ACC Association News
Register now for the LRI-sponsored workshop "Navigating Obstacles Towards Modernizing Risk Assessment"
ACC SmartBrief | Nov 20, 2009
Registration is now open for the ACC Long-Range Reach Initiative-sponsored workshop, "Navigating Obstacles Towards Modernizing Risk Assessment," which will be held Feb. 23 and 24 in Washington, D.C. More information can be found here.
ACC Reacts to House Hearing on "Prioritization of Chemicals"
ACC SmartBrief | Nov 19, 2009
In a letter submitted regarding a hearing on prioritizing chemicals for safety determination, the American Chemistry Council strongly endorses prioritization as a key component for modernization of the Toxic Substances Control Act. Cal Dooley, president and CEO of ACC, in the letter stated, "An effective prioritization system is the linchpin to a TSCA program. Prioritization is neither a theoretical exercise nor is it the end game. It is the first critical step in a process aimed at providing for the safe beneficial use of chemicals and enhancing the public's confidence in the system. To prioritize all chemicals in commerce, EPA needs adequate information about those chemicals." Read more.
Members Only: RCMS/RC14001 Implementation Workshop, Dec. 1 to 3, BASF Facilities, Beachwood, Ohio
ACC SmartBrief | Nov 17, 2009
ACC member BASF is hosting the next RCMS/RC14001 Implementation Workshop in early December beginning at noon Tuesday, Dec. 1 and ending at noon Thursday, Dec. 3. Respond directly to Dave Gleason or Dan Roczniak if you are interested in attending.
When It Comes to Recycling, Women Talk More Trash
ACC SmartBrief | Nov 16, 2009
ACC welcomes new member
ACC SmartBrief | Nov 13, 2009
The American Chemistry Council welcomes new member Cabot, as well as Groendyke Transport as a Responsible Care Partner Company. Read statement.
ACC releases September resin production and sales stats
ACC SmartBrief | Nov 11, 2009
U.S. production of major plastic resins totaled 6.1 billion pounds during September, an increase of 52.1% from the same month in 2008, according to statistics released today by the American Chemistry Council. Year-to-date production was 54.5 billion pounds, a 3.7% decrease compared with the same period in 2008. Read the ACC statement.
Members Only
ACC SmartBrief | Nov 09, 2009
Read the latest Weekly Chemistry and Economic Report and Health and Product Issue Update on ACC's MemberExchange.
The Nose Knows: Most Americans Rely on "Sniff Test" to Determine Food Freshness
ACC SmartBrief | Nov 09, 2009
Have you ever smelled food in your refrigerator to check if it's still good before eating? While it's not very scientific, it's something that 90 percent of Americans do. For tips on proper food storage and safety, as well as more results from the survey, visit Plastics Make it Possible
ACC Highlights Plastics Innovations
ACC SmartBrief | Nov 06, 2009
From artificial hearts and child-safety seats -- to fashion, electronics and home décor, the American Chemistry Council has embarked on a new effort to reacquaint consumers with the life-enhancing innovations that plastics make possible every day. The initiative, themed Plastics Make it Possible, will raise awareness of how consumers, industry and government are working together to prevent litter, reduce marine debris and increase recycling. To help connect with and engage consumers, ACC has introduced a new online destination that showcases some of the many ways plastics are driving innovations in key market sectors. Don't miss the featured sections on the Solar Decathlon and last week's "Fresh Faces in Fashion" event.
American Chemistry Council Comments on Consumer Reports Study
ACC SmartBrief | Nov 04, 2009
The American Chemistry Council members develop, test and obtain regulatory approval for a variety of food contact products designed to keep food safe and fresh. Epoxy resins made from bisphenol A are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to line food and beverage cans -- to help prevent corrosion, contamination and food spoilage, and to provide a shelf life of two years or more. The recommendations from Consumer Reports' unnamed experts are inconsistent with the conclusions of expert regulatory bodies worldwide, all of which have confirmed that BPA exposure levels are low and well within safety standards. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, typical human exposure to BPA, including through canned products, is about 1,000 times below government safety limits. Learn more.
