Safety is a top priority for the American Chemistry Council (ACC). ACC’s Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI), Diisocyanates (DII) Panel, and Aliphatic Diisocyanates (ADI) Panel recently renewed their partnership with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), continuing their long-standing ACC OSHA Alliance. The Alliance works to provide employers, occupational physicians, stakeholders and others […]
PFAS (or Fluorotechnology) are a large and diverse universe of chemistries that make possible the products that power our lives — the cellphones, tablets and telecommunications we use every day to connect with our friends and family; the aircrafts that power the U.S. military; alternative energy sources; and medical devices that help keep us healthy. In […]
As we welcome spring, we’re reminded that Earth Day is just around the corner. On April 22 and 23, President Biden will host a gathering of world leaders at the Leaders Summit on Climate. The U.S. will soon announce a 2030 emissions target under the Paris Agreement, and preparations will begin for the United Nations […]
When it comes to restoring the trust of neighbors after an accident at a chemical facility, applying the hard lessons that result from an incident can make all the difference when it comes to improving safety and repairing relationships. Following a series of major industrial incidents at chemical facilities along the Houston Ship Channel, ACC […]
EPA recently announced some concerning changes to its approach to evaluating new and existing chemicals under the 2016 amendments to TSCA. The continued implementation of the law according to the statute and congressional intent is critical to our industry’s ability to produce countless products essential to overcoming pressing issues such as climate change, the global […]
Imagine a world without fuel for our cars, medications to treat diseases or even technologies like the device you are using right now. Every day, we rely on the innovations of modern chemistry to help make our lives safer, healthier and more sustainable. But what if policies were being enacted that could put these chemistries […]
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change are top of mind in today’s global dialogue. Scientists around the world continually seek new ways of helping reduce GHG emissions, whether they’re looking for alternative sources of energy or developing carbon-capturing technologies. When you think of ways to reduce GHG emissions, what comes to mind? Is your […]
I’ve written about the promise of advanced recycling a lot on this blog. These technologies take a raw material – in this case, used plastics with their inherent hydrocarbon/energy value – and create valuable new materials that can be turned into new plastics, chemicals, lubricants, waxes, coatings and transportation fuels, and more. That helps keep […]
Chemistry plays an essential role in the products and technologies we use every day. Innovations made possible by chemistry help enhance human health, protect the environment, save energy, and lead to cutting edge technology advancements. However, in recent years, some chemicals in products have come under increased scrutiny. Product manufacturers, retailers and brands are facing […]
We’re looking forward to today’s House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development hearing examining the role of domestic manufacturing in a clean energy future. Materials manufacturers are essential to achieving climate progress, as we provide components for a long list of energy-saving applications. Doing what we do requires a lot of energy. For example, […]
Congress continues its blockbuster week of climate hearings this St. Patrick’s Day when the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure explores private sector solutions to “green” our nation’s surface transportation sector. It’s no secret that America’s aging infrastructure – including highways and roads, bridges, and ports – is in urgent need of repair. The chemistry […]
Chemistry has a significant role in the designing, construction, and maintenance of buildings that provide safe, healthy, and sustainable spaces to live and work. The American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) BuildingWithChemistry.org website has undergone a content and design revamp to provide architects, designers and builders with information about chemistry and material science’s role in buildings, and […]
Today marks one year since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Two days later, on March 13th President Trump would declare it a national emergency. Here in the U.S., more than half a million people have lost their lives; and many millions more, their livelihood. Yes, it has been a painful year. But […]
America’s chemistry industry is at the forefront of innovation to meet global challenges – including climate change. An exciting new initiative by Chemours is a great example. The company just launched a project to capture at least 99% of the HFC-23 emissions at its Louisville, Kentucky manufacturing site. HFC-23 has critical uses such as ultra-low […]
Studies continue to confirm no association between high molecular weight phthalates and human adverse health effects When President Biden pledged that “science” and “truth” will guide decision-making, scientists the world over breathed a collective sigh of relief. The world is in a place where science should drive decision making. Ignoring or downplaying the existence of […]
Prediction time. Based on the momentum building over the past three years, I predict that 2021 will mark a significant turning point for advanced plastics recycling. Interest in advanced plastics recycling (or chemical recycling) is soaring for many reasons, in no small part due to growing awareness of plastic waste in our environment. While many […]
Black History Month is an opportunity for people of all races to recognize and honor the incredible accomplishments of black scientists. From St. Elmo Brady, the first African American to earn a PhD in chemistry, to Mary Elliott and Carl Hill, who developed novel approaches to polymerization – key steps in the development of plastics […]
To help better equip emergency responders, ACC has donated $10,000 to the new TRANSCAER Hazmat Team Response Fund. During a time of increasingly tight budgets, the fund was created in 2020 to provide supplemental support by establishing awards for community responders; enabling recipients to buy specialized hazmat safety equipment and pay for advanced training. Instead of […]
In the time of COVID-19 and a heightened awareness of stopping the spread of germs, antimicrobial products play as critical a role in public health and safety as ever. Their ability to kill harmful germs, including the novel coronavirus, and stop their spread makes them a powerful tool against an array of illnesses, infections, and […]
When it comes to safeguarding communities and the environment, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) and its member are committed to being good neighbors. This commitment is embodied in ACC’s Responsible Care® program, and it’s demonstrated through projects like the joint air monitoring initiative we just announced with officials from Harris County and the Houston Advanced […]