ABSTRACT
Several industries rely heavily on a wide array of chemicals for their production processes. These industrial outputs and products play a crucial role in supporting human activities and advancing technology, and are intricately linked to our daily lives. Common examples include adhesives, industrial inks, cosmetics, acids and bases, agrochemicals, refrigerants, petrochemicals, flame retardants, paints, and corrosive inhibitors and catalysts, among others. However, these chemicals also pose significant risks to both human health and the environment, necessitating a comprehensive regulatory framework.
Regulatory measures such as the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), and the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for Classification and Labeling of Chemicals have been established to facilitate the management and oversight of industrial chemical usage. These frameworks provide guidance for the safe manufacturing, handling, and disposal of chemicals, while also addressing public health concerns related to exposure.
This chapter explores the risk assessment of industrial chemicals, their regulatory frameworks, and environmental management strategies. With over 350,000 synthetic chemicals being widely distributed globally – many of which are inadequately managed – it is essential to implement robust systems for ensuring the safe use of these substances while simultaneously developing strategies to minimize their environmental impact and enhance ecosystem sustainability.
