Time to Break the “Lock-In” Impediments to Chemicals Management

Abstract

Despite enormous national, regional, and global efforts on chemical management, the widespread use of hazardous chemicals continues in many parts of the world even after decades of there being well-known risks to public and/or ecosystem health. This continued supply and use, despite strong evidence of negative impacts, is not unique to chemicals management. In the field of climate change, the concept of “lock-in” has been used to explain the complex interactions among economic, social, technological, and political dynamics that reinforce global reliance on the extraction and use of fossil fuels. Learning from carbon “lock-in” phenomena, this Perspective explores the challenges of chemicals management from the perspective of lock-in through three case studies: paraquat, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and asbestos. These case studies illustrate that most current chemicals management frameworks fail to address the concerns arising from this complex interplay by not involving all relevant stakeholder groups that are part of lock-in, from producers to consumers. This results in a relatively narrow consideration (e.g., only demand but not supply) of the effectiveness and consequences of regulations. We submit that to break lock-in and address the global threat of chemical pollution, current approaches to managing hazardous chemicals should be broadened to take a comprehensive approach to understanding and managing factors contributing to lock-in, notably both supply and demand on national and international scales.

Optimizing Chemicals Management in the United States and Canada through the Essential-Use Approach

“…When hazards are suspected, years or even decades can pass before sufficient data are acquired to assess risks of the replacements and take regulatory action. During this time, the use of a chemical may increase, applications may diversify, and supply and demand may become locked in . Such regrettable substitutions increase the potential for combined exposures to chemicals with similar adverse effects on human and ecological health.…”

“…Early application of the essential-use approach (e.g., premarket or at the beginning of the supply chain) is the most effective. Preventing harmful chemicals from ever entering the marketplace minimizes the potential for harm, reduces the risk of regrettable substitution, lowers externalized costs to health and the environment (e.g., medical treatment and environmental cleanup costs), and prevents the “lock-in” effect . Chemical and product manufacturers benefit from a premarket assessment through reduced loss of investment if a chemical is later regulated, fewer public relations risks, and the opportunity for increased investment in safer chemicals.…”

“…During this time, the use of a chemical may increase, applications may diversify, and supply and demand may become locked in. 19 Such regrettable substitutions increase the potential for combined exposures to chemicals with similar adverse effects on human and ecological health. Persistent chemicals are especially problematic because they will accumulate, thereby increasing risk to humans and other species.…”

Integrating a Chemicals Perspective into the Global Plastic Treaty

“…Learning from the carbon “lock-in,” in order to break the status quo and foster transitions, relevant social, economic, and political dynamics need to be properly addressed in addition to technological solutions. − The plastic treaty offers a unique opportunity to align the current incentive systems to foster true innovation and transitions in the aforementioned areas and the general sound management of plastics and chemicals therein. A core consideration is to create level playing fields that can incentivize pioneers and frontrunners and encourage others to follow their paths, instead of the other way around as is often occurring now.…”

Sustainability of the Internet of Things Requires Understanding of Mineral Demands and Supplies

“…While we remain unable to answer these questions, our adoption and increasing reliance on the IoT marches forward. As we grapple with the consequences of a fossil fuel-based society, we may be locking ourselves into yet another unsustainable technological model . And, as economic critical mineral supplies diminish, the results will be painful for everyone, not just consumers, but also producers.…”