- Green Remediation
Green Remediation is the name applied to the use of "Green" technologies for the environmental restoration of contaminated sites. The scope of the term applies to an entire remediation project beginning with the remedial investigation phase, to implementation of the remedial action plan, and continuing through the operations and maintenance phases of the project. Read more about Green Remediation.
- Nanotechnology
The unique physical, chemical, and biological properties of materials at the nanoscale enable novel applications and functions with the potential to promote enormous societal and economic benefits. However, those properties also raise concerns regarding potential environmental and human impact of these materials. Read about nanotechnology.
 Pharmaceutical Waste
The distinction between hazardous wastes and medical wastes, as they are defined by law, has hampered a truly environmentally-protective approach to the very complex issues surrounding pharmaceutical waste. Only recently have environmental agencies begun to grapple with these issues. Read more about pharmaceutical waste.
- Biomonitoring
More and more scientists and toxicologists are identifying “emerging chemicals of concern,” or ECCs and are worried about the effects from exposures to mixtures of these ECCs and/or other chemicals. Most of these ECCs, have been identified by results from biomonitoring which measured their increasing presence in humans and wildlife. Learn about biomonitoring.
 Green Chemistry
Stated most simply, green chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances. Fewer hazardous substances means less hazardous waste and a healthier environment. Read about DTSC's involvement in Green Chemistry.
- Toxics in Packaging
Consumer goods packaging makes up a significant portion of waste going to the nation’s municipal solid waste landfills. Packaging containing toxic substances, especially heavy metals lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium, can release those poisonous or dangerous substances, contaminating the soil and groundwater surrounding the landfill. See how DTSC is addressing Toxics in Packaging.
 Restriction on the use of certain hazardous substances in electronic devices (RoHS)
The concept behind California’s RoHS Law is to limit the amounts of certain hazardous heavy metals in specific waste electronic devices so that those metals never find their way into landfills or elsewhere, where they can eventually be released into the environment. More information about California's RoHS regulations.
- Lead in Jewelry
High amounts of lead, a persistent and toxic metal, have been found in jewelry, especially inexpensive children’s jewelry. Exposures to lead can cause a host of health effects ranging from behavioral problems and learning disabilities to organ failure, and even death. Read about lead in jewelry.
- Treated Wood Waste
Learn more about the definition of treated wood and the management of treated wood waste. |
