The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) has released a position statement recommending that public policy regarding chemical management be based on science.

“Integrating Stewardship Sustainability Considerations in Chemical Management Reform and Innovation,” advocates for the development of science-based public policy to better inform the potential risks and benefits of chemicals to manufacturers, employers, workers and the public. 
"AIHA encourages the development of regulatory policy reform in a way that promotes informed decision making in the production and use of existing and new chemicals while not stifling innovation," according to the group.
 
The statement places the position in a global context, noting that workers around the world may be exposed to hazardous chemicals in and outside of the workplace.

"Although the number and volumes of chemicals in use continues to grow, the principle chemicals statute in the United States, the Toxic
Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA), has not been thoroughly reviewed since its passage. Regulatory reform can provide for uniform and consistent improvements across the chemicals industry, as seen as a result of global reform initiatives."

The AIHA comments were developed by the its Biosafety and Environmental Microbiology Committee, which recommends that NIOSH conduct a more thorough review of the document to correct some minor changes and include more modern references. The position statement is available at: www.aiha.org/newspubs/govtaffairs/Pages/PositionStatements.aspx.