A: Certain substances are classified by different regulatory bodies as POPs (persistent organic pollutants) and/or PBTs (a broader category of substances that are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic). These substances have generated a range of public health and environmental concerns. But in its Third National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is careful to point out that the measurement of an environmental chemical in a person's blood or urine does not by itself mean that the chemical causes disease.
We are committed to promoting a science- and risk-based approach to manage the risks associated with PBTs throughout the product life cycle. We work hard to ensure our products are manufactured, stored, transported, used, disposed and recycled in a manner that shows high regard for human health, safety and environmental stewardship.
Dow’s business decisions are based not only on the anticipated benefits of the product, but also on a careful assessment of potential effects on human health or the environment with respect to exposures. Our Business Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) Risk Review Work Process has been designed to meet, among other obligations, various management practices of the American Chemistry Council’s Responsible Care® program. It also helps Dow to meet requirements of the Responsible Care codes of chemical industry associations in countries outside of the U.S.
Dow's approaches for evaluating P, B and T characteristics of substances are consistent with those proposed internationally, regionally, and nationally. We are collaborating with governments and other scientists on research to refine and improve upon these approaches.
Dow strongly supports the Stockholm Convention. We are actively involved in other international and regional PBT efforts being addressed by multi-stakeholder, international groups through the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the U.S./Canada Great Lakes Bi-national Toxics Strategy.
