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Product Risk Characterization, Prioritization, Management and
Communication
Characterization
Dow Corning has a Product Documentation Management (PDM) system that is the
basis for directing the production and distribution of its products. This
system documents the chemical composition of Dow Corning’s raw materials
and products. The detailed composition, along with product application and use
information, is reviewed by experts in the Health and Environmental Opinion
(HEO) process to determine if enough safety information exists for the intended
uses of the product. In addition, during the product/process development phase,
a Life Cycle Screen process is used to minimize waste streams and other impacts
on the environment.
Prioritization
Dow Corning has a chemical substance risk prioritization process. This
process utilizes substances based on the physical health, and environmental
hazards of the substance, the volume and use of the substance, and the
substance's channel to market according to the following equation.
Risk = [(Hazard) x (Product Volume + Use)} + Channel to
Market
Management
Before products are commercialized, Dow Corning businesses use a risk
management approach to consider all of the above information and
more. Development and implementation of the Risk Management Plan helps to
assure the product can be handled and marketed safely for all of its intended
applications.
Communication
Dow Corning communicates product safety information through Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs).
In some instances for selected products, Dow Corning has developed
toxicology summaries, bulletins, fact sheets, and/or videos aimed at ensuring
safe and responsible use. In addition, Dow Corning is developing Product Safety
Summaries for all substances as required by the American Chemistry Council's
Responsible Care® initiative. The order in which these are developed is based
on our prioritization process. Completed summaries are available on the ICCA's Global Product Strategy Chemicals Portal or by
request via email at americas.ehs@dowcorning.com
or via phone at 1 800 248 2481.
The Product Stewardship processes summarized above allow for evaluation of
both potential concerns and opportunities from environmental, societal and
business perspectives. Consistent use of this approach helps us determine where
and how our products can be used – preserving the commercial freedom of our
businesses, enabling our Values and Sustainability Guiding
Principles (PDF size = 1520 KB), and protecting human health and the
environment.
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