US Environmental Protection Agency's Design for the Environment (DfE) Alternatives Assessment Program

Abstract

Design for the Environment (DfE) Chemical Alternatives Assessments (CAA) are an approach to chemical substitution used to evaluate chemicals targeted by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for action. CAAs have helped stakeholders consider the health and environmental profiles of chemicals along with the more traditional factors of cost and performance as they choose alternatives. Recent improvements to the CAA methodology and criteria for differentiating chemicals have enhanced transparency and made the methodology implementable by parties outside the EPA. DfE is working to harmonize methodologies for CAA in the USA and plans to begin working with other countries on harmonization. Harmonization would have a number of benefits, introducing efficiencies by reducing the need for redundant assessments, and making it possible to have a central data repository where those conducting CAAs and those choosing safer chemicals can go for information.