Alternatives Assessment Frameworks: Research Needs for the Informed Substitution of Hazardous Chemicals.
BACKGROUND
Given increasing pressures for hazardous chemical replacement, there is growing interest in alternatives assessment to avoid substituting a toxic chemical with another of equal or greater concern. Alternatives assessment is a process for identifying, comparing, and selecting safer alternatives to chemicals of concern (including those used in materials, processes, or technologies) on the basis of their hazards, performance, and economic viability.


OBJECTIVE
The purposes of this substantive review of alternatives assessment frameworks are to identify consistencies and differences in methods and to outline needs for research and collaboration to advance science policy practice.


METHODS
This review compares methods used in six core components of these frameworks: hazard assessment, exposure characterization, life-cycle impacts, technical feasibility evaluation, economic feasibility assessment, and decision making. Alternatives assessment frameworks published from 1990 to 2014 were included.


RESULTS
Twenty frameworks were reviewed. The frameworks were consistent in terms of general process steps, but some differences were identified in the end points addressed. Methodological gaps were identified in the exposure characterization, life-cycle assessment, and decision-analysis components. Methods for addressing data gaps remain an issue.


CONCLUSIONS
Greater consistency in methods and evaluation metrics is needed but with sufficient flexibility to allow the process to be adapted to different decision contexts.


CONCLUSIONS
Although alternatives assessment is becoming an important science policy field, there is a need for increased cross-disciplinary collaboration to refine methodologies in support of the informed substitution and design of safer chemicals, materials, and products. Case studies can provide concrete lessons to improve alternatives assessment.
Lowell Center for Sustainable Production, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA.
Molly M
MM
Jacobs
Timothy F
TF
Malloy
Joel A
JA
Tickner
Sally
S
Edwards
D003257:Consumer Product Safety; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000633:toxicity*; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*
D015386:Hazardous Substances