Page 276 - Design for Environment A Guide to Sustainable Product Development

252 Cha pte r T h i r tee n

All TRI Chemicals, including HAPs
HAPs
a. Absolute lbs
412.4 M
lbs in millions 236.2 M
201.5 M
105.5 M
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
b. Normalized lbs
412.4 M

lbs in millions 236.2 M

160.2 M
61%
83.9 M
64%
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

FIGURE 13.1 Decline in chemical industry toxic releases, including
hazardous air pollutants [1].

Green and Sustainable Chemistry
The U.S. EPA and the American Chemical Society have been in -
strumental in fostering a “green chemistry” movement, which has
encouraged industrial chemists and researchers to develop chemical
products and chemical reactions that are inherently benign in terms
of environmental impacts. Also known as “sustainable chemistry”
this practice involves a variety of techniques including

• Use of alternative synthetic pathways involving biocatalysis,
natural processes, such as photochemistry, and more innocu-
ous and/or renewable feedstocks
• Use of alternative reaction conditions, involving lower tem-
peratures and pressures
• Use of solvents with minimal human health and environ-
mental impacts, such as aqueous-based solvents
• Increasing selectivity and reducing wastes and emissions
from industrial processes
• Designing chemicals that are less toxic than current alterna-
tives or are inherently safer with regard to accident potential