On June 25, 2014, DTSC began targeting new consumer products and chemicals to add to the California Green Chemistry list at a public meeting of the Green Ribbon Science Panel. The meeting was greatly anticipated as the next step in the development of the Green Chemistry regulation, following DTSC’s announcement of the first three proposed product-chemical combinations, or “Priority Products,” in March 2014.

The panel, comprised of experts in a variety of fields, recommends new product categories and chemicals to DTSC. DTSC then incorporates these recommendations into a work plan to identify product categories from which Priority Products may be selected over the following three years. DTSC must issue the work plan by October 1, 2014.

The next meeting of the Panel is scheduled for October 20, 2014. The products and chemicals presented by Panel members include:

  • Triphenyl phosphate in nail polish
  • Triclosan in non-medical products, e.g., hand soap
  • Lead in lawn and garden equipment and Christmas lights
  • Zinc in tires
  • PCBs in pigments
  • Plasticizers and phthalates, especially in children’s products
  • Flame retardants in various products
  • Various chemicals in personal care products
  • Adhesive and paint removers that are substitutes for methylene chloride
  • BPA in unregulated products, e.g., register receipts
  • Hydroflouric acid in tire cleaners
  • Fluorinated surfactants
  • Silver and other textile finishing substances for performance apparel
  • Surface bonding chemicals including isocyanides and formaldehyde

While the evaluation and rulemaking process to put a Priority Product on the List will last at least a year and almost certainly longer, the inclusion of a product-chemical combination in the work plan means impacted manufacturers, distributors, and assemblers who supply to California should start considering removal of the product from California, reformulation, or the possibility of undertaking an alternatives analysis. Similarly, retailers should start working with their suppliers to figure out whether they will need to take any action if these products ultimately end up on the list.