Exponent’s ecologists, environmental scientists, chemists and toxicologists provide expertise related to evaluating new products and technologies and identifying environmental liabilities associated with existing products and technologies.
Product development, modification and management, and support for corporate responsibility and sustainability activities increasingly require consideration of human health and ecological issues as part of a comprehensive product stewardship program. Exponent works with companies to adopt a cost-effective, strategic approach to comprehensively address health, safety, environmental, and regulatory concerns on a global basis for existing and emerging products, raw materials and components, and the technologies associated with their manufacture. Exponent is evaluating the various materials used in new product development efforts for industrial specialty and commodity chemicals, petrochemicals, fragrances and flavors, dyes and solvents, personal care products, electronics and medical devices, agricultural and food contact chemicals, biocides, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides.
Our scientists also assist with evaluating emerging chemicals such as nanomaterials, pharmaceuticals, and specialty chemicals, understanding the way these materials are used, identifying potential environmental releases or exposure pathways for human and ecological receptors, and integrating this information so that management is able to fully understand and evaluate the potential environmental implications of these new products. Often, little is known about the fate and effects of these chemicals on fish and wildlife, and Exponent’s scientists are called upon to address these information gaps and render opinions concerning the fate and potential environmental effects of these products and their breakdown products during use and following disposal. In some cases, these evaluations are directed at identifying characteristics of alternative chemicals or materials (e.g., toxicity, persistence, bioaccumulation potential) as part of new product development or for modifications to existing products or manufacturing processes. These services help our clients make decisions on how to ensure the long-term viability of their products.
As regulatory requirements for chemicals, components, and finished products develop and change throughout the world, Exponent can provide energy and petrochemical producers, pharmaceutical makers, personal care products producers, and agricultural producers with information on the state of the emerging requirements, implications for their operations, and assist these industries with identifying and assessing potential issues and risks to human health and the environment.
Exponent’s scientists work closely with company representatives and their legal counsel to provide a holistic approach to understanding and assessing the effects of existing and emerging products and technologies. Exponent has a global presence through international offices and projects worldwide, and can provide a multi-disciplinary team to address every aspect of product and chemical stewardship, including:
- Toxicological and ecotoxicological evaluations and risk assessment
- Regulatory compliance and product registrations in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia
- Preparing OECD High Production Volume (HPV) Test Plans, Screening Information Data Sets (SIDS) Dossiers, and SIDS Initial Assessment Reports and Profiles (SIARs/SIAPs)
- Reviewing and developing effective Material Safety Data Sheets
- Developing and managing supplier specifications and testing programs
- Alerting clients of emerging chemical issues
- Reviewing proposed company recycling, reuse, and product redesign strategies for safety, environmental and health implications
- Sustainability assessments based on in-depth life-cycle analysis, cost-benefit analyses, environmental metrics, continuous improvement measures, and responsible public communications
- Providing litigation support and failure analysis for product liability, toxic tort, hazard assessments, and risk communications