Product Stewardship: A Viable Practice for the Industrial Hygienist

Abstract

The article summarizes the principles and practice of Product Stewardship to give the reader a working understanding of this growing professional niche. Product Stewardship is a significant regulatory and health protection activity required for all commercial entities, which create, market, transport, import or dispose of hazardous materials. Many of the major chemical manufacturing, processing, and distribution companies are committed to performance programs through their trade associations All of these programs define elements and expectations for Product Stewardship. The number and complexity of PS regulations continues to grow globally with the implementation of REACH, GHS, expanded EPA Inventory requirements and a growing list of participating countries. The typical qualifications and capabilities of a professional industrial hygienist compare well with the competency requirements for the practice of PS. Also, the involvement of government agencies and private advocacy groups and institutions in Product Stewardship activities have been addressed. Keywords: IH practitioners; environmental; health and safety (EHS); hazard communication regulations; chemical safety report (CSR); product stewardship