Hello from the Chemical Industry

[James Cooper <james.cooper@socma.com>]

Greetings to all.  I work in the government relations department of a chemical trade association that represents batch and specialty chemical companies.  Most of our member companies are small to medium in size, and produce chemicals that usually have very specific functions.  As an example, many of our companies make chemicals that are transformed into ingredients for medicines.  These are called pharmaceutical intermediates.  The area of EPA I have the most contact with is the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT), which is responsible for the Chemical Right-to-Know Initiative.  OPPT also is charged with regulating chemicals found in commerce.  My work focuses on chemical testing programs; hazard, exposure and risk assessment on chemicals; new chemical entry into the marketplace; and many other areas.  

I participated in the previous Internet forum and found it to be a valuable learning experience.  I hope to gain the same benefit by listening to the many diverse views represented here.

Sincerely,
James Cooper