Summer Industrial Internships for Undergraduates
ACC SmartBrief | Nov 04, 2009
Exceptional sophomores and juniors majoring in chemistry and chemical engineering are encouraged to apply for a 10-week internship through the SCI Scholars Program. Twenty-one scholars will be chosen for summer 2010. SCI Scholars will receive $6,000 to $9,000 for a 10-week internship, a certificate and an additional $1,000 that can be used for any purpose, such as participation at an ACS or AIChE meeting. Applications are due Jan. 15. Interested students should visit here for more information and to apply. Faculty can also download a program flyer from this site.
Members-Only News
ACC SmartBrief | Nov 02, 2009
Check out the American Chemistry Council's Weekly Chemistry and Economic Report and
Health and Product Issue Update on ACC's MemberExchange.
New EPA Rodent Study Finds No Low-Dose BPA Effects on Reproductive Function or Behavior
ACC SmartBrief | Oct 30, 2009
The American Chemistry Council this week commented on a significant study funded and conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency and published online in the journal Toxicological Sciences. In this study, researchers exposed female rodents to both BPA and ethinyl estradiol in utero in a wide range of doses to look for effects. "This new rodent study, funded and conducted by EPA, finds that low-dose exposures of bisphenol A showed no effects on the range of reproductive functions and behavioral activities measured. Well-conducted, peer-reviewed studies such as this provide the basis for reasoned government assessments and regulatory decisions." Read more.
"Got Your Bags?" Campaign Kicks Off in Los Angeles
ACC SmartBrief | Oct 30, 2009
American Materials Manufacturing Alliance Says Major Changes Needed to Senate EPW Climate Bill to Prevent Job Loss and Emission Migration
ACC SmartBrief | Oct 30, 2009
The American Materials Manufacturing Alliance, a group of energy-intensive, trade-exposed industries submitted a letter to all members of the Senate outlining major changes needed to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee's "Chairman's Mark" of climate legislation, S. 1733. Substantial changes to S. 1733 are needed to prevent energy-intensive industries from being placed at a significant competitive disadvantage in the global marketplace. The letter states that "a basic principle of climate policy is that it should not undermine the competitive position of U.S. manufacturers in the global marketplace" and that "unless the Senate makes major changes to improve the emission-allowance provisions and address energy-cost impacts" in S. 1733, its provisions could "trigger major job loss and emission migration to unregulated economies." Read more.
Plastic Bottle Recycling Reaches Record High of More Than 2.4 Billion Pounds Annually
ACC SmartBrief | Oct 29, 2009
Plastic bottle recycling by consumers increased by 75 million pounds in 2008, up 3.2%, to reach a record high of more than 2.4 billion pounds for the year, according to figures released jointly today by the American Chemistry Council and the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers. The 19th annual National Post-Consumer Plastics Bottle Recycling Report also found that the results reflect a continuing increase in the pounds of bottles collected for recycling each year since the industry survey began in 1990. The recycling rate for plastic bottles rose nearly 3% to reach 27% Read more.
New Study Finds No Link Between Phthalate Exposure and Sperm Damage in Humans
ACC SmartBrief | Oct 26, 2009
LA's BEST Teams Up With American Chemistry Council to Educate Kids About the Benefits of a Healthy Lifestyle and a Healthy Environment
ACC SmartBrief | Oct 26, 2009
LA's BEST After School Enrichment Program and the American Chemistry Council announced a partnership to educate children and their families about the importance of drinking water for a healthy living, as well as reducing waste by reusing and recycling more plastics. As part of the program, ACC will provide LA's BEST students with reusable water bottles that they can have throughout the day, challenging children to make a habit of carrying their water bottles and drinking more water instead of sugary drinks. Learn more.
