmonized System - Save Lives, Save Money
 There are over 43 million workers in the U.S. that could be exposed to hazardous chemicals. And surprisingly, the U.S. is ranked 3rd among countries leading in fatalities due to inappropriate use of toxic chemicals. The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) aims to change that.
Starting this year, and being phased in through the end of 2015, the GHS has been adopted by OSHA as the new standard for hazardous material classification. The goal is to reduce confusion and enhance the protection of human health worldwide. In the U.S. alone, it is estimated that implementation of the GHS will save up to $250 million a year and prevent 43 fatalities and 585 injuries and illnesses. Added benefits in our global community are to simplify communication and increase international trade.
So how does it work? The GHS classifies over 1,600 hazardous substances according to their severity. One result is a globally valid code for labeling the 28 hazard categories. These are symbolized by the nine icons shown. They are to be used in the newly designed Safety Data Sheets which cover 16 specific issues, and replace the current Material Safety Data Sheets.
For more information on OSHA/GHS compliance read here, or contact your Ingenium representative. Together we'll help make the work environment safer!
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Plastic as Hazardous Waste?
 We're all conditioned to recycle as much plastic as possible, but now a group of 10 scientisits have published an article urging that some plastics be classified as hazardous waste. They believe that, "...if countries classified the most harmful plastics as hazardous, their environmental agencies would have the power to restore affected habitats and prevent more dangerous debris from accumulating," according to an article published on Nature's website.
With over 280 million metric tons of plastic produced each year, less than half ends up in the landfill. But the scientists are not only concerned about stopping the use of the landscape and ocean as a garbage dump, there are serious health issues to be addressed as well. Studies have shown that plastic debris contains toxins, and that as it breaks down it can be inhaled or ingested by humans and wildlife.
Although it's not imminent, the recommended first step is to reclassify: polyvinylchloride or PVC; polystyrene, often known as Styrofoam; polyurethane; and polycarbonate. If (when?) that happens, it's going to create changes that will have a ripple effect in industries around the world. For additional information, see the recent article in the Los Angeles Times. |
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Chemical Re-Purposing in Action
For many years, unused chemicals, even new and unopened supplies, were simply disposed of as hazardous waste. Today that situation is changing, due in part to a commitment to sustainability by responsible corporate citizens that have the power to make a difference.
A recent case in point is a multi-national biotechnology company that was closing their U.S. west coast operations. This company faced the prospect of treating a significant quantity of new, unopened chemicals as waste. They wanted better options and turned to Ingenium for a solution that met their desire for a more sustainable method of handling those chemicals.
Ingenium's Orphan Chemical Program was created precisely for this situation. Through our network of biotechnology companies, Ingenium was able to identify appropriate recipients for the chemicals, which included a wide range of high purity reagents. Ingenium arranged for the transfer of the title of the usable chemicals and safely transported them to the closest possible recipient, moving them with the lowest carbon footprint feasible.
The end results was a sustainable solution that made two parties happy, kept viable chemicals from being managed as hazardous waste, and saved money for all involved. If you have chemicals that need to be transferred out of your facility for any reason, Ingenium will help you find the best possible solution. |
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Let Us Help Someone You Know
If you know of a fellow professional who has waste management needs or questions, please feel free to tell them about Ingenium and have them contact Heather at hdody@pureingenium.com.
Together we will create a more sustainable world!
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