GreenScreen® for Safer Chemicals assesses and compares chemicals based on their intrinsic hazard.

GreenScreen® for Safer Chemicals (GreenScreen) is one of the tools in the chemical management toolbox! It can help determine if a chemical should be used or replaced with safer alternatives. Chemicals with high hazards, such as carcinogens and mutagens, are assigned a benchmark 1 score. Chemicals that pose minimal risk to humans and the environment are assigned a benchmark 4 rating, which is the highest score a chemical can receive.

Why Should I use GreenScreens?

There are several benefits for incorporating GreenScreen assessments into your chemical management program.

• GreenScreens help companies make informed decisions about chemicals. They can identify and help prioritize chemicals of concern for replacement with safer alternatives.
• GreenScreens can compare chemicals with the same function (i.e. flame retardants) and identify the chemical with the better, or safer, hazard profile.
• The GreenScreen method, written by Clean Production Action (CPA) is peer-reviewed, transparent, rigorous and based on science.
• GreenScreen benchmark scores are determined by publicly available data and aligned with REACH, GHS and other existing standards.
• GreenScreens take complicated information and presents it in an easy-to-read color-coded table with 4 corresponding benchmark scores.
• GreenScreens can be used in the hazard module of an Alternatives Assessment, the tool being adopted by many U.S. states.

It should be noted that GreenScreens are hazard assessments. They do not consider exposure, chemical dose or concentration, which means they are not risk assessments. There are fundamental differences between hazard and risk assessments. Some companies incorporate risk assessments when choosing chemicals.

How do I do a GreenScreen?

Conducting a GreenScreen assessment takes technical expertise. CPA has three approved GreenScreen profilers: ToxServices, NSF International and SciVera, who can provide certified GreenScreen assessments. In addition, Clean Production Action provides GreenScreen training to any interested party.

Where are GreenScreens currently being used?

Governmental bodies, non-profits, businesses and formulators use GreenScreens to help them make decisions.

• Washington State uses GreenScreens to help them phase out of hazardous chemicals
• USGBC has incorporated GreenScreens into their LEED version 4.0 and offers credit for GreenScreen assessments.
• Garmon Chemicals has formulated a line of specialty chemical formulations that do not contain any benchmark 1 chemicals.
• BizNGO used GreenScreens on its Plastics Scorecard.

Impact to your business

Questions to Consider:

• Will your company integrate GreenScreens to help make informed chemical choices?
• Will you company implement chemical hazard assessments into a holistic chemical management program?

For help with any issue associated with chemicals, contact Amanda Cattermole at (415) 412 8406 or Amanda@cattermoleconsulting.com. We can help you develop powerful solutions to protect your company and brand reputation that result in safer products manufactured in cleaner supply chains.

Tips and Insights contains information to help you make informed chemicals management decisions. Each post highlights a particular topic and includes questions for you to consider .