Wal-Mart phases out 10 toxic chemicals

America's largest retailer says it will try to get its suppliers to disclose and eventually phase out 10 potentially toxic chemicals.

Many cleaning products and fragrances
contain hazardous chemicals.

Prodded by health and environmental advocates, Wal-Mart Stores announced that it will require suppliers to disclose and eventually phase out nearly 10 hazardous chemicals from the fragrances, cosmetics, household cleaners and personal care products at its stores.

The nation's largest retailer said that, beginning in January 2014, it would begin to monitor progress on reducing these chemicals and apply to its own brand of cleaning products the Environmental Protection Agency's Design for the Environment label, which identifies eco-friendly goods. It declined to name the targeted chemicals, saying it will take time to familiarize suppliers with the new policy.

Wal-Mart joins an industry shift away from potentially toxic chemicals in consumer products.

Procter & Gamble also announced plans to eliminate hormone-like phthalates and the antibacterial triclosan. In 2012, Johnson & Johnson pledged to remove those two chemicals, along with formaldehyde and parabens, from its personal care products worldwide.

Wal-Mart said it would share best practices with other members of the Sustainability Consortium, a group of companies including Procter & Gamble that aim to reduce the environmental toll of global consumption.

Consumer advocates call the move a significant step, since large retailers like Wal-Mart can impact the whole industry.

Retailers have shown more willingness to act than the federal government. The U.S. Toxic Control Substances Act hasn't had a major update since its passage in 1976, and many chemicals used in consumer products aren't federally tested or required to submit safety data.

In fact, many stores pre-empted a 2012 federal ban on bisphenol-A (BPA) by no longer selling baby products containing the hormone-disrupting chemical.

Wal-Mart said that, beginning in January 2015, it would require suppliers to disclose ingredients online for items sold at its stores, and In January 2016, it would begin to report publicly on what progress is being made.

Source: USA Today

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Retail and restaurant owners face environmental risks

Restaurants can be affected by
environmental risk factors.

Owning retail space or a facility that serves food takes a lot of work.

A major part of the responsibilities involve environmental due diligence and risk management, according to an article on GlobeSt.com.

There are a lot of environmental concerns that retail and restaurant owners need to take into consideration.

First, retail owners need to identify certain businesses and industries that work with hazardous toxins:

Drycleaners: Drycleaning operations often use solvents and toxic chemicals that can contaminate the soil, groundwater or indoor air.

Auto Shops: Spaces that service cars use many petroleum-based and hazardous substances that can contaminate soil and indoor air and expose workers and clients to the toxins.

Gas Stations: Underground storage tanks for fuel pose risks for leaks. Even if there is a gas station adjacent to the property, experts warn of vapor intrusion in case of leaks that can affect the health and well-being of occupants.

Indoor Air Quality

Retail and restaurant spaces suffer from the same indoor air quality problems as other indoor spaces – except their concerns may be compounded because of the merchandise or patronage.

For example, fashion stores often stock tons of merchandise that has been treated with chemicals. New electronic equipment releases toxins into the ambient air. New furniture and carpets off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and flame retardants.

Many air cleaners can be hidden behind
walls or above drop-down ceilings.

The air in restaurants may be compromised by food odors, smoke and other pollutants.

After the initial assessment of the property history and current environmental risks, a proper management strategy needs to be put in place that includes various scenarios and responses as well as preventive measures.

A comprehensive IAQ management strategy will take source control, ventilation and air cleaning into account. Regular ventilation systems are often not enough to remove harmful pollutants.

An easy and cost-efficient alternative to renovations is using an industrial-strength air cleaner with activated carbon and HEPA.

Electrocorp specializes in air treatment systems for the hospitality industry and for retail spaces that can remove chemicals, gases, odors, particles, dust, bacteria, viruses and mold.

Contact us for more information and a personalized recommendation.